Criminal Justice, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS #5505
Department Chairperson: Ricky P. Thibodeau
Amstuz 300, (518) 629-7342

The Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Students could, after meeting Civil Service requirements, enter law enforcement, investigation, crime prevention, and corrections on the federal, state, county, or local levels. There also are opportunities for employment in private organizations.

This program meets the needs of students who plan to work immediately after completing their associate degree, transfer for further education, or for in-service students to up-date their knowledge and skills. Courses are offered on a full- or part-time basis to aid students in becoming effective and knowledgeable justice system personnel.

The Criminal Justice program has formal transfer agreements with Eastern Kentucky University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Russell Sage College and SUNY Plattsburgh, as well as informal agreements with several baccalaureate programs throughout New York State.

Criminal Justice agencies require background checks for employment and internships. Degree requirements can be fulfilled through evening course offerings.

All Criminal Justice core courses are offered online, but not all online courses are offered every term. The course, Forensic Science I, in the online learning format, requires the student to perform laboratory work on campus.

The Criminal Justice degree program does not give college credit for professional training courses or life experience.

All Criminal Justice courses must have been taken within seven years in order to be applicable toward this degree program. Only four Criminal Justice courses may be transferred into the program. A “Forensic I” course will not be accepted as transfer credit into the program.

Program Entrance Requirements

The estimated cost of books for the student enrolled in the first full-time term as outlined would be approximately $650.