Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2014-2016 Catalog Program: Criminal Justice, A.A.S. Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Criminal Justice, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Program

Hegis Code: 5505
NYSED Code: 32702

Program Description

Students who complete this program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. The Criminal Justice A.A.S. degree program is designed to prepare graduates to enter immediately into a variety of criminal justice professions such as local and State law enforcement, corrections, and private sector investigative and public safety occupations. The program is also designed to benefit current criminal justice practitioners seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities to better perform their respective public or private service responsibilities and increase promotion opportunities.

The A.A.S. degree program is comprised of an increased blend of job‐specific criminal justice course offerings with a reduced concentration of general and liberal arts courses of study. This program offers an optional concentration in forensic investigations through elective course selection. Students who successfully complete the A.A.S. degree in criminal justice may also continue pursuing a baccalaureate degree; however, transfer polices vary, and students should be aware that additional coursework in the general and liberal arts education areas are likely to be required at a four‐year college.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the AAS in Criminal Justice Degree program a student will be able to

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of the American criminal justice system;
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge and an understanding of the structures and operation of the criminal process and how each of the sub‐systems operates individually and integrate as a whole system;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the different categories and classifications of laws and their sources within the criminal justice system;
  • Identify major trends, basic concepts, and structures of both adult and juvenile corrections;
  • Contrast a variety of perspectives on the critical relationship between the community and its protectors;
  • Examine issues and strategies that will strengthen the relationship between citizens’ and public service professionals;
  • Identify differing cultural perspectives on common issues facing community and public service professionals;
  • Describe fundamental constitutional dimensions and be able to apply knowledge of the authority and limitations of criminal justice practitioners;
  • Evaluate scientific and legal principles and procedures for identifying, gathering, examining, preserving, and presenting forensic evidence at various phases during the investigative process.

Employment Potential

Graduates of the program will be qualified to begin their careers in entry‐level positions in law enforcement and many other criminal justice professions. SUNY Ulster’s Criminal Justice graduates are currently pursuing careers with the Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, New York State Police, New York Department of Corrections Services, New York State University Police, New York /New Jersey Port Authority Police, Ulster County Sheriff’s Department, Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Attorney General’s Office, Ulster County Probation Department, and various local police departments, including New York City.

Requirements for Program Entry

High school diploma or equivalent
Satisfactory placement in Entering Student Assessment

Developmental Assistance Available

For students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements or who have other learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster’s Learning Center, The Gary and Janaki Math Center, the Writing Center, the Peer and Friend Tutor Program, and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors.

For More Information

admissions@sunyulster.edu
1‐800‐724‐0833 ext. 5018 or 5022
James Truitt, Chairperson, Criminal Justice and
Human Services
Office: Hardenbergh Hall, HAR 120
Phone: 800:724‐0833, ext. 5156 or 845:687‐5156
E‐mail: truittj@sunyulster.edu

Curriculum

First Semester

Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
CRJ 101 - Criminal Justice System 3 cr.
CRJ 107 - Essential Communications in Criminal Justice 3 cr.
ENG 101 - College English I 3 cr.

 

MAT 098 - Basic Algebra 3 cr. or
  • higher level mathematics elective or
  • BUS 102 - Mathematics for Business and Industry 3 cr.

     

    SOC 101 - Principles of Sociology 3 cr.
    LIB 111 - Information Literacy 1 cr.

    Semester Credits 16

    Second Semester

    Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
    COM 103 - Oral Communication 3 cr. or
    COM 105 - Public Speaking 3 cr.

     

    CRJ 215 - Constitutional Criminal Procedure 3 cr.
    CRJ 218 - Scientific and Legal Aspects of Investigation 3 cr. *
    CRJ 219 - Criminal Justice Administration 3 cr.
    ENG 102 - College English II 3 cr.

    Semester Credits 15

    Third Semester

    Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
    CRJ 201 - Criminal Law 3 cr.

     

    CRJ 211 - Terrorism and Homeland Security 3 cr. or
    CRJ 214 - Perspecitves on Police-Community Relations 3 cr.

     

    PSY 101 - General Psychology 3 cr.
  • Elective - HIS or POS Elective 3 cr.
  • Elective - General Elective 3‐4 cr.
  • Semester Credits 15‐16

    Fourth Semester

    Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
    CRJ 231 - Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice 3 cr.
    CRJ 233 - Ethics in Criminal Justice 3 cr.
    CRJ 235 - Juvenile Justice System 3 cr.

     

    CRJ 255 - Criminal Justice Internship 4 cr. or
  • Program Elective - Internship or Program Elective 3‐4 cr.*
  •  

  • Elective - Science Elective 3‐4 cr.
  • Semester Credits 15‐17

    Total Credits 62‐64

    NOTE: Students may elect to focus on forensic investigations through elective choice CRJ 245 - Forensic Photo & Videography 4 cr., PSY 209 - Introduction to Forensic Psychology 3 cr. in conjunction with the required program course *CRJ 218 - Scientific and Legal Aspects of Investigation 3 cr..

    ***Program Elective can be selected from CSC 101, SOC 206, SOC 203, SOC 207, SOC 213, POS 201, PSY 203, PSY 209 and/or any CRJ, ESA, or HUS course.

    Note:

    Through advisement, students will also fulfill General Education Requirements.

    Notes: