Degree Programs

Criminal Justice AS

The Criminal Justice program builds a critical foundation for employment in law enforcement, court systems, and institutional or community–based corrections. A strong base in social and behavioral science curriculum is also provided. The program is devised for students to enter various entry-level fields or to transfer to a four-year institution offering a criminal justice or closely related major if desired.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Identify, understand, and analyze the history, philosophy, and functions of the criminal justice system in American society.
• Identify, understand, and analyze law enforcement's history, philosophy, and functions in American society.
• Identify, understand, and analyze the American correctional system's history, philosophy, and functions, including institutional and community corrections.
• Identify, understand, and analyze the U.S. and N.Y. state penal law, criminal procedures, and policies.
• Identify, understand, and analyze the role of social and behavioral sciences in the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrate and apply effective and professional oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate and understand professionalism as it relates to the criminal justice discipline.
• Apply critical thinking skills to the various aspects of the criminal justice discipline.
• Promote ethical and professional standards and collaborative learning as it relates to the criminal justice discipline.
• Interpret and apply cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion through various techniques as it relates to the criminal justice discipline.

Career Possibilities

Career opportunities will vary, including, but not limited to, local, state, and federal Law Enforcement Officers/Agents (Road Patrol or Custody Divisions), Emergency Communications, Investigators, Court Advocates, Paralegals, Attorneys, Analysts, Diversion Advocates, Correction Officers, Supervisors of Correctional Officers, juvenile detention centers, Victim Advocates, case managers, or Case Counselors and Probation or Parole Officers. Some of the above-referenced positions begin with an A.S. at Cayuga but may require a transfer to a four-year institution for additional education.

NOTE: Civil service exams may be required for criminal justice positions, specific physical requirements, and an extensive background investigation. Additional education and training may be required for certain professions.

Transfer Information

Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution degree program in Criminal Justice or a related degree program should contact their advisor, the Coordinator for Transfer and Articulation in the Centers for Student Engagement and Academic Advisement, or the Criminal Justice Coordinator to plan the most appropriate course sequence for optimal transferability.

It is highly suggested that students who wish to transfer complete their current degree program in its entirety unless they have met with the appropriate staff and a more comprehensive plan is attained.

The criminal justice department offers articulation (transfer) agreements with four-year institutions that include:

• SUNY Oswego for Public Justice (B.A.)
• SUNY Canton for:
  • Criminal Investigation (B. Tech)
  • Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Leadership (B. Tech)
  • Homeland Security (B. Tech)
• Niagara University for Criminology/Criminal Justice (B.S.)
• SUNY Empire (B.A.)

Degree Requirements

The program provides a general insight into the criminal justice system and process. It offers a foundational level of knowledge while allowing the student to explore the discipline’s differing aspects in law, courts, and corrections. If the student chooses, Cayuga offers five specific concentrations (optional) that will immerse the student in courses designed for destined positions in law enforcement, homeland security, juvenile justice, crime analyst/intelligence, or probation assistant.

The curriculum listed on this page represents the minimum coursework required for the AS degree in Criminal Justice. The Chair of the Division of Behavioral/Social Sciences, Business, Criminal Justice, Teacher Education, and Physical Education/Health must approve any major course exceptions.

The candidate for the AS in Criminal Justice program must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of all required credits (61-62 total)
• A cumulative average of no less than 2.0