Abstract

This article addresses a deceptively simple two-part question: what are the desired core skills obtained by completing the requirements for an undergraduate degree in criminal justice? And is it possible to obtain these skills outside the traditional university setting? Awarding academic credit for training, time spent in occupational roles, or life experiences, has been an oft-discussed topic, and the practice is particularly germane for criminal justice programs due to the large proportion of adult learners returning to school for degree completion or to earn an advanced credential to broaden their career options. The history of experienced-based credits in higher education programs is discussed within the framework of how CJ programs can be reimagined in ways that support likely changes in how future personnel are recruited and educated in the wake of recent deadly force incidents involving police and nonwhite citizens, and efforts to address the country’s reliance on mass incarceration.

摘要

本文解决了一个看似简单的两部分问题：通过完成刑事司法本科学位的要求，可以获得哪些理想的核心技能？是否有可能在传统大学环境之外获得这些技能？为培训、在职业角色上花费的时间或生活经历授予学分一直是一个经常讨论的话题，这种做法对于刑事司法项目尤其重要，因为有很大比例的成人学习者返回学校完成学位或获得高级证书以拓宽他们的职业选择。