Justice Studies - Criminal Justice Programs

Criminal Justice is much more than the police, corrections, and the courts. It is a complete system that is interrelated and complex. The policing aspect of the system deals with the prevention of crime and disorder, as well as the detection and apprehension of law breakers. It also includes the custodial aspects of justice before, during, and after the trial process. These actions are supported by a legal system of laws and regulations. The criminal justice system also touches on issues of social justice and social welfare, addressing the causes and impacts of crime.

The College considers students for admission to degree and certificate programs on the basis of future potential, the motivation and interest to succeed in a chosen profession, and past academic achievement.

Graduation from high school or the equivalent is a basic requirement for admission to degree and certificate programs. In evaluating candidates, the Committee on Admissions takes into consideration your individual interests, your motivation to succeed in a chosen profession, and prior academic achievement. Basic requirements for admission include graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent and an entrance exam or SAT/ACT scores. Applicants to some programs offered within the School of Health Studies may have additional requirements, including successful completion of the HESI® Admission Assessment (A2) with Critical Thinking entrance examination. Documentation of successful completion of high school or the equivalent must be submitted to the College prior to starting classes.

A personal interview is strongly recommended. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Admissions at the campus of their choice to arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Associate. For further information, students may also call the College at 866-317-6087 or email info@BerkeleyCollege.edu.

Berkeley maintains a rolling admissions policy, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applicants will be notified of a decision as soon as all credentials have been evaluated. Certain programs may have specific application deadline requirements. 

For further questions about the enrollment process, schedule an appointment with an associate.

Justice Studies – Criminal Justice programs at Berkeley College offer students the opportunity to gain a practical mastery of the foundations of criminal justice. This includes examining the causes of crime, the role of police, criminal law, and forensic science. These courses are taught by professors with real-life experience in the field.

At Berkeley College, our career-focused curricula are designed with job preparation and career success in mind. Our BS in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice program offers concentrations for students. By working with professional advisory boards, these concentrations provide recommended elective courses that complement the program curricula and help develop the relevant, in-demand career skills sets that employers look for when hiring graduates or promoting employees. These in-demand concentrations include:

• Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Forensics
• Cyber Security
• Homeland Security
• Investigations & Security
• Police Studies
• Pre-Law
• Social Justice
• Social Welfare

Berkeley College’s Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree programs in Justice Studies - Criminal Justice provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the criminal justice field. Graduates are armed with skill sets through a combination of knowledge gained in the classroom and hands-on instruction from faculty with professional experience. After learning these skill sets, graduates are prepared to enter a variety of professional careers in a wide range of organizations. Students take courses that focus on the theoretical, practical, technological, and management skills required for success in the field of criminal justice. Program-related group excursions and guest speakers from various areas of criminal justice are also an important part of the career-focused program.

The concentration in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Forensics is ideal for students who:

• Want to obtain knowledge and an overview of crime scene investigation and forensic analysis.
• Are interested in entry-level forensic science jobs/positions that combine the work of many fields, including chemical and biological analysis, crime scene investigation, laboratory technician work, and medical examination.

The concentration in Cyber Security is ideal for students who:

• Want to develop competency and practical knowledge, enabling them to work with various issues related to cybercrime and cyber security
• Are interested in practical digital investigative knowledge, legal practices, and policies related to cyber security
• Desire a critical understanding of the technological needs, threats, and weaknesses in cybersecurity
• Wish to obtain an entry level position for a rapidly growing and in-demand field with unlimited potential

The concentration in Homeland Security is ideal for students who are:

• Are considering the first step toward a career in federal government, emergency preparedness, policing or security
• Are interested in the theoretical and practical contemporary issues related to Homeland Security
• Are currently working as first responder (i.e. EMS, fire fighter, etc.)
• Wish to apply for a wide range of positions within the federal and local government

The concentration in Investigations and Security is ideal for students who:

• Want to develop competency and practical knowledge to enable them to work with various issues related to criminal and civil investigations
• Seek an opportunity to learn the principles and theories associated with all aspects of security, ranging from international security to physical security
• Are interested in advancing their current career by acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to address the continuously changing needs of today’s security requirements

The concentration in Police Studies is ideal for students who are:

• Are exploring a career in law enforcement
• Are passionate about community service and public safety
• Wish to make a positive impact on their community
• Are currently in law enforcement or public safety and seeking opportunities for advancement

The concentration in Pre-Law is ideal for students who:

• Are interested in exploring legal careers in the criminal justice field by developing basic legal knowledge and skills.
• Are interested in exploring a law degree upon graduation.
• Career paths for a Pre-Law Concentration include government and public service focused on legal compliance, criminal investigations, criminal defense, and policy analysis, and jobs in the private sector such as corporate compliance.
• Please note, while the Pre-Law concentration provides a solid introductory foundation to the law, it is not meant to be comprehensive. Berkeley offers an associate and bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies for students interested in detailed legal instruction needed to become a paralegal or prepare for a law school curriculum.

The concentration in Social Justice is ideal for students who:

• Desire a broad background in the discipline by focusing their coursework on the substantive topics of social change, social inequality, and social justice
• Are interested in a wide range of careers, such as: civil rights, gender-based violence, immigration; public policy and public issues concerning marginalized populations
• Recognize that equal access to life-sustaining resources, such as a clean environment, education, employment, healthcare, food, legal protection from discrimination, and economic opportunity is vital to society

The concentration in Social Welfare is ideal for students who:

• Are passionate about working with vulnerable populations, transforming individual lives and helping children and families to thrive
• Wish to develop an understanding of the impact of trauma, poverty, and substance abuse on society
• Want to comprehend the underlying systemic issues related to disproportionality and disparities faced by communities

The Criminal Justice-Justice Studies BS and AAS degree programs are offered by Berkeley College New Jersey and Berkeley College New York. The Criminal Justice-Justice Studies program courses are offered online and at various campuses as identified in the Course Schedule for each semester.

Graduates of the Justice Studies – Criminal Justice program are prepared to enter and succeed in a variety of professional occupations and field within the criminal justice system, including:

• Federal Law Enforcement Officers
• State Police Officers
• Sheriffs Deputies  
• Police Officers
• Prosecutors Office Investigators
• Detectives
• Corrections Officers
• Parole Officers
• Correctional treatment specialists
• Probation Officers
• Intelligence Analysts
• Social Justice Advocates
• Social Welfare
• Private Security Management