Criminal Justice (CRD)
2018-2019
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Open Admissions
Division: Health And Human Services
The program prepares students for a career in the criminal justice system as well as advancing the education of employed criminal justice professionals. From a theoretical understanding of human behavior and its relationship to law, students learn criminal justice goals and functions. Among the employment opportunities for graduates are state and local patrol officers, company investigators, security positions, and entry-level positions in correctional agencies.
For professions requiring a four-year degree, the Criminal Justice Program offers transferable credit to four-year colleges and universities. Graduates of the program may transfer as third-year Criminal Justice students to Northeastern University, Southern Vermont College, University of New Haven, Mount Ida College, Curry College, Trinity College of Vermont, and Salem State University.
First Year
Fall
Spring
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| CRJ107 | Constitutional Interpretations of Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| CRJ110 | Juvenile Justice System | 3 |
| | |
HUM-ELECTIVE
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
| OR | |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
| | |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
| OR | |
MAT140-143
| Liberal Arts Math or Intro to Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Year
Fall
| CRJ108 | Crisis Intervention in the Field of Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJ202 | Principles of Corrections | 3 |
| CRJ212 | Police and Society | 3 |
| PSY102 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| | |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
| OR | |
LS-ELECTIVE
| Laboratory Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
CRJ-ELECTIVE
| Criminal Justice Elective | 3 |
| SOC204 | Criminology | 3 |
| | |
| CRJ208 | Critical Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| OR | |
SCI-ELECTIVE
| Science Elective | 4 |
| | |
| CRJ206 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| OR | |
HUM-ELECTIVE
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
| | |
| CRJ210 | Criminal Justice Internship | 3 |
| OR | |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Requirement Notes
Humanities Elective or CRJ206: For MASS TRANSFER students should take a Humanities Elective.
Liberal Arts Elective: Recommend SOC126. For MASS TRANSFER students should take MAT140 or MAT143.
Liberal Arts Elective: For MASS TRANSFER students should take a Lab Science course(4 credits)
Criminal Justice Elective: PYW101 may be substituted for CRJ elective.
CRJ208: For MASS TRANSFER, students should take a Science (either 3 or 4 credits). Many four year institutions require two science courses (7 credits).
CRJ210: Recommend CRJ210 for students who seek criminal justice related work experience, however, some 4-year colleges will not accept transfer of internship credit or may require substantial documentation of intership/work activities.
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Identify, evaluate, and utilize effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
- Foster the development of critical thinking skills to address issues in the criminal justice system.
- Apply Ethical Principles in decision making situations according to the standards and best practices for your agency.
- Recognize and respect individual rights and responsibilities and understand diversity and multiculturalism.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors that include but are not limited to time management, attendance, appearance, flexibility, and cooperation.
- Describe the use and development of current and emerging technologies in criminal justice.
Occupational Skills required
- Written and oral communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Ethical decision making
- Appreciation of diversity and respect for individual rights
- Interpersonal skills and professionalism
- Technology and computer literacy
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- CRJ210 Criminal Justice Internship
MOST COMMON LINKED OCCUPATION TITLE - ALL EDUCATION LEVELS
- Security Guards, Corrections Officers, Police Patrol Officers
MOST COMMON LINKED OCCUPATION TITLE - ASSOCIATE'S OR LESS
- Security Guards, Corrections Officers, Police Patrol Officers
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 0.70%
- Boston MSA - 0.70%
- Essex County - 0.30%
- Boston MSA Avg Entry-Level Wages (2016) - $24,200 - $58,900
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) - $30,600 - $72,100
Top Transfer Institutions
- Salem State University
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Southern New Hampshire