In addition to affordable tuition, financial aid options, state-of-the-art technology, and day, evening and online classes, special features at Paul D. Camp Community College include one-on-one attention and highly qualified and caring faculty.

A good example of the last two is PDCCC’s Ron Osborne, assistant professor of Administration of Justice, or ADJ. Heading the college’s ADJ program since 1975, Ron takes pride in the many forms of help that are provided for his students: teaching that accommodates different learning styles, program development, advising and a true desire for each student to succeed.

According to Osborne, “Although most anyone can leave a location and go anywhere, getting ahead requires many attributes with some help from people who care about a student’s future. PDCCC’s slogan, “Get Ahead,” is more than a slogan for the Administration of Justice program; it is what drives the decision making process for the program.”

Administration of Justice Program

The ADJ program at PDCCC is one of the original programs started in 1971 when the college first opened. As one of the oldest programs, it has gone through several changes in its history that are supported by the Administration of Justice Advisory Committee, the college’s Curriculum Committee, the college administration, the local college board and the Virginia Community College System. This process of change assures that the program remains relevant.

Designed for both part-time and full-time students, the Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Administration of Justice includes two specialization options: Corrections Science and Police Science. Both specializations are developed and maintained in cooperation with state and local correctional and police officials; and curriculum for both options provides a broad foundation that prepares students to enter any of the varied fields of corrections and/or law enforcement — or to advance professionally within them.

Students pursuing an associate degree in Administration of Justice at PDCCC have a wide variety of occupational choices, including local, state, and federal correctional officer; state and federal probation and parole officer; city and town police officer; sheriff; sheriff’s deputy; investigator; commercial and industrial security officer; and jobs with federal law enforcement agencies — some of which require additional professional training. Related career options include custom agent, store detective, evidence technician, highway patrol officer, accident investigator, police dispatcher, criminal investigator, and jailer.

Graduate Success

The Administration of Justice Program is one of the most productive programs at Paul D. Camp Community College and across the Virginia Community College System. To date, the number of PDCC Administration of Justice graduates is well over 400. Some of the earliest graduates have now retired — but only after gaining professional success and making a positive difference for the agencies they served.

Other graduates have pursued careers in probation and parole after completing course work at PDCCC and continuing their studies at four-year universities, which include Boise State University, Christopher Newport University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Washington University, Norfolk State University and the University of Richmond.

PDCCC’s ADJ graduates hold positions with police and sheriff’s departments in Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Suffolk and Sussex; the Western Tidewater Regional Jail; Deerfield, Southampton and Sussex I & II correctional facilities; and Probation and Parole and Community Probation and Parole Departments in Norfolk, Newport News and Portsmouth. PDCCC ADJ graduates are also wardens, chiefs of police, and supervisors and officers with the State Police.

Fast-Growing Field

Careers in Administration of Justice continue to be among the fastest-growing occupational fields in the nation. They offer diverse choices and the opportunity for advancement, personal growth and fulfillment to well-trained candidates who are committed to public service and making a difference in their communities.

For more details on the Administration of Justice Program at PDCCC, call Osborne at 925-6330. For information on other programs and options available at the College, call 569-6700, or visit our Web site at www.pdc.edu.