Social Science Division

Social Sciences: Criminal Justice A.A.S.

Bob Moschgat
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Social Science Division
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8430

Assistant Professor Jeffrey Carpenter
Instructor Lynton Clark
Assistant Professor David Higgins
Professor Thomas Lenahan
Instructor Lawrence Snyder
Instructor, Kathleen Stables

Social Science Program
(315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-888-GO-4-HCCC, ext. 8609/8227

Program Summary

The Criminal Justice A.A.S. program is designed to prepare students for careers in criminal justice agencies as paraprofessionals in law enforcement, criminal investigation, probation, parole and similar fields. A three-credit internship experience is designed to integrate the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with the practical knowledge of working in the field. Graduates are prepared to:

• Effectively engage in proactive approaches to deter crime and to investigate and apprehend those who break the law.
• Participate in the field of corrections in the areas of detention, supervision, administration and rehabilitation of incarcerated persons or those who obtain alternatives to incarceration.

• Contribute to the criminal justice system as professionals in Federal and State courts.
• Successfully perform operations necessary to ensure security in both the private and public sector.
• Demonstrate an understanding of police ethics and how to resolve issues of an ethical nature.
• Demonstrate an understanding of our correctional system, the concepts of probation and parole, the nature of punishment and trends in corrections.

Program of Study at Herkimer

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Substantive Law
• Introduction to Private Security
• Introductory Psychology
• Introductory Sociology
• Introduction to Corrections
• Ethics and Criminal Justice
• Juvenile Delinquency
• American Minorities
• Constitutional Law/Individual Rights
• Criminal Procedure Law
• Criminology
• Probation and Parole
• Criminal Justice Practicum
• Science
• English
• Mathematics
• Physical Education Activity

Click Criminal Justice A.A.S. for the current program of study page.

Skill Requirements

Students interested in pursuing the study of Criminal Justice should have a strong interest in Criminal Justice, social justice, and a desire to work in law enforcement or private sector security.  Students should enjoy working with people and meeting the public. Good written and verbal communication skills are also important.

Nature of the Work

Graduates find employment as police officers, criminal investigators, IRS agents, customs agents, park rangers, environmental conservation officers, state troopers, corrections officers, corrections counselors, bailiffs, court administrators, criminalists, alarm investigators, credit investigators, security detectives and loss prevention specialists.
While not designed as a transfer program, many of our graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities such as SUC at Brockport, SUC at Oswego, SUNY Albany, SUC at Plattsburgh, SUC at Oneonta, SUNY Institute of Technology and Utica College.

Job Outlook

Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. A more security-conscious society and concern about drug-related crimes should contribute to the increasing demand for police services. Entry-level salaries are between $30,000 – $60,000 depending on size and location of agency.