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.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
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.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Examines both the substantive and procedural criminal law with a special focus on the administration of justice. Particular attention will be given to the role of the police, courts and correctional systems and how each separate entity must function with the framework of Constitutional law. Special emphasis will be on New Jersey statutory law, court rules and corrections policy.
Choose one math course designated in the course descriptions as General Education (GE MST).
MAT-123 - Statistics I is recommended.
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics: culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
The administrative and organizational structures and major functions of representative law enforcement agencies. Allocating responsibility, support functions, command coordination, recruitment and career advancement.
CJU 123
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.
The organization, powers and procedures of the United States national government are presented along with such topics as the role of political parties, electorate behavior and interest groups as a continuing process of United States politics.
Administration of police line operations, including patrol as the basic police function, investigation, juvenile, traffic and special operational units. Liaison between units, enforcement policy, manpower distribution and analysis of operations.
CJU 123
A comparative analysis of the state, county and municipal levels of government in the United States is offered. Particular attention is given to New Jersey government and politics, state party organizations, interest groups and electorate behavior, as well as the formal governmental structure.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
PHI-123 - Ethics is recommended.
An introduction to the study of social problems in American society. Emphasis is given to social problems related to stratification and inequity of social groups and institutions. Students will analyze social problems from general, theoretical, and research-based point of view, as well as investigate why particular issues become defined as "problems".
Examines the principal methods by which United States Supreme Court Justices give meaning to Constitutional provisions in the context of individual cases. Particular attention paid to the fundamental importance of a full and coherent understanding of the principles, precedents and problems of America’s democratic system.
The relationship between professional police officers and the community they serve with emphasis on ethical standards, human relations, civil rights and community service. The attitudes and actions of the police and the public that lead to both positive and negative relationships between them.
CJU 123
This course introduces crime investigation and detection including basic and practical methods, technologies, and processes. Historical, fundamental, and practical theories of crime detection and sound criminal investigations are covered through scientific and behavior-related principles.
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 BIO-010 or CHM-010.
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.