Lee Snodgrass
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

While earning the privilege the wear a law enforcement badge is a significant accomplishment for many police officers, it is not enough for Lee Snodgrass. "I do not want to be an ordinary law enforcement officer; I want to be an exceptional one!" According to Lee, earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice through AIU Online can help him become exceptional. "My goal is to be successful in law enforcement and success in law enforcement is directly related to your level of education in two ways. First, you have to be knowledgeable with current laws and procedures. Secondly, the higher your level of education, the higher you can be promoted through the ranks. Earning a degree in my area of expertise supplements my knowledge and almost assures me future promotions."

Lee chose AIU Online over several other online universities after careful thought and analysis. "I first considered the logistics of continuing my education and I did a cost/benefit analysis. I then sought a university from which graduates have proven records of success. I researched universities from several websites and national databases with several qualities in mind. I wanted a university that is accredited; a university that is well known and established. I wanted one that I would be motivated to succeed in and proud to say I graduated from. AIU Online turned out to be that university!"

After enrolling, Lee found that AIU Online met all his expectations and more. Online learning through AIU Online gave him the flexibility to work full-time while earning his degree and saved him time and expenses that he may have spent commuting to a brick and mortar campus. But more importantly for Lee, he was inspired to succeed. "My classes were the perfect size and I interacted well with the instructors and other students. It is easy to contact your fellow students and instructors and I was always motivated to take part in the live sessions and complete my assignments. Whether it was an individual or group assignment, I was always excited to learn and succeed. The unique, fast paced classes made me feel as though I was accomplishing a great hurdle every week. I had the flexibility to attend to the unexpected things that come up in my personal life and my profession. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!"

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice through AIU Online led to an immediate promotion for Lee. "As a police officer in Texas I am currently assigned as the School Resource Officer (SRO) to work as a liaison with the local Independent School District, so my degree fit my career goals perfectly. Earning my degree made me eligible for promotion to the liaison position that I am currently in and has shown my superiors that I am committed to improving myself and those that I work with. I gained valuable insight into all areas of law enforcement, prosecution, defense, juvenile areas, and so much more. I have expanded my knowledge much more than I ever thought possible. This has helped me perform my duties as a police officer and helped show other officers the history and application of what we do and why we do it. Of course, getting a large raise after earning my degree was a nice effect as well!"

On another level, earning his degree has given Lee a sense of personal accomplishment that can be intrinsically priceless and led him to set goals for himself that may have been out of reach before. "Knowing that one day I would be able to say 'I have a Bachelor's degree' is what motivated me most. I feel deep inside that I have accomplished a great goal that many try to attain and fail at. This alone is worth the time and effort. Secondly, I am now able to apply for higher positions within the police department and pursue certifications that I was not able to possess beforehand. My ultimate goal is to become a Police Chief in a large metropolitan police agency, but for now I plan on staying here so that I can use my education to benefit my community and myself. Once I start my Master's degree program with AIU Online, I feel that my contribution will increase even more. I feel that with my current degree and the Master's degree that I will be able to earn, I will be able to blaze a trail that leads to the top of my profession!"

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