LASELL COLLEGE EARNS POLICE CAREER INCENTIVE PAY PROGRAM DESIGNATION FOR ITS MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
"Quinn Bill" Certification From MA Board of Higher Ed Gives Officers Access to Top Faculty and Innovative Programs
Newton, MA (03/29/2017) — The Master's level Criminal Justice program at Lasell College has been granted Quinn Bill certification by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. This state program, which was originally enacted in 1970 to foster a more effective criminal justice system, motivates full-time police officers in participating cities and towns to pursue degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice through salary increases. Also known as the Police Career Incentive Pay Program, Lasell is now one of only seven schools in the Commonwealth to be certified at the graduate school level.
"As a result of the high bar of excellence set by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, there are very few Quinn Bill certified Masters' programs in the Commonwealth," said Linda Bucci, J.D., Chair of Justice Studies and Professor of Legal Studies at Lasell College. "After an extensive review of our program, the state determined we have more than exceeded the established standards. We take great pride in our program and this highly regarded designation."
Lasell's undergraduate criminal justice program received Quinn Bill certification in 2007. Since then, more than 155 students have earned bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice from the College, which is based in Newton, Massachusetts.
The recent Quinn Bill certification reflects the strength of the College's Criminal Justice curriculum which is rooted in connected learning, emphasizing critical thinking and the benefits of real-world experiences. According to Bucci, Lasell's graduate program in Criminal Justice was designed to meet the needs of police officers and other working professionals interested in expanding their knowledge, gaining a better understanding of the diverse communities they serve and developing essential communications skills and proficiency in new technologies. "Earning the state's Quinn Bill designation confirms the enduring value of our Criminal Justice program," said Bucci.
Lasell's MS in Criminal Justice program-which adheres to the high standards established by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and the Police Career Incentive Pay Program- offers concentrations in emergency and crisis management, homeland security and global justice, and violence prevention and advocacy. Students can also collaborate with faculty to create a personalized program that meets specific career goals. Faculty members include experts in the field of criminal justice, legal studies, and criminology. The extensive online program allows students to continue working while earning an advanced degree.
Lasell's Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is recognized as among the best by Ashland Chief of Police and part-time faculty member, Craig Davis. "I recognize the value of Lasell's criminal justice program because of its exceptional faculty, its flexibility and the quality of its curriculum. Without question, a Lasell degree allows police officers to invest in their futures and advance in their careers," said Davis.
About Lasell College
An innovative educational institution for more than 160 years, Lasell College is an independent coeducational college emphasizing the integration of professional and liberal arts programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. The campus is situated on a 53-acre campus eight miles from downtown Boston. Adjacent to the college is Lasell Village, the first-of-its-kind, college-sponsored continuing care retirement community with a learning mandate that has drawn international attention.
Lasell University
Kathleen O'Connor (617) 243-2250 koconnor@lasell.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- PREVIEW: Lasell Women's Soccer Meets Monks Again in GNAC Semifinal
- PREVIEW: Lasell Women's Volleyball to Host First GNAC Tournament Match Since 2007