Changing my major?

[Dunit35]

I've been thinking about changing my major for the past couple weeks now. I've been in college for two years and came in wanting to be a history teacher, but I've really been thinking about changing it to Criminal Justice. I've always wanted to be a police officer. I've got some questions about all of it though. I feel like I'd enjoy being a police officer more then a teacher.

I've been wondering if it's even a smart to change your major two years into your schooling? Basically I've gotten just about all my gen eds out of the way with a couple of my history classes done too. So those history classes would be a waste of money. I go to a four year school right now and plan on transfering to another four year program in Oklahoma City. I've also wondered if it would be better for me to attend a two year program to get my Criminal Justice degree? I am wondering if I can actually switch from a four year school to a two year program? I know that a CC could be a lot cheaper for me too. Does anyone know how long it takes to get your police officer stuff done?

Thanks

Dunit35

[Jilly]

I always thought police officers were like firemen, you just take a test and go into an academy.

[crazycoffey]

Originally Posted by DenverChief

GAH! Don't say that! I just started my LE career at 29 (been in 2 years) Why did you leave your last department?

I think that saying a CJ degree is "worth nothing" is akin to saying military experience is "worth nothing" but that is just my opinion I also served 5 years in the Army 3 Active, 2 Guard

my wife got a promotion and we moved from texas to missouri. I also have five years of active duty MP. The five years in texas was on a SWAT team, so we did alot of active training and it just takes years from your life, all the sweat, stress, etc. Add to that being a chiefs fan, I think I only have a couple years left..... LOL.

I appologize again about saying the CJ comment. I think there are better options one could pick for a degree if you want to go into law enforcement, but you even said you wanted to teach some classes, then it's right for you.

The stories I've heard, an injury with only a B.S. in CJ (it's science, or arts? I don't know) anyway thier law enforcement career is cut short and it wasn't long enough to be a consultant, they were left in the cold, sorta. Interests in post Law Enforcement careers in a science field, or accounting field, etc. but they only had a four year in CJ and couldn't do anything but sell office supplies. In hindsight they'd wished they did something else. That's what I was going for.

[Reerun_KC]

Do know much about the CJ degrees, but I am in the process of completing my BS in Aviation Science along with working on my commercial pilot certificates..

I decided I wanted to do something that would benefit me and my bank account.

I couldnt be a police officer, no offense...

IF you are looking for a place to work around OKC, try Edmond. All they do is write tickets, easy cake job.

I received a ticket for turning left on a green light, took it to court and won. Amazing what police officers can write tickets for now days.

[DenverChief]

Originally Posted by crazycoffey

my wife got a promotion and we moved from texas to missouri. I also have five years of active duty MP. The five years in texas was on a SWAT team, so we did alot of active training and it just takes years from your life, all the sweat, stress, etc. Add to that being a chiefs fan, I think I only have a couple years left..... LOL.

I appologize again about saying the CJ comment. I think there are better options one could pick for a degree if you want to go into law enforcement, but you even said you wanted to teach some classes, then it's right for you.

The stories I've heard, an injury with only a B.S. in CJ (it's science, or arts? I don't know) anyway thier law enforcement career is cut short and it wasn't long enough to be a consultant, they were left in the cold, sorta. Interests in post Law Enforcement careers in a science field, or accounting field, etc. but they only had a four year in CJ and couldn't do anything but sell office supplies. In hindsight they'd wished they did something else. That's what I was going for.

Ahh gotcha...no need to apologize I understand you position completley, my degree is a B.S. I have seen CJ as a B.A. but that just doesn't seem right to me....anywho P.D. or S.O.?

[crazycoffey]

Originally Posted by DenverChief

Ahh gotcha...no need to apologize I understand you position completley, my degree is a B.S. I have seen CJ as a B.A. but that just doesn't seem right to me....anywho P.D. or S.O.?

I was with a PD, open for SO - I'm in St. Louis area. Have applications with County police (it's a weird setup, not SO, hard to explain because I hardly understand it), and a couple of suburbs. St. Louis proper wants you to be a resident in St. louis proper, and I don't see that happening, unless they let me get a free apartment somewhere.

I just past my POST test last month, so that's a good feather in my cap and should help my standing with said departments.

You said earlier you were with a SO, and you spent some time in the army, any active duty? I take it the SO is your first civilian post too.

[DenverChief]

Originally Posted by crazycoffey

I was with a PD, open for SO - I'm in St. Louis area. Have applications with County police (it's a weird setup, not SO, hard to explain because I hardly understand it), and a couple of suburbs. St. Louis proper wants you to be a resident in St. louis proper, and I don't see that happening, unless they let me get a free apartment somewhere.

I just past my POST test last month, so that's a good feather in my cap and should help my standing with said departments.

You said earlier you were with a SO, and you spent some time in the army, any active duty? I take it the SO is your first civilian post too.

Yeah my 3 active were as a scout my 2 years guard were with an MP unit...yes it is my first LEO job and I love it ....always planning for the future though, hence the Masters program

[crazycoffey]

Originally Posted by DenverChief

Yeah my 3 active were as a scout my 2 years guard were with an MP unit...yes it is my first LEO job and I love it ....always planning for the future though, hence the Masters program

sounds good, I knew a couple of scouts and from taking some kind of pathfinder course, I also took the AIB course. We knew full well that we would not be able to wear the awards or patches because we were MPs, but did it anyway in training for the National MP competition. It was some good training. but man I hated road marching.

[Sam Hall]

Ask yourself this question: What have I always wanted to be? Stick to that plan. I was depressed about my major last semester. I finally realized the major and career I chose aren't easy, but I should stick with what I have always wanted to do. I thought about changing my major, but realized I wouldn't be happy doing anything else.