Criminal Justice Graduate Advising
The Graduate Program Coordinator is responsible for advising for all graduate students. You should contact Dr. Policastro to be sure you are on track to graduate in a timely manner and that you are following all the necessary steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect from my advisor?
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The academic advisor serves as the coordinator of your educational experience. In that role, the advisor can help you clarify your goals, explore career options, plan an educational program, and schedule classes needed to meet the requirements of your program. Also, the advisor monitors and evaluates your progress and attempts to match your needs with UTC's available resources. In order for your advisor to be of assistance to you, you must clearly and consistently convey your intentions and academic-related actions to your advisor. You should also be familiar with course descriptions and titles as well as the prerequisites for various classes. Your advisor is just that - an advisor. You are responsible for making informed choices and for registering for courses. A few days before registration is NOT the best time for this activity because so many students, especially new ones, are seeking time and assistance. To maximize the effectiveness of your advisor, plan ahead (which includes remembering to check -- and use -- the specific office hours that are established by your professor each semester).
- How do I know what courses to take?
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Sign in to your MyMocs net on the UTC home page. Once you are logged on, click on the Academics tab. Then click on the link to MyMocsDegree link. You will enter your student ID and click view. Requirements that are met show with a green check mark. Courses and requirements that are in progress will display a curvy blue box (~). The overall number of hours listed at the top does NOT include the hours that you are currently taking. You also can use the clear path documents. These program outlines demonstrate a typical degree program by semester. If you follow that program, you will graduate at the end of four years.
At the top of the MyMocs Degree you will see a FAQ and Help button. The help button will take you to a Power Point that gives you a comprehensive overview of how your MyMocsDegree works.
You should be aware that occasionally, errors present themselves on your MyMocs. If you think there is a problem, talk to your advisor who can check things out for you.
- What is a Program of Study or Candidacy Form?
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The Program of Study form maps out your degree plan and lists what courses you will take and when. The Candidacy Form is a final version of the Program of Study and serves somewhat like a degree audit. More information on these forms and when to complete them is available.
- What performance level (grade) must be achieved for the course to count toward my degree program?
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Students must have a 3.0 GPA. Students must have a C or higher in all courses; however, receiving a third C or below in graduate class will be cause for immediate program dismissal.
- Do I have to take an Internship?
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Internships are not required, though they are available for graduate students. Consult the Graduate Coordinator (Dr. Christina Policastro) who will refer you to the Internship Coordinator after an initial screening. Internships are a rewarding way for students to get experience in the field.
- Can I take courses in the evening?
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All of the graduate courses are offered in the evening (5:30 to 8:00 p.m.). We also sporadically offer a few courses online.
- Can I transfer in any graduate credits?
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In most cases, you can transfer in 6 hours of graduate credit. Consult with the Graduate Coordinator to ensure they can be used toward graduation.