Strategies to meet the educational needs of non-traditional graduate students*

Abstract

This paper examines some of the issues involved in offering graduate programs that meet the educational needs of nontraditional graduate students. The strengths and weaknesses of two models—a weekend program and a satellite program—are reviewed, and the impact of technology on these models is discussed. We also make recommendations for developing successful alternative graduate programs. The discussion includes the characteristics of the student population, considerations for course scheduling, use of technology, access to facilities, and the availability of academic resources. A challenge for criminal justice academicians in the twenty-first century is to create an environment both enriching and stimulating for students and faculty members engaged in nontraditional programs.