Choosing to pursue an Online Degree For Criminal Justice is a significant step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement, corrections, law, and related fields. Penn State World Campus offers a flexible and respected pathway to achieve your academic and professional goals through its online programs. This guide will walk you through the application process to MyPennState, ensuring you have all the information you need to apply for your online degree in criminal justice.
Accessing MyPennState and Setting Up Your Account
The gateway to your Penn State World Campus application is the MyPennState Portal. Before you begin, you need to establish your Penn State account. This account serves as your digital key to all Penn State systems, so keep your credentials secure. Upon account creation, you’ll receive a unique Penn State User ID. Remember to use your User ID followed by @psu.edu when logging into MyPennState and other Penn State websites. For instance, you’ll enter something similar to [email protected] in the sign-in field.
Navigating the Online Application: Section by Section
The MyPennState application is structured into six logical sections, designed to gather all necessary information for your application for an online degree in criminal justice:
1. Application Setup: Laying the Foundation
The first section, Application Setup, is crucial for directing your application to the online degree programs at Penn State World Campus.
- Crucially, for the question “How would you like to complete your degree?”, ensure you select “Online”. This selection is paramount as it designates your application for Penn State World Campus and their online degree for criminal justice offerings.
- The remainder of this section covers basic background questions regarding your educational history and any military affiliations.
2. Program of Study: Defining Your Academic Path in Criminal Justice
This section is where you specify your academic interest in an online degree for criminal justice.
- First, select your desired degree type (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) and your intended starting semester.
- Campus Selection: If you correctly selected “Online” in the Application Setup, “Penn State World Campus” will automatically be designated as your starting campus. Verify this to ensure you are applying for the online degree for criminal justice. Click “Continue”.
- Choosing Your Program: On the “Choose a Program” page, meticulously browse or search for your intended major from the provided list. Look for “Criminal Justice” or related programs offered online.
- Review and Confirmation: Carefully review your program selection on the summary screen to confirm it is the correct online degree for criminal justice program at Penn State World Campus. Click “Continue” to proceed.
3. Citizenship and Residency: Providing Personal Context
The Citizenship and Residency section collects essential demographic and residency details.
- Complete the series of questions accurately, including your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status (if applicable), and family history. This information is standard for university applications.
4. Academics and Experience: Showcasing Your Educational Background
This section allows you to detail your previous academic achievements and experiences relevant to your pursuit of an online degree for criminal justice.
- Academic History: You will need to input information about your high school education and any college or university coursework you’ve attempted after graduating high school.
- Education Gap Statement: The Education Gap Statement is an opportunity to explain any breaks in your formal education between high school and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State World Campus. Providing a concise summary of the reason for this gap is important. Common examples include work experience, family responsibilities, or attendance at other educational institutions. Be transparent and clear in your explanation.
5. Miscellaneous: Additional Information and Requirements
The Miscellaneous section addresses program-specific requirements and gathers further relevant information.
- Program-Specific Requirements: This may include submitting a personal statement, which is often a crucial component of your application for an online degree for criminal justice. Pay close attention to any specific instructions or prompts provided for your program.
- Activities and Financial Aid: You may also provide information about extracurricular activities and indicate your interest in financial aid options. Explore the financial aid resources available for online students at Penn State World Campus to help fund your online degree for criminal justice.
6. Review and Submit: Finalizing Your Application
The final stage is to carefully review all the information you have entered throughout the application process.
- Thorough Review: Double-check each section for accuracy and completeness. Ensure you’ve selected the correct online degree for criminal justice program and campus.
- Digital Signature and Payment: Digitally sign your application to certify the accuracy of the information provided. You will then be prompted to pay the non-refundable application fee. As of the last update, the fee is $65 for domestic applicants and $75 for international applicants.
Submitting Transcripts and Academic Records
Completing the online application is just one part of the process. You also need to submit your official academic records to Penn State.
Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
- After submitting your application, you’ll be directed to complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) before the application deadline. It’s highly recommended to have your high school transcript readily available while filling out the SRAR to ensure accuracy.
Official Transcripts
- High School Transcripts: Official high school transcripts or GED transcripts are mandatory, regardless of how long ago you graduated.
- College/University Transcripts: Include official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, even if you did not complete a degree.
- Military Transcripts: If you have military experience, submit your official military transcripts.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency. Check the specific requirements for your situation.
- SAT/ACT Scores: Note that SAT/ACT scores are generally not required if you are classified as an adult learner or a transfer student applying for an online degree for criminal justice at Penn State World Campus.
Where to Send Official Documents
All official transcripts and documents should be mailed to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
Alternatively, you can have your transcripts sent electronically through secure services like Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from your previous institution.
Post-Application: Acceptance and Checking Your Status
After Penn State receives your completed application, application fee, and all required documents, your application will be evaluated for admission to the online degree for criminal justice program.
- Application Status Check: You can monitor your application status online through the MyPennState portal. This portal provides the most current information, updated daily before 8:00 a.m. (ET).
- Admissions Decision Timeline: Once an admissions decision is made, it will be communicated to you through the MyPennState portal. For details on decision timelines, visit the Dates and Deadlines page on the Undergraduate Admissions website and specifically look for information related to World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).
Pursuing an online degree for criminal justice at Penn State World Campus is an investment in your future. By following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can confidently navigate the application process and take the next step towards your career aspirations.
