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Criminal Justice, AS (Online)

Public Administration Department

Office of Academic Affairs » Academic Schools » School of Business » Public Administration » Criminal Justice, AS (Online)

Program Overview

Change the System—100% Online

Do you want to help make the world a fairer place? Whether you want to go to law school or help change the justice system from the inside, our Associate of Science (A.S.) in Criminal Justice is now available 100% online. This program gives you the skills to understand how laws are made and how they affect people here and across the globe. You get the same powerful education as our on-campus students, with the freedom to study whenever you have the time.

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

Major

Description

Is Criminal Justice for You?

Do you ever wonder how the justice system really works? Are you passionate about fairness, safety, and making your neighborhood better? If so, this degree is for you!

In this program, you will learn about the laws and rules that keep our society safe. You won’t just memorize facts; you will learn how to solve problems and make honest, tough decisions that change lives.

What You Will Explore:

  • The Big Picture: Learn how all the pieces of the system fit together—from the police and the courts to the government offices that make the rules.
  • The Legal Side: Get a strong start in understanding criminal law and how it works in New York State.
  • Community Impact: Discover how the police and neighborhoods can work together to build trust and keep everyone safe.
  • Real-World Skills: You will learn how to handle real-life cases. Even though you are online, we help you find ways to get “into the action” through internships and projects that give you real experience.

Where Can This Degree Take You?

This degree is your first step toward a career that really matters. It opens doors to jobs like:

  • Police Officer or Parole Officer
  • Court Administrator
  • Policy Analyst (someone who helps change laws)
  • Law School (after you finish your Bachelor’s degree)

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