Criminal Justice, AS

Public Administration Department

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Program Overview

Criminal Justice, AS

If you’re aiming for law school or want to be the one who changes the criminal justice system, this program gives you the critical skills to analyze and shape policy both here in the U.S. and globally.

Degree Designation
AS – Associate in Science
Hours Required
60 credit hours

Major

Description

Do you watch crime shows and think about how the system really works? Are you passionate about fairness, safety, and making your community better? Then a degree in Criminal Justice is for you!

This program is all about understanding the laws, policies, and processes that keep our society safe and just. You won’t just memorize rules; you’ll learn how to analyze problems, manage large public systems, and make ethical decisions that impact real lives.

What You’ll Get to Explore:

  • The Big Picture: You’ll study the different parts of the justice system—from the police and the courts to corrections and government policy.
  • The Legal Side: Get a solid foundation in criminal law and learn how it’s applied in New York State and beyond.
  • Community Impact: Learn about topics like community policing and how public servants work directly with neighborhoods to solve problems and build trust.
  • Real-World Experience: The program focuses on practical skills and includes opportunities like internships that put you right into the action, giving you experience in public administration and real-life case management.

If you are looking for a career that is challenging, vital, and helps people, Criminal Justice opens doors to becoming a police officer, parole officer, court administrator, policy analyst, and more!

Program and Major

Requirements

General Education Requirements (CUNY Common Core & College Option)

These requirements align with the CUNY Common Core and College Option structure:

  • Required Core (12 Credits):
    • English Composition: ENGL 112 and ENGL 150.
    • Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning: 1 course (e.g., MTH 115).
    • Life and Physical Sciences: 1 course (e.g., BIO 101 or PHS 101).
  • Flexible Core (18 Credits – 6 Courses): Complete one course in each of the five areas, plus an additional Flexible Core course in any area. No more than two courses from any one discipline are permitted.
    • World Cultures and Global Issues
    • U.S. Experience in its Diversity
    • Creative Expressions
    • Individual and Society (e.g., ECON 212 or ECON 213)
    • Scientific World (e.g., CIS 101).
  • College Option (9 Credits – 3 Courses):
    • Socio-Cultural and Diversity Cluster III: 1 course (e.g., SOC 202).
    • Integrative Knowledge Cluster IV:
      • Socio-Cultural and Diversity Cluster III
      • Integrative Knowledge Cluster IV (Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Sciences & Mathematics)

Major Requirements

To earn your A.S. in Criminal Justice, you need to complete the following courses. These are the main “ingredients” that will make you an expert in law and public service!

Required Core Courses (10 Total Courses Listed)
You must complete ALL of the following core courses to build your foundation in criminal justice and public administration

  • Introductory Law & Service: PA 103 (Introduction to Public Service and Administration), PA 150 (Introduction to Criminal Law)
  • Justice System: PA 235 (Criminal Justice and Its Processes)
  • Public Policy: PA 211 (NYS and Local Government), PA 225 (Public Policy and Caseload Management)Community RelationsPA 275 (Community Policing)
  • Foundational Skills: FS 101 (Freshman Seminar I), LIB 100 (Library & Research Methods), CIS 101 (Computer Literacy)
  • Internship: PA 290 (Public Administration Internship I)

Degree Map

The A.S. in Criminal Justice is your roadmap to a vital career in public service! The Degree Map (or Course Sequence) below is your ultimate guide, showing you exactly how to fit in all your core classes—like Criminal Law, Community Policing, and your Internship—alongside your General Education courses (like Math and English). Use this map to plan your four years and stay on track to graduation!

4-Year Degree Map

Need More Information

Contact Us

Have questions about the program or need help choosing the right path? Reach out — we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

718.270.5111

Professor Wallace Ford
wford@mec.cuny.edu

1650 Bedford Avenue B-20
Brooklyn, NY 11225