Premium Distance Learning Courses

Premium Distance Learning Courses


The College of Criminal Justice (COCJ) is at the forefront of innovative online education aiming to maximize student learning. Starting in Fall 2022, COCJ became the first to offer 5-week premium distance learning courses. These courses are developed by subject matter experts and taught by experienced criminal justice faculty. The online learning leverages digital media and graphics to be visually engaging while providing the highest quality experience for the student. These courses offer more timely content to better prepare students for real-world challenges in the criminal justice field.


5-Week Format

The 5-week semester format is designed for working professionals. It is offered three times per term as 5A (the first five weeks), 5B (the second five weeks), and 5C (the third five weeks). This model empowers working professionals to accelerate their learning journey by taking on more courses and quickly locking in credits. It also helps them channel their focus and engagement in a shorter, more impactful period.

Self-Paced Modules

The modules are categorized differently than other parts of term and reduced to the level of micro-learning objectives. Using the best practices for online teaching and learning, these courses are comprised of five lessons that include three lectures each, knowledge checks for each lecture, and exams at the end of each lesson. They are standardized in this format for each course, and only a few deadlines are assigned to ensure that students complete all assignments before the end of the term.

No Text Books

Relying solely on Open Educational Resources (OER) and other zero cost materials these courses do not require the student to purchase a textbook. Instead, all the materials are included or linked to in the course.

The Gold Standard

The goal in creating these highly intense courses was to build a gold standard in higher education. By covering the right topics in the right timeframe using the best possible resources, the students assume a more active role in their own learning.

Current Programs Fully Available in the PDL Format:

Criminal Justice and Criminology

Security Studies


The future of online learning is now!