Associate in Science

Program Description:

The Criminal Justice - Transfer Option Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice and related fields. Students are able to develop a strong foundation in criminal justice and also study topics such as victimology, juvenile justice, corrections and policing.

The curriculum emphasizes both an academic and practical approach to the three major areas of criminal justice – the police, courts and corrections – providing students with basic knowledge of legal issues facing practitioners in these fields. Emphasis is place on oral and written communications, as well as interpersonal skill-building and understanding of the multicultural issues necessary for working with diverse populations. This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state universities and the University of Massachusetts.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Students are prepared for career employment and for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs. Graduates have secured employment with local, federal and international law-enforcement agencies, as well as other criminal-justice professions.

Helpful Hints:

No academic credit is awarded for life experience, or for military, police academy or other training.

Service-Learning: Students are encouraged to gain experience in community organizations by participating in Service-Learning opportunities offered in courses throughout the degree program.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Criminal Justice - Transfer Option program are prepared to:

• Describe the functions and interrelationships of the major components of the criminal-justice system;
• Evaluate and utilize effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication;
• Identify valid research sources and use technology as a research tool;
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards in the criminal-justice system and apply these standards to practical situations;
• Describe the diversity of experiences and viewpoints within society and analyze how perceptions are affected by culture;
• Recognize a social problem, develop a problem-solving approach, formulate and evaluate effective responses;
• Apply the law to a set of facts and describe possible outcomes;
• Demonstrate knowledge of career options in criminal justice and an understanding of qualifications and professional expectations.