Criminal Justice (A.S.)

Close up of yellow crime scene tape

Program Overview

The Criminal Justice is approved through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

Criminal Justice (A.S.)

The Criminal Justice (CRJ) program at ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ All Rights Reserved (ºìÐÓÖ±²¥) offers students opportunities for career preparation in criminal justice agencies as well as for transfer to various bachelor's degree programs. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach that examines all facets of the criminal justice discipline: law enforcement and community relations, the court system, delinquency, substance abuse/use, investigations, and corrections. The curriculum blends a strong liberal arts academic base balanced with discipline specific courses focused on the framework of the administration of justice. The associate degree program lays the foundation for a four-year degree in a related field. For those already employed in the criminal justice discipline, our goal is to enhance knowledge and skills necessary for career advancement, strengthen oral and written communication skills, and provide opportunities to engage in the understanding of multicultural issues necessary for working in the service oriented professions.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

  • Use effective verbal, nonverbal, written communication, and problem solving techniques;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and the commitment to ethical standards in the criminal justice discipline;
  • Describe the functions and interrelationships of the major components of the criminal justice system;
  • Explain and illustrate the diversity of viewpoints and experiences within society;
  • Identify various social problems, develop a problem-solving approach, and evaluate effective and appropriate responses; and
  • Apply the constitutional principles that embody the rights of citizens and that regulate criminal justice entities.

Transfer Agreements

Contact Us

Reena Bucknell, Program Advisor
rbucknell@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4551


Detective and Criminal Investigator Wages in MA*

  • Median hourly wage: $54.08
  • Annual mean wage: $108,790

*Source:

Testimonial

Some of the best moments of my Undergraduate career took place at Berkshire Community College. While there, I was enrolled as a Criminal Justice major which inspired me to journey down a path that has lead me to Western New England School of Law. The classes that I took at ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ more than prepared me for my time at Westfield State University. Professor Bucknell and Professor Kemp provided me with some of the most practical advice I had ever received which helped me get to where I am now. I took every class offered within my major at my time at ºìÐÓÖ±²¥. What I learned during those classes I still use in law school and at my job as a law clerk.

Stephen Hunt, Class of 2019

Stephen Hunt