Criminal Justice, A.A.S., Major #1100

This Criminal Justice program is available only at the Norwich Campus. It is designed to prepare students for professional employment in the criminal justice, corrections, or security field.

In recent years, the need for police and security officers has increased significantly along with the professional expectations and performance standards. The Criminal Justice program is designed for students seeking entry level employment in the Criminal Justice field and for current employees interested in advancement. Students earning this degree may continue their education to the bachelor degree level or beyond.

The goal of this program is to help students develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success as criminal justice professionals. Program graduates will be eligible for employment in the full range of law enforcement careers including policing, corrections, security, criminal investigation, and related career areas. Graduates are expected to find a wide range of employment options with public and private agencies.

According to the US Department of Labor, opportunities for employment in Criminal Justice are expected to be well above the average for other career fields. Area Corrections and Police agencies have indicated a strong interest in this program and anticipate openings for graduates. Potential employers include: Municipal and State Police, County Sheriff’s Departments, NY State Department of Corrections, the Court System, Corporate Security and more.

Graduation Requirements: Students will be required to maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average to remain in the program. Students must complete all major course work with a 2.0 or above to be eligible for graduation in this major. A minimum of 20 credit hours is required in the humanities, mathematics or sciences and social sciences areas. Completion of MAGN 101* is required but this math does not meet the General Education requirement nor the Math/Science minimum requirement content area as stated above (Math 102 is highly recommended). Sixty-two credits in coursework, as described below, are required to graduate

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Effectively document investigations, incidents, and other information consistent with nationally recognized legal criterion

• Identify, collect, and preserve evidence according to standard police practice utilizing traditional, current, and technological methods in a manner that is mutually beneficial to all of the stakeholders in the criminal justice system

• Apply penal and criminal procedure laws in a law enforcement context

Curriculum Requirements - 62 Credits

 Major Field Requirements - Student must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA in all major field requirement courses

Suggested Course Sequence