QM Recognizes the Institution’s Outstanding Commitment to High-Quality Online Learning in Criminal Justice Education
Annapolis, MD (PRUnderground) June 30th, 2026
Quality Matters (QM) — the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments — has recognized Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) with QM’s highest honor, Exemplary Program status, for its Criminal Justice Technology program.
FSW earned this designation by achieving QM Program Certification in all four areas of QM’s online program framework: Online Program Design, Online Teaching Support, Online Learner Support and Online Learner Success. This requires the institution to demonstrate evidence of meeting QM’s research-supported Standards in online course design, instruction, learner support and learner outcomes, as verified through QM’s rigorous peer review process. Together, these certifications showcase the institution’s dedication to quality in the most critical elements of online learning.
“Quality Matters Exemplary Program status represents the highest level of recognition in online education,” said Brian O’Reilly, FSW Criminal Justice professor. “We are proud to have earned this designation for our Criminal Justice Technology associate in science degree — a milestone that reflects the dedication and hard work of our faculty and online course developers. This achievement also demonstrates FSW’s ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality online learning experience for our students.”
For a workforce-oriented field such as criminal justice, quality online learning must be clear, consistent and career relevant. Students need well-organized courses, aligned assessments, accessible learning materials and support systems that help them build the knowledge and skills needed for law enforcement and related careers. FSW pursued QM Program Certification to strengthen the quality, consistency and accountability of its online offerings while supporting student completion and career readiness.
To prepare for certification, the program engaged in a multi-year quality improvement process. O’Reilly first completed FSW’s Online Teaching Certification course, followed by its intensive internal training focused on high-quality course design aligned with QM Standards. Over several years, he worked closely with instructional designers to redesign all 10 Criminal Justice courses, ensuring each course met quality expectations and successfully completed both Internal and Official QM Course Reviews.
At FSW, the certification process also supported broader institutional goals. The evidence gathered for QM Program Certification strengthened accreditation and compliance efforts, supported continuous improvement, enhanced program credibility and helped demonstrate alignment with workforce needs. The process also reinforced collaboration among faculty, instructional designers and academic leaders.
“This is a proud moment for FSW and a big win for our online students and faculty,” said Dr. Rozalind Jester, FSW Assistant Vice President of Strategic Innovation and Online Learning. “Quality Matters is the nationally recognized benchmark for online course quality, and every one of FSW’s online programs has now earned its program certification for supporting [online learner success, online learner support, and online teaching support]. I want every FSW online student to know that when you choose FSW, you gain a community of dedicated staff and talented faculty who are genuinely invested in your success.”
For students, the recognition signals that FSW’s Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration program is designed to provide a structured, supportive and outcomes-focused online learning experience. For faculty, the process offers shared design expectations, ongoing instructional design support and a stronger foundation for effective online teaching.
About Quality Matters
Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Recognition and Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course or Program Quality Standards in a rigorous review process.
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Original Press Release.
