Program: CJP.AS - Associate in Science Degree
Our rigorous Criminal Justice programs are highly regarded throughout the tristate area. Criminal Justice – the study and application of laws regarding criminal behavior – is studied by those preparing to be law enforcement officers, defense and prosecution lawyers, judges or others working within the criminal justice system. Our graduates go on to work in probation, law, research design, human services, social work, counseling, and other rewarding fields.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
Recommended Course Sequence.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
Choose one math course designated in the course descriptions as General Education (GE MST).
MAT-123 - Statistics I is recommended.
A 3-credit General Education Lab Science is required. Students may choose to take a 4-credit GE lab science elective in consultation with an academic advisor. Choose one 3-credit lab science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education (GE MST).
SCI-206 - Introduction to Forensic Science is recommended.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
PHI-123 - Ethics is recommended.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
Students examine both the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law. Particular attention will be given to the functions of the courts and special emphasis will be placed on major U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Students who choose the Correction Administration degree option or certificate will learn about relevant trends with regard to correctional institutions, as well as sentencing, judicial treatment and correctional management philosophies. With the Police Science degree option, students will learn police procedures, constitutional law and community policing.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course. Students also need a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science or in [links id='BIO-010' type='course'] or [links id='CHM-010' type='course'].
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all of the lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements with private institutions may provide similar transfer provisions. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.