University of Phoenix Reviews of Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Two and a half years ago, I made a decision to return to college. No direction, no path to follow, my history fell on the Emergency Services, Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement. After spending numerous days looking for the right path, I stumbled on the University of Phoenix. I researched and read reviews, but more importantly, I called them. I was enrolled at the same time, had the financial information both Federal and private loan taken care of and started my first class less than a week later. The... Read More individual spent a couple hours getting me going and I personally appreciate him for taking that time. That was just the beginning. Each of the classes I have been enrolled in have been challenging and the individuals that are participating as well have been a diverse and creative bunch of people. The individuals that have guided me along the way, financial advisors and academic advisors have also been front and center in my degree. They contact me by phone or email, just to check up on me. The whole process I would recommend to anyone who may be thinking about going to school. If by chance someone is reading this and questioning the University of Phoenix, call them, do not hesitate. I am 42 years old, had been out of school for 20 plus years, I will be graduating with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a GPA of 3.89. It is not easy and it takes some work, you only get out of it what you put into it.

This school has been great and I've learned a lot. After reading some of these comments I was shocked to see all the negativity. Students/ex students need to take responsibility for their own actions. There is no college that guarantees you a job after you obtain a degree, the leg work is on you. The school has the resources needed for you to become a successful student and job placement services. As a military member juggling a busy schedule and multiple deployments I was able to complete my BA... Read More degree. Yes some teachers are picky and hard to work with, this is present at all colleges. Financial Aid department were easy to work with and any funds remaining were always released to my account. All you had to do was, fill out the funds request form and send it back to your finance counselor. The money would come as check or direct deposit to your bank account. Furthermore, all issues I had at the school were my fault and being lazy or waiting until the last minute to do any assignments will reflect upon your grades. People need to take responsibility for their actions and not blame the school because they're not given an "A" for effort.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I returned to school after a 20 year break in my education. As a husband, father of four, police officer, and high school football coach, time is one of my biggest assets. The University of Phoenix allowed me to obtain a quality degree around my schedule. The curriculum was significant to my profession. Course materials were even available through the school app, making the opportunity to study or participate, as simple as opening your smartphone. The instruction... Read More was provided by leaders in the criminal justice community, who were able to not only instruct the class, but provide first hand, real world experience, that was relevant to the subject matter. My only regret was that I waited so long to make the decision to go back to school because I thought I wouldn't have time. The experience was so positive that I plan to continue my education and obtain my Master's Degree.

All the classes that I took at UOP were taught by professionals in the field of study and Instructors work in every area of law enforcement and provide practical and real-life examples of subject matter. Instructors will provide leads on possible career opportunities within their departments and agencies they work with. Course material is challenging and provides fundamental understanding of topics, anyone with a loaded work schedule can easily manage the once a week class. Courses run 5-6 weeks... Read More depending on the subject and require in class attendance once a week for four hours, classes are comprised of individual assignments and collaborative team assignments. Each week reading and assignments are assigned, as well as research for the final paper as the class progresses. Class size can vary from 6 - 25 students and the instructor have plenty of time and opportunity to answer all questions. Overall this is an excellent program for people working full-time and trying to go to school, administrators and instructors are both understanding and helpful every step of the way.

UoP gets a bad reputation. I had a great experience. The advisors cared. The teachers were there when needed. They have math and paper resources. There is an extensive library. I learned more than I expected. It is what you put into it. Just like with anything else. One example I can give is I received my Bachelor's within a few months of "Facebook memories" coming out. I immediately noticed that my posts from years ago had very bad grammar and spelling. I had improved without noticing. Another example,... Read More I had a family emergency. We didn't know how long this would take to resolve. The advisor made sure I had months off just in case. He periodically checked in and followed the situation. They are compassionate. Last example, I can be in a conversation and know with confidence that I know a fact. Something I learned from a book or teacher in school. If I don't know something I know where to look. This school is worth the time and effort. I'm looking forward to obtaining my Master's next.

My academic advisor and financial aid advisor are both great. I always have someone to talk to and they are always asking if there is anything that they can do, no matter what the problem is. They are positive and influential. They are always at the best interest in me and only me. They make sure I don't "overspend" with my financial aid so that I would not have to pay more than expected back and are always checking in on me to see how I like my classes. I have nothing bad to say about this school.... Read More I love this school and the people with it. The university is definitely living up to its standards.

I can agree and disagree with a lot of these comments. The amount of money we put into the UOP is ridiculous. When I got divorced it made me have a short fall in loans. For a 4 yr. degree, I have used the maximum amount allowed in financial loans which is quit horrifying to me. I graduate this July 2016 with my Bachelors. When I had campus classes, I felt I was actually learning. Now my last few classes are online and at first I was hesitant about them but they aren’t so bad. Having to post 8 times... Read More over a 3 day period really isn’t that bad. The learning teams are a joke, esp. for online. Online classes I feel I don’t learn anything and some campus classes I had felt the same. I couldn’t tell you the last time I read an eBook in 4 yrs. truthfully. Online books are the worst, sometimes they don’t even load. I would prefer physical books. Now I am at the near end and trying to find a school to do my Masters. I hate that Phoenix won’t allow me to double up my classes back to back. Their getting paid for it so why does it matter. My first Finance advisor was awesome! She always called and made sure everything was ok and made sure I understood things, even when I was assigned a new one she would help me. My new finance advisor is OK but he makes things so complicated. My first few academic advisors were the WORST. I barely heard from them, and one even tried to pursue me into switching my minor all the time. It’s a hit or miss with advisors. They switched mine over 4 time’s last yr. and didn’t even notify me. I graduate this July so it is what it is. Live and learn. But it isn’t 100% bad.

I must say I both agree and disagree with all these "you get what you put into it" comments. I agree this statement is true, but only in the most general sense. I currently carry above a 3.0 average, am active in my classes, and put a lot into my work - so yes I am getting out of it what I put into it. BUT, that is my complaint. I am teaching myself and that bothers me. I was "sold" the notion that the university employed the best in their fields as instructors. I have found this to be true, most... Read More of my instructors have high levels of education PLUS years of "field" experience. But, what good do they do me, if they aren't TEACHING me? Basically, they grade assignments, offer a modicum of help when requested, and settle disputes. In my opinion that is NOT teaching, and I am not benefiting from what was "sold" to me. I cannot complain about the price of tuition. Thanks to the university's discounts for military and state employees my tuition is very affordable. I will not have issues with my degree being looked down upon because I am getting my Bachelor's in order to promote at my state job and my employers are who recommended this university. And, this is why I stay. It is affordable (for me) and I know my employers will take the degree seriously. But these are MY circumstances. These posts that suggest the complainers have nothing to complain about, are offensive to me. We do have complaints and they are valid. I have had conversations with university deans, management faculty, and academic advisors. They listened to me, they check on me, but I've also been informed that there are not any plans to change the areas that need fixing. It is false to assume that a complainer is a slacker. We are consumers, the university provides a product - the product is lacking in our sight. Everything else is an individual decision. I stay for my own reasons, others choose to leave. That doesn't make them slackers. All in all, I would recommend this university to peers - but I would sure to let them know about "issues" and strongly suggest that if they cannot look past some of them they should consider a different university.

I love the fact that the UOP is geared toward the working adult. I don't like the way the online classes work, there is not enough class interaction like there is when you actually are sitting in a classroom. I decided to go to the campus one night a week and I am so glad that I did, I got to know the instructors and had some connection with them. We heard stories from their everyday life that had to do with what we were studying, so that you could actually see how it connected with life itself.... Read More I would do it all again if I needed to, but on campus the University of Phoenix is great!

As a recent graduate of the UofPhx, I had to write a review to defend the university after seeing some of the horrible reviews I have read on this forum. First, I will agree that the "team concept" is difficult and really not necessary as I have taken online courses through another university that did not have teams and it worked out just fine. But, the instructors, and professors are top notch at the UofPhx. The textbooks are the exact same ones used at any large university, and the Alumni List... Read More is actually rather impressive. I have been out on several interviews since my graduation last week, and have been told by several employers that they were impressed with employees who have UofPhx. degrees. I have to point out that all the negative reviews of this university, if examine closely, have been written by individuals who seem to have a very limited command of the English language and an even more limited grammatical writing presence.

I am still actively enrolled in with the University of Phoenix and I have been for a year now. I am an Army Vet and I have to say the VA rep who helped me enroll was great. They took care of all the paperwork for me. All I had to do was print them, sign them, and send them back. They took care of sending the documents to the Dept. of VA and I have never missed a payment. I am currently using my Post 9/11 GI bill and it is working great. I am almost done with school, I should be graduating mid 2016.... Read More I have been in school for a year now and till this date I get calls from the school's VA rep and my financial advisor to find out if I need anything and how things are going. Both of them walked me through every class to begin with and made sure I knew how to log on and complete and submit assignments. I highly recommend this university to anyone especially military veterans. Oh yeah, and the school's VA rep's name was Anthony, he did a awesome job. They also offer an advanced prior learning evaluation to waive courses from your program. They used all my military education and my police academy certification to waive several of my classes in my program. It was free for military transcripts and state certified police academy certificates as well.

I have had good and bad times. Overall I feel like I made a good choice. I was able to go even when events in my life would have prevented otherwise. Most of the staff cares. The Bad My complaints are slow financial aide, switching advisors so much, learning teams, book availability on mobile devices, and the two teachers I had problems with, and cost. The Good Speedy response from all staff, unique learning environment, flexible schedule. Not having to be in a classroom at a particular time, but... Read More on your schedule, was very helpful for what I needed. They have worked with me even when my epileptic daughter has had seizures. When I was hospitalized three times in my pregnancy with my second child they made putting things on hold easy and stress free. After my car accident they have been understanding and patient. My advisor, that I had the longest, always encouraged me to continue. He had sound advice and I really felt like I could achieve my goals, because of our conversations. I have more confidence in myself and look forward to using my degree. In my mind, it's worth it, if it fits your lifestyle.

University of Phoenix is a paper mill. It all started in "orientation" when I had to pay normal tuition costs for a class that would give me no credit, which felt like a typical class in my Freshman year of High School! I went through an entire year with UOP, where I never was able to contact my Financial Adviser Maria Espinoza and my academic adviser was a joke, Kay Gordon. My junior year I received my "financial aid letter" of which they wanted north of $25000 to complete that year. Are you kidding... Read More me? A brick and mortar school is just as expensive. The classes are so easy my 10 year old could do them and pass. The make it that easy so people will be drawn in and pay high price for a piece of paper, yet know absolutely nothing upon graduation. Now that you have that expensive piece of paper from a curriculum that is a joke, you also need to start paying off you tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. Horrible school, would never EVER recommend.

University of Phoenix is a joke. The tuition is higher than any other college. The degree does not transfer to any other college. They are not accredited or that is what I have been told by other colleges. The instructors are mediocre at best. The classes are a joke. They usually do not apply to your degree. The financial advisors are a call center and do not have experience with the college or any financial institution. Class advisors are also a call center with no advisor experience. The learning... Read More teams are only a requirement to satisfy a lab requirement with the college and have no benefit. The papers and assignments are ridiculous and have no benefit to the degrees. I am in my fourth year 40,000 in the hole with financial aid paying over half. I will not be able to do anything with my degree because no one recognizes their degrees. Its a waist of money.

I'm currently attending UOP to complete my bachelors degree, I graduated last year with an associates degree in CJ. The program is OK I must admit that but first off, I've put in countless applications since graduating and not one employer have called me back. I'm wondering if the degree's are seriously being honored. Secondly, I've been given numerous excuses concerning my grant funds over the last few months. I was suppose to receive over two thousand dollars back for grants, but for some odd reason... Read More that number has went down to three hundred. I've completed 2 classes since waiting on my grant funds and they have applied those classes to what I owe them and took the money out of my grant. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE The degrees are worthless. The financial staff are liars and will screw you over. I was told I owed $10,000 for loans because grants were covering the rest. Years later, I was called and informed I owed over $40,000. Another bank called and said I owed $9,500. Then another bank informed me I owed them $9,000. I have loans all over the place and I cannot keep track. I cannot even get a credit card because my loan amounts, collections, etc. Trying to get a good job with the... Read More degree is a waste of time. I was laughed at during an interview, saying I should have just bought a fake degree online. The education and information are considered outdated and useless by employers. They promised I would be in a successful career when I graduated. They lied about everything.

I want to simply list the pro's and con's of University of Phoenix, Pro's- Excellent instructors, great schedule for full time job, kids, etc. Con's- 40 year old Adults in class acted like it was high school, many students studying criminal justice had a criminal background, no hands on experience for example (Ride a longs, Court tours, and prison tours.) Academic advisor was a joke and cared about no one but herself, I was bounced around the entire program and they messed up my great schedule I... Read More had. I would recommend this college to anyone who is currently working in law enforcement and needs a degree to promote or advance their career. If you are a student that doesn't have the GI Bill STAY AWAY! I am debt free because of the GI Bill. I am currently on my 5th year of law enforcement, and my degree gave me a pay raise. I am moving onto a better agency in the winter and my military experience and law enforcement experience got me there, not U of P.

I enrolled at the university in 2007 and earned my associates degree in 2009. I will finish with my bachelors degree in 2013 July. The school offers a great learning environment. The classes are designed to get you to thinking on your own. The classes are not easy and the core classes are even harder. The education I received is just as good as if I were going to school in a classroom. It is not where you go to school it is the dedication to learning that you put into it. I would recommend this school... Read More to anyone who wants to become a more well rounded individual.