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Police Science

Program Codes: CJP.AS
Associate in Science Degree

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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.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Program will be able to:

  • Discuss the institutional legal processes of criminal law and the administration of justice in the United States, and how police, courts and the correctional system interact in a constitutionally protected arena.
  • Identify and analyze important legal and ethical dilemmas Identify and analyze important legal and ethical dilemmas in the administration of justice.
  • Summarize key Issues Summarize key issues in constitutional law, the New Jersey Court System, and judicial treatment; relevant trends in correctional institutions and correctional management philosophies; and contemporary police procedures and community policing.
  • Identify and analyze ongoing problems in policing, court systems and correctional institutions, evaluating alternative suggestions for effective reform.
  • Use appropriate tools of research and analysis to understand and produce effective written and oral communication about criminal justice.
Contact the Department Chairperson

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.

SEMESTER I

3

Choose one math course designated in the course descriptions as General Education (GE MST).

MAT-123 - Statistics I is recommended.

SEMESTER 2

3

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.

SEMESTER 3

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).

PHI-123 - Ethics is recommended.

OR

SEMESTER 4

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).

Total Credits 60

Contact Information

History and Social Sciences

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/


Frequently Asked Questions

What will students learn if they study Criminal Justice?

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.

Are there any requirements that must be satisfied taking courses in the major?

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 BIO-010 or CHM-010.

Can students transfer to a four-year college or university?

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.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

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.

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