Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2023

PEOPLE story and photos courtesy of MGCCC
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC)’s Criminal Justice Technology program is the only accredited program south of Jackson that offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice.
“Our program allows students to complete a two-year
degree specifically in criminal justice that can be a terminal degree, or it has the flexibility to transfer to a four-year college or university,” said Matthew Hoggatt, the Criminal Justice Technology instructor at MGCCC. “Several law enforcement agencies require individuals to have a college degree for employment, and most consider it a qualification for career advancement. Government agencies look at the college degree for hiring opportunities and when considering promotions. The MGCCC degree helps students complete knowledge
and training and offers the additional credibility of a college degree.”
Hoggatt said this primarily benefits students along the Gulf Coast because of the massive demand for law enforcement officers. “From corrections officers to uniform police officers, there is a nationwide shortage of criminal justice talent. Having this program on the Gulf Coast directly benefits our communities.”
William Feurt, beginning his second year in the program this fall, applied for an internship with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and was offered a full-time job as a deputy. “It was
unexpected but very exciting,” he said. “I now have the job of my dreams and am continuing my education.”
Feurt said the recommendation from his instructor, Matthew Hoggatt, helped tremendously. “I think law enforcement agencies are impressed with individuals who are trying to further their education and be the best officer they can be,” he said. “MGCCC has the best criminal justice program, hands down, and Mr. Hoggatt is a great teacher. He supported me in many ways and pointed me in the right direction with the internship that has now turned into a full-time job in a career I’ve been waiting for.”
Among the agencies looking to hire MGCCC students is the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) through its Candidates on Rapid Entry (C.O.R.E.) program, which will begin at MGCCC this fall. MHP is recovering from a severe shortage earlier
this year, aided recently by a class of recruits graduating and becoming available on Mississippi highways.
“Students who want to complete the C.O.R.E. program
at MGCCC will have a step up on others applying for the Mississippi Highway Patrol because they will get on-campus, hands-on training from a state trooper a few times each week during their Criminal Justice program,” Hoggatt said. “It is
an excellent option for our students who want to serve as state troopers. For students seeking other criminal justice endeavors, MGCCC offers many other pathways to success.”
William Feurt
22 | July 2023
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