What You Will Learn
The Criminal Justice program at CCM provides a strong foundation of the nature of crime and deviance and its impact upon society, as well as society’s reaction to this behavior. The ability of police, judicial and correctional agencies to control and respond to crime is inherently related to the human interaction skills of those who staff the system. With coursework in criminology and learning about our country’s laws, procedures and police force, you can confidently pursue a career in law enforcement, correctional services, juvenile justice or private security upon graduation from CCM.
Curriculum
Our Associate of Science (A.S.) in Criminal Justice program features a 29-credit core with courses such as Introduction to Criminology, Criminal Justice System, Careers in Public Safety, and Police and the Community, along with 30+ credits in general education coursework.
- The program is designed for students seeking career-oriented skills and knowledge to immediately begin working in the field upon graduation or earn a degree while employed.
- Internships offer meaningful work experience and networking opportunities!
- Completing the A.S. enables seamless transfer to a four-year college or university if you choose to further your education upon your CCM graduation.
Careers in the Field
An A.S. in criminal justice from CCM gives you a solid foundation to pursue a career as a:
- 911 Dispatcher
- Case Manager
- Corrections Officer
- Director of Operations
- Park Police
- Parole Officer
- Police Officer *
- Private Security
- Probation Officer
- Security Officer
- Sheriff’s Officer
- State and Federal Law Enforcement
* The average Police Officer salary in New Jersey is $70,300 as of April 2024, but the range typically falls between $65,700 and $76,500 (Source: Salary.com)
Why Study Criminal Justice at CCM?
Experienced Faculty
The department’s goal is to give you the academic preparation necessary to be successful in this field. We rely heavily on our experience as professionals to demonstrate the applicability of the material to the real world of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Our full time faculty are retired criminal justice professionals with many years of experience in a variety of different areas and many of our adjuncts are current practitioners.
Transfer Opportunity
This associate degree is readily transferable for you to seamlessly continue your education at a four-year college or university. Many of our graduates choose to do so!
CCM has transfer agreements with the following four-year institutions:
- Rutgers/Newark (classes given on CCM campus)
- Centenary University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Montclair State University
- West Virginia University
- William Paterson University
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice (City University of NY)
Flexible Learning Environment
Courses within this degree program are available on campus during the day and evening, as well as online and in a hybrid format, to provide flexibility in learning to ensure your success.
Be Prepared to Launch Your Career
Some CCM graduates elect to immediately begin employment in the field. The department regularly assists students in the application process for a wide variety of agencies, providing guidance during the application process to gain employment.
Through consultation with CCM faculty you can decide what is the best option for you to achieve your goals!
Paying for Your Criminal Justice Education
Earning an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
- Scholarships! Students in the program may apply for the Morris County Police Chief’s Scholarship, Morris County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Scholarship, the Criminal Justice Community Service Scholarship, the George Turnbull Scholarship or the Kenneth Tomb Criminal Justice Scholarship.
- Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Introduction to Criminology
The study of crime, crime statistics, theories of crime causation, crime typologies, the impact of crime, limits of criminal law, and society’s reactions to criminal behavior.
Fundamentals of Law
An introduction to the court system and the principles of substantive law in the field of contracts, torts, property, and family law.
Introduction to Homeland Security
Learn about the development of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) including its organization and function, as well as an introduction to disaster preparedness, response and recovery. This course also gives a brief overview of international and domestic terrorism, and examines the future of homeland security.
Resources
Your Criminal Justice Faculty Advisor
Broderick, J.D., Catherine
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Chair, Associate Professor
