Students pursuing careers in law enforcement and public safety now have both two- and four-year degree options at Alfred State, with the recent addition of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice. Classes for this new major begin in the fall 2017 semester.
The program provides graduates a solid foundation in the field of criminal justice, both its essential components and emerging areas, with a focus on leadership and applied learning. With strong preparation in conceptual knowledge, students gain practical experience in criminal justice, including the opportunity to complete either an internship or a lab-based criminal investigation course in their final semester.
The BS in criminal justice also provides basic knowledge in such contemporary areas of concern as terrorism, cyber-security and private security administration, and community policing. Furthermore, the program has the flexibility to allow students to include a minor in such areas as information security, leadership, and psychology.
Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the criminal justice job market or pursue advanced education. Employment opportunities exist in law enforcement at the local, county, state and federal levels, and within correctional institutions, parole and probation departments, private security companies, homeland security, military policing and corrections, and police science organizations, among others.
In order to prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers, the program emphasizes several areas within criminal justice, including:
· ethical law enforcement practices
· decision-making
· community relations
· working with diverse populations
· public safety
· criminal justice leadership and administration
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan said, “Alfred State is excited to now offer a four-year degree in criminal justice. This program allows for a natural transition from our two-year Associate in Science criminal justice major, and will well-prepare our students for careers in law enforcement and public safety. I thank everyone involved in the creation of this program.”
Dr. Kristin Poppo, provost, said, “Career opportunities have expanded in criminal justice. Alfred State’s programs provide students the ability to pursue traditional positions in law enforcement, as well as emerging fields such as cyber and homeland security. Alfred State is pleased to offer this new degree program at the associate and bachelor’s level.”
Dr. Robert Curry, dean of the school of Arts and Sciences, said, “We’ve seen a strong demand from students for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, so we are very pleased the new BS program is starting this fall. Given the many career pathways for criminal justice graduates and the number of jobs nationally, we think this will be a strong, successful program.”
Dr. Mark Whitman, program coordinator, said, “The new criminal justice program provides a well-rounded practitioner for private security, public safety, and potentially federal agencies. This program is a blend of new technologies and meeting court standards.”
Alfred State is currently seeking approval to offer the New York State-certified “Basic Course for Police” beginning in the summer of 2018. Graduates of this course, operated as a police academy, earn official certification to begin working as a police officer in New York State.
Students enrolled in the criminal justice Bachelor of Science major can work with their academic adviser to apply up to 12 credits toward required course work and potentially complete the baccalaureate degree in three-and-a-half years after successfully completing the Basic Course.
