Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement option
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
Program Website
Business, Technology, and
Professional Studies Division

609.570.3482

The Law Enforcement option of the Criminal Justice program caters to the professional and educational needs of students interested in careers in law enforcement and of current law enforcement personnel who desire to increase their proficiency or to improve their professional career opportunities.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Discuss the history and philosophy of the components of the criminal justice system;
  • Describe the formal and informal political and community structures that affect criminal justice agencies;
  • Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of management and administration employed in various police agencies;
  • Discuss the roles of various criminal justice professionals.

Although some of the coursework is presented during the day, the complete option requires some evening attendance. The option may be pursued either full-time or part-time. During the sophomore year, cooperative education is available for students interested in the realistic application of law enforcement and criminal justice theory to the criminal justice system.

Admission to Law Enforcement requires a high school diploma or equivalent and English competency as demonstrated by placement testing. Graduates of the Basic Course for Police Officers may receive 12 credits of advanced standing in the Law Enforcement option.

Applicants should be aware that institutions, agencies, and offices of the criminal justice system establish mental, physical, and character requirements. Persons interested in this option are advised to gain an awareness of the specific requirements for their desired work setting.

Graduates of this option have secured positions with city, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as well as private security organizations. Graduates have also gone on to pursue careers in law, criminology, and social welfare.

Students have transferred to various baccalaureate institutions such as The College of New Jersey, Temple University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Rutgers University. Transfer agreements with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey City University, and Richard Stockton College of New Jersey help graduates transfer to those institutions with little or no loss of credit and with full junior status. Students interested in transferring should contact a Criminal Justice program advisor early in their coursework.

SEE ALSO:
Criminal Justice - Corrections option

DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
CRIM.LAW.AS
CIP 430107

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
CRJ 101 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3/0) 3

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

CSW 100 College Success and Personal Wellness (2/0)
  • Some exemptions apply. Consult academic advisor for details.
2
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
HIS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1648 (3/0)  
  OR 3
HIS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1648 (3/0)  
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3/0)  
  OR 3
SOC 107 Social Problems (3/0)  
SECOND SEMESTER
CRJ 102 Police in the Community (3/0) 3

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

CRJ 105 Criminology (3/0) 3
ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
MAT 120 Mathematics for Liberal Arts (3/0)  
  OR 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0)  
HIS  — Historical Perspective general education elective








3
THIRD SEMESTER
CMN 111 Speech: Human Communication (3/0)  

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

  OR 3
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0)  
CRJ 202 Criminal Law (3/0) 3
IST 101 Computer Concepts with Applications (2/2) 3
LEG 256 Career Development for Law and Justice Professionals (1/0) 1
  —    — Lab Science elective
  • Select from BIO 113, CHE 106, PHY 111.
3
  —    — Elective 3
FOURTH SEMESTER
CRJ 206 Police Administration (3/0) 3

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3/0) 3
CRJ  — Criminal Justice elective
  • Select from CRJ 103, 104, 207, 211, 212.
3
POL  — Political Science general education elective 3
  —    — Elective 3
  60