Social Science Division

Social Sciences: Criminal Justice A.S.

Bob Moschgat
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Social Science Division
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8430

Assistant Professor Jeffrey Carpenter
Instructor Lynton Clark
Assistant Professor David Higgins
Professor Thomas Lenahan
Instructor Lawrence Snyder
Instructor, Kathleen Stables

Social Science Program
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8609/8227

Program Summary

The Criminal Justice A.S. program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to major in criminal justice and related social science disciplines. Building on a solid foundation of required courses focusing on law, criminology, criminal justice and private security, the curriculum allows students to take elective coursework in such areas as policing, juvenile justice, corrections and security to suit their own professional interests. In addition, students take a variety of courses in such areas as forensic science, math and social science. Graduates are prepared to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical and historical background of the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theories of crime causation.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the penal and procedure laws

Transfer Information

Graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities such as SUC at Brockport, SUC at Oswego, SUNY Albany, SUC at Plattsburgh, SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica College and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Program of Study at Herkimer

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Substantive Law
• Introduction to Private Security
• Introductory Psychology
• Introductory Sociology
• Juvenile Delinquency
• American History
• Laboratory Science
• Criminal Procedure Law
• Criminology
• Probation and Parole
• Criminal Justice Practicum
• Introduction to Technical Writing
• Alternative Justice
• English
• Mathematics
• Physical Education Activity

Click Criminal Justice A.S. for the current program of study page.

Skill Requirements

Students interested in pursuing the study of Criminal Justice should have a strong interest in Criminal Justice, social justice, and a desire to work in law enforcement or private sector security.  Students should enjoy working with people and meeting the public. Good written and verbal communication skills are also important.

Nature of the Work

Graduates find employment as police officers, criminal investigators, IRS agents, customs agents, park rangers, environmental conservation officers, state troopers, corrections officers, corrections counselors, bailiffs, court administrators, criminalists, alarm investigators, credit investigators, security detectives and loss prevention specialists.
Designed as a transfer program, many of our graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities such as SUC at Brockport, SUC at Oswego, SUNY Albany, SUC at Plattsburgh, SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica College and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Job Outlook

Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. A more security-conscious society and concern about drug-related crimes should contribute to the increasing demand for police services. Entry-level salaries are between $30,000 – $60,000 depending on size and location of agency.