Criminal Justice, A.S.

The Criminal Justice program is both a transfer and a career program. Students can go on to earn a B.A. Degree or take courses in an effort to find employment. The study of criminal justice provides an opportunity to learn about issues and problems in society’s response to crime. Coursework also seeks to provide particular career-oriented skills. Career opportunities exist in law enforcement, court administration, corrections and security.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

Identify occupational opportunities in the three sub-systems of the criminal justice system
Analyze the constitutional rights and court decisions most important to the criminal justice system
Analyze the structure of the New Jersey and the United States court systems
Critique the important decision points in the criminal justice process
Construct their own personal views on controversial issues raised about the American justice system
Examine the issues of professional responsibility and ethical standards in the criminal justice system

Requirements

General Education - 30-32 credits

As described in the General Education section of the catalog and as identified below:

ENGL121 - English Composition: The Writing Process Credits: 3
ENGL122 - English Composition: Writing and Research Credits: 3
Mathematics/Science/Technological Competency: Credits 9
(Lab Science Required)
Humanities Credits: 3
Social Sciences Credits: 3*
Humanities or Social Sciences Credits: 3* ⁽¹⁾

*The following Social Science courses are recommended for students in this program:

POLI115 - State, County, & Local Government Credits: 3
SOCI101 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3
Any General Education Credits: 6
Recommended:
SPCH115 - Public Speaking Credits: 3

General Education Note:

⁽¹⁾One course is recommended from the Cultural and Global Awareness knowledge area.

Career Studies - 21 credits from among the following:

CRJU101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice System Credits: 3
CRJU125 - Police Role in Community Credits: 3
CRJU126 - Introduction to Public Administration Credits: 3
CRJU127 - Introduction to Corrections Credits: 3
CRJU131 - Introduction to Private Security Credits: 3 *
CRJU151 - Introduction to Criminology Credits: 3
CRJU202 - Criminal Investigation Credits: 3
CRJU204 - Forensic Investigation Credits: 3
CRJU205 - Community Corrections Credits: 3
CRJU225 - Police Organization and Administration Credits: 3
CRJU226 - Criminal Law Credits: 3
CRJU229 - Criminal Due Process Credits: 3
CRJU235 - Loss Prevention Credits: 3 **
CRJU236 - Counter Terrorism Credits: 3
CRJU237 - Homeland Security Credits: 3
CRJU245 - Delinquency and Juvenile Justice Credits: 3
CRJU295 - Special Project - Criminal Justice Credits: 1-3
CRJU299 - Criminal Justice Internship Credits: 3
ENVR126 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Credits: 3
NETW107 - Introduction to Security Credits: 3 *

Electives - 7-9 credits

Notes:

*Offered Fall Term only

**Offered Spring Term only

Total credits required for degree: 60

Click link below for course schedule:

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Suggested Sequence - Criminal Justice Program A.S. Degree

The following sequence is an example of how this degree can be completed in two years. This sequence is based on satisfaction of all Foundational Studies requirements and prerequisites and presumes a Fall Term start date. An individual’s program may vary depending on transfer institution, career objectives, or individual needs. See a counselor for other options and to monitor your progress.

Semester 1 - Fall Term

CRJU101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice System Credits: 3
Career Studies Credits: 3
ENGL121 - English Composition: The Writing Process Credits: 3
Social Sciences Credits: 3 *
Mathematics Credits: 3-4 ⁽²⁾

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 2 - Spring Term

Career Studies Credits: 6
ENGL122 - English Composition: Writing and Research Credits: 3
Mathematics or Science or Technological Competency Credits: 3-4⁽²⁾
General Education Credits: 3 ⁽¹⁾

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 3 - Fall Term

Career Studies Credits: 6
Humanities Credits: 3
Science (with Lab) Credits: 4⁽²⁾
Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16

Semester 4 - Spring Term

Career Studies Credits: 3
Humanities or Social Sciences Credits: 3 *
General Education Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 4-6

Total Credits: 13-15

Sequence Notes:

*POLI 105 or POLI 115 strongly recommended.

⁽¹⁾ One course is recommended from the Cultural & Global Awareness knowledge area.

⁽²⁾ A minimum of 9 credits is required from the Mathematics , Sciences or Technological Competency categories.

Bachelor’s Degree Through Brookdale

This is a preferred Associate degree for students planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, National Security Studies or Fire Science. For information see Dual Admissions and University Partnerships.

Transfer Information

For information on transferring to a four-year college or institution visit the Transfer Resources website.

Degree Audit Information

Access Student Planning and Degree Progress through M yBrookdale on Brookdale’s home page. Select WebAdvisor, Self Service, log in and access the Student menu.