Criminal Justice, Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree program in Criminal Justice is a liberal arts based transfer program, designed to introduce students to the methods for dealing with unlawful behavior. Graduates have transferred to four-year degree programs in either criminal  justice or a related field at such colleges as Rutgers, Rowan College of NJ, New Jersey City University or John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Graduates of the program have secured positions in parole and probation, private security, corrections and federal,   state and local police agencies. Students have access to computer laboratories and develop their skills in law enforcement computer programs. The cooperative education component allows students to participate in a work experience at any agency of the  criminal justice system. This experience gives students a means of making realistic applications of theories learned in the classroom so they can be better equipped to select their career choices after graduation.

Graduates are able to:

• explain the functions, duties and roles of law enforcement at various levels in the criminal justice system
• describe the various causal factors of crime
• discuss the nature of crimes and offenses based on major  theories and current issues
• compare and contrast contemporary perspectives on the  legal principles, theories and challenges inherent in the  criminal justice system

This degree is offered through the Business and Public Service Department, whose mission is to provide challenging career-oriented undergraduate programs to business and public service students, educating them to the level of competency needed for  successful transfer to four year institutions or immediate career path entry into the global market.