Abstract:

This paper follows the work of the 2009 doctoral dissertation of Dr. Franks, as a graduate of Texas A&M University, exploring the impact of Criminal Justice specific higher education on career success of graduates majoring in the discipline, from three universities. In the dissertation, participants noted that the most positive correlations were found in experiences and exercises where clear transference from the classroom to the workplace occurs.

Over the last seven years, Criminal Justice courses were designed to incorporate both an academic writing assignment, and an applied writing assignment. This paper explores the outcomes of this effort, from the perspective of graduates of the Criminal Justice Program at Stephen F. Austin State University, who have transitioned to professional policing positions, and who consider their career to be successful.

The method of research is Qualitative Phenomenology, where interviews were conducted and are being analyzed for common themes. The research will result in the development of a full paper for submission, and a presentation at the upcoming 2017 conference, if accepted.

Keywords:

Career, applied instruction, transferability, education, law enforcement.