Moderator: We will begin answering questions in less than an hour.
Frank DiMarino: I am looking forward to answering everyone's questions.

Moderator: Good afternoon, and welcome to Viewpoint. Today Frank DiMarino, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice of Kaplan University is here to answer your questions.

Frank DiMarino: It is a pleasure to join in this forum today to discuss the educational opportunities at Kaplan University and in our School of Criminal Justice for Servicemembers in all our uniformed services.

Goochland, VA: Does your school accept GI Bill benefits?
Frank DiMarino: Yes - We can provide you with information about your educational benefits through the GI Bill or active duty tuition assistance programs. We can also help you get the process started and provide more details on how benefits are processed, eligibility guidelines, etc.

Fairfax, VA: So much would be needed to cover the hands-on learning part of the course work for forensics and crime scene investigation. How do you get around that?
Frank DiMarino: The Criminal Scene Investigations Emphasis in our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program provides the student with the fundamentals of crime scene investigation science and theory. Courses such as crime scene photography and forensic fingerprint analysis teach, for example, the methodology used at crime scenes, the scientific methods used to gather evidence, and how recent court decisions affect criminal investigations. Additional training in a hands-on environment is gained through internships in which students earn credit toward graduation.
Our finger print analysis course allows students to virtually experience hands-on fingerprint processing techniques.

Arlington, VA: Do you have career placement services?
Frank DiMarino: We have career counseling services as well as diagnostic tools to help students better define their career objectives and prepare themselves for their career search. We don't specifically place students with employers; however we prepare our students for their searches.

Dover, DE: I have college credits from another school will they transfer over to my degree?
Frank DiMarino: KU will accept credits from other schools that can be applied to program electives or requirements of the degree you are pursuing. To graduate, you need to take at least twenty five percent of your credits at Kaplan University. Kaplan is also a member of SOC (Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges), so credits taken from other SOC schools are eligible for transfer provided the courses you've taken are required for your Kaplan degree plan.
Your military training and experience may also be eligible for course credit. We can't guarantee transferability of credit from any of these sources without an individual review of your circumstances. Our catalog provides more details on our transfer of credit policy.

Washington, DC: What is the typical starting salary for a graduate from Kaplan with a degree in criminal justice?
Frank DiMarino: The median salary for students earning a bachelors degree in criminal justice is a nationwide median salary of approximately $44,000. Of course, salaries depend upon the region in which you live, the qualifications and experience one has, and your degree.

Ft Lauderdale, FL: How much does it cost?
Frank DiMarino: Kaplan University offers reduced tuition rates for active duty servicemembers, which, in coordination with GI bill and tuition assistance, can provide over 90% of the cost of a degree. This is before any courses you've already taken or experiential credits have been applied.
Kaplan also includes the cost of books with the price of undergraduate tuition, so there are no unexpected expenses along the way. The total cost for a four year baccalaureate degree is approximately $60,000. The best way to determine your costs at Kaplan are to speak with one of our military advisors (866.583.4412) or by chat at www.military.kaplan.edu.

Albany, NY: How flexible is the course work; can I work at my own pace?
Frank DiMarino: In many cases the reason for pursuing a degree on line is all about flexibility. Your busy life may include a full-time family and a full-time job, or service responsibilities.
At Kaplan University, you study and attend classes largely on your schedule, when it is convenient for you. Many classes do have one session per week in which you will go online with other classmates at the same time, and an alternate assignment if you cannot attend. However, the majority of your studies can be done independently.
You will still get interaction with your classmates and instructor through message boards etc. A key in getting the most from your our degree programs is to stay current with the course work. Our students are self motivated and disciplined - not surprisingly, we find military students do very well in this regard.

Virginia Beach, VA: What happens if I get deployed?
Frank DiMarino: We will work with you to help you determine what the best plan is for your circumstances. This might include continuing your studies or taking a leave of absence. Either way, we will map out exactly what steps you should take and how to begin your studies once you're ready to come back to school. Our leave of absence policy is military friendly, allowing extended absence without being un-enrolled. Our military admissions team can provide more details (866.583.4412).

Washington, DC: Can my spouse use my GI Bill benefits?
Frank DiMarino: At this time the Army has a program that enables a spouse to use the service members GI Bill which requires that you have a critical MOS, six years of active duty service, and that you reenlist for four more years. The new GI Bill (Chapter 33), for service after 9/11/01 will have a provision for spouses when it goes live in August of 2009; this currently requires six years of service and an additional commitment of 4 years.
Kaplan does offer a 10% reduction in our tuition rates for spouses of active duty servicemembers.
We also offer various programs that qualify for the Spouses Career Initiative this program provides up to $6,000 in assistance for spouses pursuing mobile careers such as healthcare or education. It is available to eligible active duty spouses in 8 states - California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, North Carolina and Washington.
Spouses of servicemembers grades E1 through E5 and O1 to O3 are eligible provided they have a high school diploma. Our admissions department can provide more details. Call 866.583.4412 or visit www.military.kaplan.edu.

Iowa City, Iowa: Is Kaplan University accredited?
Frank DiMarino: Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Theses are the same prestigious organizations to which many leading colleges and universities in the country belong. The HLC can be reached at 312.263.0456 or www.ncahlc.org

Washington, DC: How long would it take me to earn my Criminal Justice certificate? Is there a time limit or minimum amount of credits I need to earn per year?  Do I need to dedicate time towards the end for an internship or clerking?
Frank DiMarino: Kaplan offers several Criminal Justice Certificates that range from 36 to 53 credit hours.
Most students take two courses at a time and finish their certificate in about a year.

Ft Lauderdale, Fla.: Is Kaplan University a SOC school?
Frank DiMarino: Yes Kaplan is a Servicemembers Opportunity College; among other benefits, SOC members agree to accept credit from other SOC schools, provided it meets program requirements. This is important to military students who often have already taken courses from several institutions.

Washington, DC: What kind of experience do you look for when accepting applicants?
Frank DiMarino: For undergraduate programs a high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
To enter our masters program, a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required. There is also an alternative admissions process for students which have a 2.0 to 2.5 grade point average.

Monroeville, PA: What's the difference between a Kaplan Criminal Justice degree and earning one at my local University?
Frank DiMarino: We have the same accreditation as the country's leading universities. When you earn a degree at Kaplan University, we remove many of the barriers keeping military students out of school, such as being tied to a ground campus and having to attend a scheduled class, however, the entire academic rigor is in tact.
Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The HLC can be reached at 312.263.0456 or www.ncahlc.org

San Diego, Calif.: Could you tell us about your faculty?
Frank DiMarino: Our Criminal Justice faculty and instructors possess advanced degrees in criminal justice and related areas, but more importantly, have many years of professional law enforcement experience.
Among Kaplan University's faculty are retired police officers, decorated military veterans, and criminal prosecutors.
Students of the masters program participate in the Distinguished Scholars Initiative, which invites special guest lecturers to teach seminars.
Among them are Dr. Louise Shelly, Executive Director for the Center of Study for Transnational Crime at American University, and Steve Cox, a renowned criminal justice author, research expert, and lecturer. The Distinguished Scholars Initiative also includes a panel discussion with seven judges about various legal issues and recommendations for improved criminal justice practices.
These individuals ensure that students receive comprehensive and personalized instruction, helping them to reach their potential for success. Kaplan University's success can be attributed to the outstanding instruction and leadership of its administration and faculty members.

Alexandria, Va.: Does your school offer any scholarships for veterans?
Frank DiMarino: Kaplan offers a Criminal Justice Scholarship for any student that has current law enforcement experience of at least one year.
This provides up to $5400 in our bachelors program or $3,600 in our associate's. We also offer veterans a scholarship program through AMVETS (American Veterans), providing up to $7,200 in funding over the course of a degree.

San Diego, Calif.: Will my professor(s) understand if I am gone on maneuvers or training for a week?
Frank DiMarino: Our instructors are aware of the challenges military students face. The key is to communicate these circumstances with your professor as soon as possible they will work with you to accommodate your schedule.
In some cases, taking a leave of absence may also be a better option for the student. Kaplan is committed to providing you the flexibility you need, balanced with insuring you complete each course with the skills you need to succeed.
Specifically, if duties prevent military students from participating in classes, submitting dated assignment, or taking tests for up to 15 days - faculty members will allow late submission of assignments and rescheduled testing. For longer periods, students can be placed on military leave for up to 180 days.

Falls Church, VA: What is the average income difference between professionals with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Criminal Justice? Is it possible to realize an immediate return on your investment for the master's degree?
Frank DiMarino: Yes, it is possible to realize an immediate return after earning your master's degree. Many of our students in our graduate program are already employed, for instance, in law enforcement and are earning their degree so they may be qualified for promotions and advancement in more competitive positions or in management.

Ft Belvoir, VA: Mr. DiMarino: I will be finished with my service to the Army in December and am interested in moving back west, either Arizona or California, where the Border Patrol jobs are plentiful. What kind of career advancement opportunities would a Criminal Justice Degree provide?  Thank you for your answer. -Mateo
Frank DiMarino: Mateo, a four year bachelor degree is the minimum educational qualification for many law enforcement positions as a special agent in federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Secret Service, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. In local law enforcement agencies, a bachelor degree provides a competitive edge over other applicants.

Jacksonville, NC: Can you provide an overview of your Criminal Justice Program?
Frank DiMarino: Kaplan University offers more than 14 criminal justice programs, including certificates, associates, bachelors, and master's degrees.
Our curriculum is designed and taught by criminal justice professionals and developed specifically for online delivery.
This provides hard-hitting, relevant education with the flexibility needed for criminal justice professionals to pursue their degree. Our broad offerings provide 9 undergraduate and 4 graduate emphasis areas allowing you to target your career aspirations as specifically as you like:

Undergraduate Emphasis Areas:
Computer Crime
Corrections
Crime Analysis
Crime Scene Investigation
Forensic Psychology
Fraud Examination and Investigation
Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
Law Enforcement
Private Security

Masters Program Emphasis:
Corrections
Global Issues in Criminal Justice
Law
Leadership and Executive Management
Policing

Certificates:
Corrections
Crime Scene Technician
Private Security

Little Creek, VA: How flexible is the course work; can I work at my own pace?
Frank DiMarino: In many cases the reason for pursuing a degree on line is all about flexibility. Your busy life may include a full-time family and a full-time job, or service responsibilities.
At Kaplan University, you study and attend classes largely on your schedule, when it is convenient for you. Many classes do have one session per week in which you will go online with other classmates at the same time, and an alternate assignment if you cannot attend. However, the majority of your studies can be done independently. You will still get interaction with your classmates and instructor through message boards etc.
A key in getting the most from your our degree programs is to stay current with the course work. Our students are self motivated and disciplined - not surprisingly, we find military students do very well in this regard.

Shaw AFB, SC: What happens if I get deployed?
Frank DiMarino: We will work with you to help you determine what the best plan is for your circumstances. This might include continuing your studies or taking a leave of absence. Either way, we will map out exactly what steps you should take and how to begin your studies once you're ready to come back to school.
Our leave of absence policy is military friendly, allowing extended absence without being un-enrolled. Our military admissions team can provide more details (866.583.4412).

Washington, DC: I am finishing my degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, how do I transition that into a career in Criminal Justice. I want to get a second bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, more along the lines of a victims advocate, etc.
Frank DiMarino: With a bachelor degree in psychology you can enter our Criminal Justice Masters Program which offers 5 specializations depending on your interests.
If you wanted to pursue a bachelors program in CJ, we offer 9 emphasis area including Forensic Psychology.

Dallas, TX: I am interested in becoming a Police Officer - would a degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan help me?
Frank DiMarino: The difference between earning a degree from Kaplan University is that our professors not only have academic credentials, but also practicing professional experience in the field. Our learning activities provide practical applications to the criminal justice field and focus the student's attention on current developments and relevant information.
Many agencies require a degree for advancement or a promotion.

Erie, PA: Is financial aid available?
Frank DiMarino: Yes, Kaplan University students are eligible for federal financial aid programs. We are also eligible for VA/ Montgomery GI Bill benefits and active duty tuition assistance programs. Kaplan University also offers reduced tuition rates for Servicemembers.

Rockville, MD: Do you help students find internships? Do the internships ever count towards credits?
Frank DiMarino: Internships are taken by many of our bachelor degree students in a local law enforcement agency near their home. Internships count for 6 credits. Many interns develop networking opportunities for future employment.
We work with students in finding the most appropriate internship and coordinate tasks and responsibilities.

Washington, DC: I currently have a BA in Art and Design but since getting into the "real world" have found I'd like to get my Masters of Science in Criminal Justice. Do I have the background to pursue this degree, or do you think I'll be lost without the education in advanced math and sciences?
Frank DiMarino: For the MSCJ program an applicant need not have a degree in any particular field. Our courses provide students with the foundation and theory that they need to succeed. A military advisor can provide you with the details for admission. Please phone 866.583.4412.

Chillicothe, Ohio: I know several people with Criminal Justice degrees that are working in non-criminal justice related jobs - is this due to a lack of available jobs in Criminal Justice?
Frank DiMarino: Overall, the criminal justice field continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, on a national level, the number of police and detectives are projected to increase by six to seventeen percent between 2006 and 2016. The availability of criminal justice jobs depends upon local regions and budgets.

Arlington, VA: Hi Frank, are there online courses available?
Frank DiMarino: Yes, all of our courses are online. As long as you have internet connection, you can study from anywhere and anytime.
We also have residential campuses that are available for students to complete their degrees.
All Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's programs are available online.
For further information, go to www.military.kaplan.edu.

San Diego, Calif.: Is Kaplan's Criminal Justice program lecture based, or more experience focused?
Frank DiMarino: Our courses focus on practical and relevant experience. Our professors have practical expertise in the areas in which they teach. A variety of learning activities complement the information that professors provide in seminars and discussion threads.
Our instructors also provide office hours and quality feedback on every project that is submitted.
Seminars are conducted with multimedia including audio.

Moderator: Well that is all the time we have for today. Thank you, Dean DiMarino for being with us today.
Frank DiMarino: It was a pleasure being with you today. I appreciate the interest in criminal justice education and, in particular, in online education.
We will continue to answer some questions off-line and we will post those later. We are proud of what we do at Kaplan University and how we promote learning among our Servicemembers. I hope that I have answered many of your questions. For more information, please go to our website (www.military.kaplan.edu) or call 866.583.4412 to speak to a school representative.

Dallas, TX: What's the highest level I can attain getting into Criminal Justice? Is a six-figure salary a possibility in the distant future?
Frank DiMarino:  Promotions, salary, and profession status has a lot to do with the individual.  Education is certainly apart of the equation.  A master's degree can provide the professional edge for a six-figure income. Many of the highest ranks among police professionals involve a competitive review; including interviews, professional experience, your personal file, and of course a matching level of education. 

Richmond, VA: Is this specifically geared for people with military training or open to people without that experience as well?
Frank DiMarino: Having military training experience can be helpful as well as the veteran's points that are awarded.  But, ultimately it is the individual; and their focus and the desire. Many of our criminal justice students are police officers who never served in the military.  They are getting their degrees now because they can grow no further in their careers without the education.

Arlington, VA: As a retired military officer, what types of civilian opportunities are there with a degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan?
Frank DiMarino: It has a lot to do with your military experience and where you choice to live at retirement.  As an officer you probably have a bachelor's degree.  You may look into our Master's Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Leadership and Executive Management or the Global Issues in Criminal Justice.  You may want to look into parlaying your military experience into a managerial career.