Criminal Justice, A.S.

The Criminal Justice Associate in Science degree program focuses on individuals who may elect to enter the criminal justice profession, professionals already employed in the field that wish to advance their careers, and students that want to continue their education at the baccalaureate level.

The program provides an interdisciplinary field of study that examines all facets of the criminal justice system, from law enforcement with an emphasis on community policing, to the courts and correctional theories. Career choices may include the fields of law enforcement, court support services, probation, corrections, parole, victim and other human related services.

CSCU Pathway Transfer Degree in Criminology Studies A.A. also available. For more information, visit http://www.ct.edu/transfer or consult the Counseling Office at 860-906-5040.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon completion of the program, the student should be able to:
2. Explain the roles and functions of the criminal-justice system and its subordinate agencies in a democratic society
3. Summarize theories of the nature of crime, the causes of criminal behavior and the methods of treating and preventing crime
4. Apply constitutional principles that protect the rights of citizens and regulate criminal-justice agencies
5. Research current criminal justice topics and issues and apply them to operational activities
6. Demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to the moral, ethical, and legal obligations of criminal justice professionals
7. Explain the basic principles of human dignity, human rights, and multiculturalism; and demonstrate a personal commitment to the advancement of these principles
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the different agencies in the criminal justice system and their relationships with community-based services

Further, program graduates will possess the following skills to facilitate the fair and effective operation of the criminal justice system:

1. Express ideas effectively, ethically and responsibly through written and oral communication
2. Comprehend information presented in written or spoken form
3. Utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills to formulate, present, and defend logical arguments
4. Understand and apply mathematical and scientific reasoning in solving problems
5. Work effectively as a team member to achieve a common goal while exhibiting integrity and character
6. Utilize criminal statutes, their application and enforcement in conjunction with investigative procedures and techniques
7. Demonstrate civic responsibility, appreciate the value of diversity, commit to life-long learning and be willing to support positive change to solve current social problems
8. Have the knowledge and skills to obtain entry-level employment in the criminal justice field, and/or gain admission to a criminal justice program at a four-year institution

Please see Becoming Connecticut State Community College  for important information regarding this program and Fall 2023 opening of Connecticut State Community College.