Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

How It Paid Off: From Patrolman to Faculty Member

One alumnus discovers the value of being a scholar-practitioner.

John McCauley

Dr. John McCauley.

NAME: Dr. John McCauley ’11

DEGREE: PhD in Public Policy and Administration

TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Patrolman in Eastlake, Ohio, and adjunct faculty member at Mountain State University, Everest College, and Excelsior College

TITLES AFTER MY DEGREE: Head of the graduate criminal justice administration program at Mountain State University in Beckley, W.Va.; adjunct faculty member at five universities; and full-time police officer

HOW MY DEGREE HELPS ME MAKE A LARGER IMPACT: I primarily teach students who are cops. We have a rapport; they know I’m out on the streets as a law enforcement officer and a scholar-practitioner. Having a Ph.D. shows them how seriously I take scholarship and research. My experience on the force helps me relate to the course content—and, most importantly, to the work my students do every day. 

BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: My faculty members at Walden were great models because they make students their priority. They stuck with me and supported me. I want to pay that forward. Seeing my students succeed is worth much more than the paycheck.

How did earning your degree change your career? Share your story at [email protected].

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINE

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, messages created by generative artificial intelligence, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from Walden University (Walden) and its affiliates and contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at Walden, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 844-977-8323.