Criminal Justice
This program is designed to give you the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree.
What You'll Learn
Build the professional integrity and decision-making skills law agencies require.
Explore the structure and function of the criminal justice system while gaining the analytical and ethical skills needed to serve your community. Coursework covers law enforcement, courts, corrections, and criminology, combined with training in investigation, report writing, and conflict resolution. You’ll be prepared for entry-level careers in public safety, security, or law enforcement—or to transfer into bachelor’s programs in criminal justice, law, or public administration.
Earn the credits you need to hit the 60-hour requirement to become a New York State police officer.
Where You’ll Go
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
Transit and Railroad Police
- Prepare reports documenting investigation activities and results.
- Monitor transit areas and conduct security checks to protect railroad properties, patrons, and employees.
- Apprehend or remove trespassers or thieves from railroad property or coordinate with law enforcement agencies in apprehensions and removals.
- Patrol railroad yards, cars, stations, or other facilities to protect company property or shipments and to maintain order.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer. Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)
The careers listed above are just a starting point. Our programs mix together important concepts and hands-on skills—but that doesn’t mean your future has to follow the same script. Find out more at Career Exploration & Support.
Program Requirements
To graduate [ 60-63 credits + 2.0 GPA or higher ]
Additional Notes:
- Students who intend to pursue the degree entirely online should consult with their advisor to plan for availability of online course section.
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL098 | Accelerated Writing Skills for ENGL 100 | 3 | |
| RDNG116 | College Reading and Study Skills | 3 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU104 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 | |
| CRJU105 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | |
| ENGL100 | Academic Writing I | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | A student exempt from ENGL100 must substitute a three-credit liberal arts elective. The course should be in consultation with the student’s advisor. | ||
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| or PSYC103H | Introduction to Psychology-Honors | 3 | |
| SOCI101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| or SOCI101H | Introduction to Sociology-Honors | 3 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAPS111 | Introduction to Word Processing | 1 | |
| CAPS121 | Introduction to Spreadsheets | 1 | |
| CAPS131 | Introduction to Databases | 1 | |
| ENGL101 | Academic Writing II | 3 | |
| or ENGL101H | Academic Writing II-Honors | 3 | |
| HSTY201 | American History to 1877 | 3 | |
| or HSTY201H | American History to 1877--Honors | 3 | |
| or HSTY202 | American History Since 1877 | 3 | |
| or HSTY202H | American History Since 1877--Honors | 3 | |
| SUNY GE #3 | Mathematics | 3 - 4 | |
| POSC103 | American National Government | 3 | |
| or POSC104 | American State & Local Government | 3 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU205 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 | |
| ENGL201 | Public Speaking | 3 | |
| or ENGL201H | Public Speaking - Honors | 3 | |
| or ENGL204 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| or ENGL210 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | |
| SUNY GE #9 | World History and Global Awareness | 3 | |
| SOCI207 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts and Science | Humanities | 3 - 4 | |
| or Liberal Arts and Science | Math/Natural Science | 3 - 4 | |
| or Liberal Arts and Science | Social Science | 3 - 4 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL102 | Approaches to Literature | 3 | |
| or ENGL102H | Approaches to Literature-Honors | 3 | |
| SOCI206 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | |
| CRJU ELEC | Criminal Justice Elective | 3 | |
| or POSC213 | Constitutional Law | 3 | |
| SUNY GE #4 | Natural Sciences | 3 - 4 | |
| UNRE ELEC | Unrestricted Elective | 3 |
| Transfer School Sort descending | Transfer Program |
|---|---|
Transfer School: Syracuse University |
Transfer Programl: College of Professional Studies |
Student & Faculty Stories
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Take on as much (or as little) as you want. Our microcredentials and certificates provide you with credits to apply to 2-year programs – when you’re ready!