Fayetteville State named most affordable school in US for masters in criminal justice

The National Center for Education Statistics said students learn a variety of skills including critical thinking, effective communication, technology, quantitative reasoning, and ethics.

Sergeant Shelia Washington earned her online masters from Fayetteville State University three years ago and now works for the Fayetteville Police Department. She said the program was very affordable.

"I paid one class at a time initially," she said. "And then when I started taking two classes at a time, it was still very affordable because what I did was either set up a payment arrangement, or I just paid completely."

Students from around the country take the course, which can be completed in 18 months to three years.

Chancellor Dr. James Anderson said the faculty is pleased by the ranking.

"There are several area where we are top ranked," he said. "For example, our nursing program is ranked number two from Maine to Texas. Our online psychology program in ranked number one."

Anderson said some rankings are based on the educational quality of the programs others based on affordability.

Interim Department Chair Dr. Joe Brown said the program offers quality along with affordability.

"You're supposed to be more sound in your critical thinking. You're supposed to be better in your communications. You're decision making. Especially your ethical decision making."