Criminal Justice (MassTransfer)

  • Overview

Provides a broad education in the administration, operations and objectives of the criminal justice system and its component parts: police, courts, and corrections. The CJC major is designed for students who wish to transfer to a Baccalaureate program within the Massachusetts public education system.

What You'll StudyCourse Sequencing
CJC
Curriculum Documents

To plan degree completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

This is just one way you might complete the Criminal Justice (MassTransfer) program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information, download the Criminal Justice (MassTransfer) program description from our official academic catalog.

Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

CRJ 101
CRJ 103
ENG Comp. I
PSY 101
Humanities elective

CRJ 105
CRJ 121
ENG Comp. II
SOC 101
Humanities elective
MAT 117 or 107

CRJ 109
POL 101
Science elective
PCS 101, 131, or 141
CRJ elective

CRJ 107
CRJ elective
Humanities elective
Science elective
SOC 201

Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

CRJ 101
CRJ 103
ENG Comp. I

PSY 101
ENG Comp. II
MAT 117

CRJ 105
CRJ 121
Humanities elective

CRJ 109
SOC 101
Humanities elective

Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

POL 101
SOC 201
Humanities elective

CRJ 107
PCS 101 or 141

CRJ elective
Science elective

CRJ elective
Science elective

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to:
  • Appreciate Diverse Perspectives and Approach/Solve Problems Collaboratively
    • Define prejudice, racism/discrimination and stereotyping; discuss how and where these concepts are "institutionalized" in the criminal justice system
    • Apply legal concepts through the broad lens of "substantively just outcomes" in an empathetic as opposed to punitive manner
    • Create partnerships with allied agencies as well as community stakeholders cultivating mutual trust and a free exchange of ideas
  • Use Reason, and Act Ethically
    • Describe personal and professional ethics
    • Explain the connection between ethics and professional credibility
    • Define "discretion" in criminal justice decision-making and apply it in real world situations
  • Demonstrate Civic Knowledge and Engagement
    • Explain the "balance" between enforcement of laws and discretion with serving community needs and safeguarding individual rights
    • Explain the importance of collecting and analyzing factual information, and conveying information to allied agencies without labeling, stereotyping or generalizing
  • Use Various Sources of Information
    • Recognize the sources of data and information
    • Define/understand the importance of data analytics
    • Demonstrate the importance and use of the physical and natural sciences in fact finding processes of criminal justice- both for proof of culpability or exoneration
  • Think Critically and Creatively
    • Objectively analyze facts and information
    • Extrapolate ideas and concepts to construct an acceptable narrative of events and present data and conclusions in a logical order
    • Integrate and synthesize facts with academic knowledge and experience within a context that acknowledges socio-economic, racial, gender and other aspects of diversity

What's Next

Transfer into a Baccalaureate program or enter into any of several careers within the criminal justice system, including police work, correctional work, the law, or social work.