The A.A. Degree Program in Criminal Justice is designed for students intending to transfer to four-year colleges and universities throughout the State University of New York (SUNY) system, as well as private institutions, where they can often enter with junior status and take additional courses to complete a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Students will complete a course of study that gives them a strong foundation of knowledge about crime, crime causation and criminal justice institutions. Students will also take courses in the various disciplines that make up the overall category of liberal arts: humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science.
The program will prepare students to:
- Have a thorough knowledge of the components of the criminal justice system and how they interact with each other.
- Apply analytical skills and substantive knowledge to specific justice problems.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Transfer into a baccalaureate degree program.
Minimum Degree Requirements (60 credits)
A minimum of 60 credit hours is required for the Criminal Justice Associate of Arts degree. If basic skills courses are required, degree completion will take more than four semesters.
Basic Skills Courses:
If indicated by placement testing, basic skills courses in mathematics and English are required as prerequisite courses. These courses count as credit toward load and financial aid, but not toward graduation.
English (6 Credits)
Humanities (6 Credits)
Courses in art, music, philosophy, communication, English, theater, and foreign language may be taken.
Social Science (6 Credits)
Foundations for College Success (3 Credits):
History (6 Credits)
Science with a lab (4 Credits)
Criminal Justice (15 Credits)
Liberal Arts/Criminal Justice Electives (11 Credits):
Six (6) of the credits must be in the liberal arts.