Premium Distance Learning Courses

Premium Distance Learning Courses


The College of Criminal Justice (COCJ) is starting a new chapter in online learning. Beginning 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. This new format in online learning heavily relies on digital media and graphics to be visually engaging while providing the highest quality experience for the student. These new courses offer more timely content to better prepare students for real-world challenges.


5-Week Format

The new 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).

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

  • Minor in Criminal Justice

Security Studies

  • Minor in Security Studies
  • Certificate in Security and Resilience in the Healthcare Sector
  • Certificate in Security and Resilience in the Chemical and Energy Sectors
  • Certificate in Security and Resilience in the Transportation Sector


The future of online learning is now!