Special Education Care Giver, Patricia Gober, Takes Online Classes to Enhance her Work with Severely Intellectually Handicapped Children.

When Patricia Gober was asked why she chose the online Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Program, she responded as follows:

"I chose the ECCE program of study for the following reasons:

• I presently work in special education with severe/profound intellectually handicapped children, and the course helps equip me to do a better job.
• I also have opportunities to work with regular children, and I feel the enrichment from my studies benefits them.
• The program sets the groundwork for the possibility of continuing education opportunities, as well as enhances job opportunities, and at the same time, earns credits toward pay increases.

• I can choose a schedule of study that best fits my needs.
• I can choose the time for taking tests.
• I can work ahead.
• I can take the necessary time to complete assignments to my satisfaction.
• I can work in the comfort of my own home.
• It saves on transportation costs."

The Criminal Justice Technology Program consists of 70 credit hours that provide learning opportunities in areas such as Criminal Justice principles, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedures, Corrections, and Juvenile Justice. Following the completion of the required core and elective courses, students participate in an internship at a location that is related to the Criminal Justice Field. The program emphasizes a combination of Criminal Justice Technology theory and practical application necessary for successful employment

Throughout their program of study, students will gain broad academic and multi-disciplinary education that will help prepare them for careers in criminal justice. They will develop an understanding of the criminal justice system, study causes of criminal behavior, and examine basic research and methodologies needed to better serve and protect the citizens of our communities.

Students are accepted in the Criminal Justice program quarterly based on course and space availability.

Career Outlook

The job opportunities are vast: entry-level persons will be prepared to pursue diverse opportunities in the corrections, security, investigative, court-related fields and in police and sheriffs departments. State criminal justice employment opportunities are available at correctional facilities as well as privately operated probation services for adults and juveniles. Those students who are current practitioners will benefit through enhancement of career potential.

Criminal justice professionals must hold themselves to the highest standards of professional ethics. Criminal justice agencies seek individuals with traits such as honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, and a devotion to duty and honor. Career opportunities are more expansive depending upon the amount of education that one wishes to obtain as some criminal justice positions may require a four-year degree.

According to Career Voyages website (http://www.careervoyages.gov/hotcareers-bystate.cfm#), police and sheriff's patrol officers along with corrections officers and jailers are among the top 25 hottest careers in the State of Georgia. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported the average annual job openings for police and sheriff's patrol officers were 31,290 nationwide and 1,060 for Georgia, with an hourly pay scale ranging from $11.83 to $22.43.