Name of University: University of the Incarnate Word
Location: San Antonio, TX
Website: http://www.uiw.edu/
University of the Incarnate Word is a private university committed to educational excellence. UIW Online & ADCaP are tailored to adults, offering an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in Homeland Security/Counter Terrorism, Criminal Investigation, Digital Forensics or Juvenile Justice. Benefits include free textbooks (undergrads) and no academic fees.
Q&A Questions:
1. Where did the university name originate from?
University of the Incarnate Word is one of the many outgrowths of the original mission that brought the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to San Antonio in 1869. The Sisters work began with the care of orphans and victims of a cholera epidemic, which led to the establishment of the first hospital in San Antonio, and Incarnate Word Academy, which was chartered in 1881. This later became Incarnate Word College. In 1995, the college reorganized to become the University of the Incarnate Word.
2. What are your main degrees/courses offered?
UIW’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCaP) and UIW Online offer a variety of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that are relevant to today’s job market demands. Aside from the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, students can choose from Bachelor of Arts in Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Applied Arts and Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with eight concentrations. Graduate degrees offered include the MBA, MAA and MSODL.
3. Why do you believe your degrees are essential to the police community?
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice specialization-based program is designed to develop, enhance and advance professionals in the field of criminal justice. It synthesizes traditional and contemporary crime studies and equips students with an in-depth understanding of the functions of the United States Criminal Justice System. The curriculum exposes the student to the system’s origins and history and the evolution of traditional crimes. The student ultimately leaves the program with a solid foundation of knowledge that is needed to understand and deal with contemporary crime. The program pays particular attention to new and evolving crime trends. This includes but is not limited to fields of Juvenile Justice, Digital Forensics, Homeland Security, Investigation, 21st Century Terrorism, and Corporate Crime.
4. What makes your university unique?
The University of the Incarnate Word Extended Academic Programs (EAP) offers busy adult learners a convenient path to earning their degree. EAP consists of two schools. The School of Extended Studies is an evening and weekend, in-classroom program. The School of Online Learning offers classes entirely online. Both offer six 8-week terms throughout the year. Tuition is discounted from the main campus tuition rates. All undergraduate textbooks are free and students have an opportunity to alternate between online and on-ground courses.
5. What do your students like best about your school and programs?
Students are very pleased with our faculty. We refer to our faculty as scholar-practitioners. Each faculty member has a Master’s degree in the subject area or is professionally qualified by the work they do. Today’s adult student wants information they can use tomorrow at work. Therefore, we encourage all faculty members to bring everyday examples into the classroom.
6. Do you support any charitable organizations within public safety?
UIW is a strong supporter of the City of San Antonio. Relationships have been established with the Alamo Area Council of City Governments, as well as the local police academies.
7. Is there any fun fact or trivia that you’d like to share with our users about your university?
A primary tourist attraction in San Antonio, the River Walk, is built on the banks of the San Antonio River. The headwaters of the river are located on our main campus. This 55-acre sanctuary includes the Blue Hole, the springs that source the San Antonio River, which is open to the public. It is cared for by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and student volunteers.
8. What’s next for your university?
Any upcoming new degrees/courses going to be offered? The Criminal Justice department is partnering with the Department of Business Administration to launch a new program in Cyber Security. Certification programs in Digital Forensics, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice and Criminal Investigation are on the way.
