What You Will Learn
The Criminal Justice-Justice Studies program provides students with a solid background in the criminal justice system plus a strong foundation in several types of law. CCM students study justice programs within the criminal, civil and family court systems, plus how cases are investigated and prepared, negotiated and taken to court.
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program in Criminal Justice-Justice Studies is designed for students who seek a career in the legal profession as the curriculum provides a foundation in law, litigation procedures, and places a strong emphasis on legal ethics. Students are specifically trained to help attorneys prepare legal cases and manage law offices. Graduates gain extensive knowledge in research, legal writing, preparing a case and litigation procedures and can put these skills to immediate use in their legal career.
Some of our students join us right after high school, while others begin at CCM after taking a few years off or taking time planning a career change. Many of our students in the Criminal Justice-Justice Studies program are studying to become paralegals or legal assistants. Some may move on to work in the judiciary system or other law-related careers. Other graduates complete this program as the first step in their path to law school.
Curriculum
Our Criminal Justice-Justice Studies program features a 29-credit core, including courses such as Criminal Law and Procedure, Criminal Justice System, Fundamentals of Law, etc. plus a 31+credit general education foundation – meeting the demand of industry.
Learn a foundation in the law, litigation and procedures with a strong emphasis on legal ethics. Students are specifically trained to work with attorneys in preparation of legal cases and law office management.
Graduates gain extensive knowledge in research, legal writing, preparing a case and litigation procedures and can put these skills to immediate use in their legal system career.
Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of around 5% for various careers students may pursue with a degree in Criminal Justice-Justice Studies.
- Attorney
- Case Manager
- Claims Examiner
- Clerk of the Court
- Correctional Officer and Bailiff
- Court Investigator
- Court Staff Member
- Detective/Investigator
- Equal Opportunity Compliance Investigator
- Foreclosure Processor
- Human Relations Specialist
- Legal Assistant / Paralegal
- Legal Research Specialist
- Legislative Analyst
- Probation Officer
- Project Manager
Why Study Justice Studies at CCM?
Over two million attorneys in the United States, including 98,000 in New Jersey. Our state ranks sixth out of 51 judicial jurisdictions in the country, and Morris County is home to the third highest number of attorneys in the state with over 3,000 attorneys in our county! This provides numerous employment opportunities for students during their studies and then after graduation. The program is available on campus and online allowing students to study while still employed or caring for family members.
The program is available on campus and online, allowing students to study while still employed or caring for family members.
Internship experiences and job search support are facilitated through our Office of Career and Transfer Services, where you can also learn how to build a resume, and receive the tools to help you with interviewing skills to succeed! Click here to learn more about Career Services.
Justice Studies students frequently transfer to the following colleges and universities.
In-State:
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
- Rutgers University – Newark
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Stockton University
- William Paterson University
Out of State:
- Appalachian State University
- Arizona State University
- East Stroudsburg University
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Liberty University
- West Virginia University
- Wilkes University
Visit our Transfer Services page for more information.
Paying for Your Criminal Justice Education
Earning an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice-Justice Studies 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?
There’s good news: 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
Litigation Procedures
This course is an introduction to the legal system with a focus on the New Jersey Court System. A review of substantive areas of law and application of procedural concepts from initiation of a lawsuit through entry of judgment will be undertaken. The course will also address the process of client interviewing, investigation, drafting of pleadings and other documents, and preparation for trial
Fundamentals of Law
Fundamentals of Law is an introduction to the court system and the principles of substantive law in the field of contracts, torts, property, and family law.
Criminal Justice System
A study of the overall system of criminal justice from its early historical development to its evolution within the United States. Identification of various sub-enforcement, courts and corrections; their role expectations and systems and components – law interrelationships; and basic premises of crime, punishment and rehabilitation
