Dual-Joint A.S./B.A. Degree Program in Criminal Justice

Queensborough Community College/CUNY and John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY

The Dual-Joint A.S./B.A. degree program in Criminal Justice will provide students with the opportunity to complete the first two years of study toward an A.S. degree in Criminal Justice at Queensborough Community College in a manner that will permit a smooth and seamless transition to John Jay College where they will complete their third and fourth year of study culminating in a B.A. degree.

This program will allow students to complete the A.S. degree at Queensborough by taking 60 credits of coursework of which 45 credits will transfer directly into John Jay's General Education Core Requirements with the remaining 15 credits applying to the discipline-specific requirements in their Criminal Justice program.

Dual-Joint A.S./B.A. in Criminal Justice Program at Queensborough Community College and John Jay College

Curricular Objectives

  1. Students will meet the requirements for transfer to their junior year of study in criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
  2. Students will demonstrate competency in the core areas of the criminal justice major.
  3. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in regard to issues in the field of criminal justice.
  4. Students will use historical and social sciences perspectives to analyze and make judgments about issues in the field of criminal justice.
  5. Students will differentiate and make informed decisions about issues in the field of criminal justice.
  6. Students will communicate effectively about issues in the field of criminal justice as demonstrated by their reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  7. Students will integrate knowledge and skills in regard to issues in the field of criminal justice.

Employment In Criminal Justice

The field of criminal justice is rapidly growing.  In both public and private sectors there are expanding job opportunities for individuals with a background in criminal justice. Some areas in which employment opportunities are available include law enforcement, corrections, courts services, and security.

Nationwide and statewide data and projections for jobs related to criminal justice indicate a robust employment picture with projected strong growth in both private and public sectors. The table below summarizes projected increases nationwide through 2012 for several occupations.

statewide and nationwide data for criminal justice degree candidates
Job Classification Projected Increase
Probation Officers and Correctional
Treatment Specialists
14.7
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators 13.7
Legal Support Workers 18.7
Paralegals and Legal Assistants 28.7
Court Reporters 12.7
Protective Service Occupations 24.7
Law Enforcement Workers 23.9
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Projected job growth to 2014 and current median annual salaries for select occupations in New York State are summarized in the table below. Projected increase categories are based on the expected number of new job openings and expected rate of growth.

projected growth for the criminal justice program
Job Classification Projected Increase Median Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants very favorable $50,400
Detectives and Criminal Investigators very favorable $63,300
Legal Support Workers favorable $43,900
Source: New York State Department of Labor

Course Sample

A four-semester sample sequence of courses that would satisfy the requirements of the proposed degree program is outlined below:

Semester 1

Course Credits
EN101 English Composition I 3
HI110 Ancient Civilization 3
SOCY101 Sociology 3
MA120 Foundations of Mathematics 3
CRIM101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
Sub-total 15

Semester 2

Course Credits
EN102 English Composition II 3
Foreign Language 3-4
Physical Education 1
MA440 Pre-calculus Mathematics 4
CRIM102 Criminology 3
Sub-total 14-15

Semester 3

Course Credits
PHIL101 Philosophy 3
Foreign Language 3-4
SOCY240 Racial & Ethnic Relations 3
PLSC101 American Gov’t and Politics 3
CRIM202 Corrections and Sentencing 3
Sub-total 15-16

Semester 4

Course Credits
Lab Science 4
SP211 Speech Communication 3
CRIM203 Criminal Law 3
CRIM201 Policing or CRIM204 Crime and Justice in the Urban Community 3
Free Elective 1-3
Sub-total 14-16

Total credits required for the A.S. in Criminal Justice 60

Graduation Requirements

Students must file a graduation petition with the Registrar in order to graduate during their final semester of study.  The Registrar conducts an audit to verify that all requirements for the degree have been met.  Students receive written confirmation of satisfactory completion of all requirements or a list of deficiencies the need to be completed for graduation.

  • Students must complete all credit and course requirements for the A.S. degree.
  • Students must attain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 in all courses applicable toward the degree.
  • If students were placed in remedial courses, they must pass the CUNY exit-from-remediation exams.
  • Students in associate degree programs must pass the CUNY Proficiency Examination.
  • Students must complete a minimum residency degree requirement of 30 credits for the associate degree.
  • Students must complete two credit-bearing Writing Intensive classes to receive the associate degree.

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.