Criminal Justice

Division of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Associate Dean: Deborah Beall

This program provides a core of criminal justice courses meshed with a sound liberal arts foundation designed for students planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs in the criminal justice field. Students will be prepared for future leadership positions in criminal justice. They will learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop a sound ethical base for decision making.

Students in this program must meet 7 of the 10 SUNY Knowledge and Skills areas, 2 core competencies (Critical Thinking and Information Literacy), and have 30 SUNY General Education credits. Please note that of the 7 Knowledge and Skills areas, the following 4 are required: Communication-Written and Oral; Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning; Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning; and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice. For more information on the SUNY General Education requirements please see General Education Requirements.

Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system, causes of criminal conduct, and responses to criminal behavior;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the evolution of criminal law and an understanding of the values and ethics essential to the administration of justice.
• Students will be practiced in social science research methods and skilled in preparing research proposals and will demonstrate an awareness of our pluralistic society to foster understanding and tolerance.

High school or equivalent preparation required. Strong communication and computation skills are recommended.