Criminal Justice Concentration
Program Description
The Criminal Justice Concentration within the Associate in Science in Behavioral Science and Public Service is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
This concentration provides a foundation in the structure and function of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students examine issues such as crime, ethics, public policy, constitutional rights, and the social factors that influence justice systems. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, research, communication, and the analysis of contemporary criminal justice challenges.
The program combines a strong social science foundation with focused study in criminal justice to prepare students for upper-level academic work and careers in public service.
Transfer Information
The Criminal Justice concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice and related disciplines such as criminology, homeland security, forensic studies, public administration, and law.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure their coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early planning is recommended, particularly for students considering law school or specialized public safety programs.
Career Information
The A.S. in Behavioral Science and Public Service – Criminal Justice Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is often required for advancement in many criminal justice fields, and some roles require additional training or academy certification.
With further education or specialized training, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Federal or State Investigator
- Homeland Security Professional
- Legal or Court System Professional
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services as they explore long-term academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research criminal justice pathways and related professions.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar 1 | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| CRIM 150 | The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| FRSC 105 | Forensic Science | 4 |
| CRIM 152 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| CRIM 236 | Criminology | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| CRIM 254 or CRIM 255 | Constitutional Law and Rules of Evidence or Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| POLI 161 or POLI 162 | American Federal Government or American State and Local Government | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CRIM 155 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| CRIM 280 or CRIM 281 | Criminal Investigation or Criminal Investigation Theory | 4 |
| SOCI 231 or SOCI 238 | Social Problems or Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| Electives to meet 60 credits | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
- 1
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available.
- 2
Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take additional credits in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.