Hegis # 5505
Program Description
The mission of the SUNY Orange Department of Criminal Justice is to provide qualitative educational programs in the areas of Law, Justice, Corrections and Law Enforcement. Through this programming, our students develop skills and knowledge that prepares them to continue their education and/or to pursue entry level careers in the field of criminal justice.
The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Criminal Justice prepares students to continue their education in four-year degree programs in criminal justice or related liberal arts areas of study. These may include forensic psychology, public administration, sociology, cyber security, criminology and pre-law. The A.S. degree in Criminal Justice is designed to facilitate the acquisition of the technological and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in the criminal justice field. Graduates of this program will have both a general educational background as well as the criminal justice insight needed to pursue careers within the justice system.
This degree program is reviewed regularly to ensure that the course content reflects contemporary issues facing the criminal justice system (e.g. homeland security, terrorism, cyber security, technological advancements, diversity and ethics) and explores criminal justice topics such as the nature and extent of crime, public policy implications related to justice, racial and ethnic profiling, crime scene processing, law enforcement technology and terrorism. Moreover, there are courses devoted to the treatment of adult and juvenile offenders as well as an internship program where students are afforded the opportunity to utilize their newly acquired skills and knowledge in an actual criminal justice environment. The A.S. in Criminal Justice provides students with a solid foundation from which to continue their education as well as pursue a rewarding career.
This degree has been approved by SUNY and NYS Education Department for online distance learning delivery. This does not mean that SUNY Orange offers every course in the program online; however, many are offered in this format. Please check the current credit course schedule for online DL virtual course listings offered each semester.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of these programs, students will demonstrate:
- an understanding of the components and functions of the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections)
- an understanding of the common concepts relevant to the criminal justice system and be able to assess and discuss these concepts
- an understanding of our legal system, constitutional law, procedural law and substantive law
- an understanding of the importance of diversity and ethics and their impact and relevancy within the criminal justice system
- effective oral and written communication skills
Admission Criteria
Admission to these programs requires that students be high school graduates or have high school equivalency diplomas (HSEs). If students are not high school graduates they may be eligible for admission to the college’s 24 credit hour program. If students are home schooled, they may be eligible for admission.
Transfer Options
SUNY Orange has special relationships with upper-level colleges and universities for transfer. In addition to all schools within the SUNY system, these institutions include:
- Alfred University
- Berkley College
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Marist College
- Mount St. Mary College
- Pace University
- St. Thomas Aquinas
- St John’s University
Your Career Coach
Career opportunities exist in the following fields:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
- park police
- postal inspector
- secret service agent
- secret service uniformed
- deputy sheriff
- state police/trooper
- police officer
- district attorney
- defense counsel
- corrections officer
- forensics specialist
- court clerk
- judge
