Criminal Justice Bridge Course

Overview

The three-credit Bridge Course allows Law Enforcement Officer basic recruit graduates to receive up to 24 credits toward the A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice Technology, and Correctional Officer basic recruit graduates can earn up to 12 credits. This course "bridges" the gap between topics presented in the basic recruit programs and classes on the same subjects that are offered in the Criminal Justice Technology Degree program by requiring independent study, research, and writing components not included in the training programs.

The Bridge Course is presented completely online, offering students the flexibility to further their education while still managing a job, family, or other obligations. Students engage in discussions, submit assignments, and participate in other course activities through the college's electronic learning management system, known as Canvas.

What is the procedure to receive credit?

Simply follow these steps:

  1. Student graduates from CJSTC-approved State of Florida Law Enforcement or Corrections academy
  2. Student passes the Florida State Officer Certification Exam: Law Enforcement or Corrections
  3. Student makes appointment with IPS Advising Specialist
  4. Advising specialist verifies steps 1-2 have been completed and registers student for Bridge Course
  5. Advising specialist fills out and signs Bridge Course Credit (BCC) form and turns it over to student
    (who walks the form through channels for steps 8, 9, and 10).
  6. Student must complete the Bridge Course with a B average.
  7. Instructor posts grade
  8. Instructor signs Bridge Course Credit (BCC) form and indicates courses for which credits have been earned
  9. IPS Director or designee signs Bridge Course Credit (BCC) form and attaches SF transcript from eStaff and Florida Automated Training Management System (ATMS) printout
  10. Student takes Bridge Course Credit (BCC) form to SF Records Office
  11. Records Office posts credits to student's transcript and signs BCC form
  12. Records Office forwards completed form to IPS Business Manager