Criminal Justice, AS
Public Administration Department
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.
HEGIS Code: 5508.00
NYSED Program Code: 42231 – CRIMJUS-AS
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!
Student
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
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Explain the Structure and Functions of the Criminal Justice System:
Students will be able to describe the roles, processes, and interrelationships of the major components of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, at the local, state, and introductory global levels. -
Apply Foundational Legal, Ethical, and Policy Concepts: Students will be able to apply basic principles of criminal law, public policy, and ethics to analyze issues related to justice, fairness, public safety, and community impact. -
Demonstrate Professional and Applied Skills in Criminal Justice Contexts:
Students will be able to demonstrate essential workplace competencies—including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital literacy—through coursework and experiential learning such as internships or case-based applications. -
Prepare for Transfer and Career Pathways in Public Service: Students will be able to demonstrate the foundational knowledge, academic skills, and applied experiences necessary for successful transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in public administration, criminal justice, or related public service fields.
Major
Requirements
As part of your degree, you must fulfill the CUNY Pathways general education requirements, which consist of the Common Core (Required and Flexible) and the Medgar Evers College Option. These courses provide the essential quantitative, scientific, and socio-cultural literacy that complements your technical training.
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, PA 150
- Justice System: PA 235
- Public Policy: PA 211, PA 225, PA 275
- Foundational Skills: FS 101, LIB 100, CIS 101
- Internship: PA 290
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!
Flexible Learning Options
This program offers the same rigorous curriculum in two formats to fit your schedule:
- On-Campus: Traditional classroom experience.
- 100% Online: Fully asynchronous or synchronous remote learning for maximum flexibility.
- Note: Degree requirements and learning outcomes are identical for both tracks.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions regarding the Department of Public Administration or need assistance navigating the application process, please reach out to our department office.
Chairperson: Wallace Ford II | wford@mec.cuny.edu
Phone: 718 270-5067 Fax: 718 270-5181
Location: 1650 Bedford Avenue, B-2015 F