Criminal Justice (A.S.)

The Criminal Justice (CRJ) program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) 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.