Whitworth University Adult Degree Program - Criminal Justice Administration

Criminal Justice Administration

Criminal Justice Administration Program

Do you work in a field related to law enforcement, criminal justice, or corrections? Do you have an A.A.S. in any of these fields? Whitworth's newest bachelor's degree program is designed for law enforcement professionals who want to build on their knowledge of criminal justice administration while improving their career and professional opportunities.

Whitworth's evening bachelor's degree programs are designed for working professionals. All courses are offered in evening, six-week, accelerated format with completion of the bachelor's degree possible in 2-3 years, depending on a student's transfer credits and personal course load. Courses meet one night weekly and two Saturdays during a six-week period or two nights weekly and no Saturdays.

A.A.S. degree holders, in criminal justice or corrections: Unique in the Spokane area, Whitworth's "upside-down" transfer option is designed for community college A.A.S. degree holders who want to continue their education at the bachelor's-degree level. With the upside-down transfer option, A.A.S. graduates transfer to Whitworth with junior standing and receive 60-64 semester credits for completion of their A.A.S. degree in criminal justice or corrections. Once at Whitworth, students take general education requirements and upper-division coursework in their major to complete their bachelor of liberal studies degree. With transfer of two years of college work, completing the bachelor's degree takes only 2-3 years, attending part-time in the evenings.

Non-A.A.S. degree holders: It is possible for those who have not earned an A.A.S. degree but who have extensive experience working in related fields within the law enforcement community to earn the degree, as well. Previously earned college and/or university credits will be assessed for transfer, and any credit-shortage may be addressed via Whitworth's evening program or through submission of a professional portfolio (see below).

Portfolio assessment of prior learning; While Whitworth's criminal justice administration program is designed to complement and build on the community college curriculum, it is also possible for those in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields who have not completed the A.A.S. degree to get credit for college-level learning outside of the traditional college classroom, e.g. police academy. A student may earn up to 32 semester credits of portfolio credit to apply toward a degree at Whitworth.