June 1, 2001

Contact: Sandy Colson, CWU Office of Continuing Education, (509-963-1528)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Olympic Community College students will be able to earn a Central Washington University law and justice certificate through classes that will be offered beginning next fall quarter.

"These certificate programs are primarily aimed at those in the law and justice field who don't wish to pursue a four-year degree at this time, but want to further their education and enhance their employment prospects," Sandy Colson, CWU Office of Continuing Education programs manager, says. "They include selected courses within a degree track -- the key elements of a four-year degree program."

The new CWU offerings will lead to either law enforcement or corrections certificates. OCC is the first school at which CWU will offer the new certificate programs.

"Some of the courses already offered through the Olympic law and justice associate's degree program are equivalent to ours," Colson points out. "That means some students could enter the certificate program only needing a few courses to round things out."

The first two CWU courses, in report writing and police community relations, will be offered Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. beginning in September. In addition, if there is interest shown by Olympic students studying at the school's branch campus in Shelton, the courses could be offered via distance education so they could also participate, Colson adds.

The classes are $99.50 per credit hour. Students could finish the certificate program in as little as one year, Colson notes.

CWU will also have an on-site certificate program advisor at OCC. Those seeking the certificate do not have to be enrolled at CWU.

Students wishing to pursue a CWU law and justice bachelor's degree, still must officially enroll and meet all entrance requirements in order to take additional classes, either at Central's Steilacoom or SeaTac centers or on its Ellensburg campus.

For more information about the new CWU certificate program at OCC call (800) 720-4503. A minimum enrollment of 15 students per class will be needed for the program to begin, Colson says.