Legal Studies: Criminal Justice

MassBay’s Associate Degree in Criminal Justice prepares you to work in law enforcement fields or to transfer to a four-year institution.

About the Program

MassBay’s Criminal Justice Program combines professional coursework and a broad background in liberal arts to prepare you for a career in various areas of the criminal justice system including law enforcement, corrections, private security, or to transfer and succeed at the baccalaureate level.

Program Learning Outcome for Criminal Justice Associate Degree

Successful graduates of the program will be able to:

Explain criminal justice practices and their applicable laws;
Summarize the meaning and application of legal concepts such as due process, probable cause, and cruel and unusual punishment;
Differentiate between primary theories concerning the criminal mind;
Employ best practice knowledge and skills needed to work professionally with all populations within the criminal justice system;
Assess and compare the many career and additional educational opportunities available to the Criminal Justice graduate;
Use a variety of mathematical tools and quantitative reasoning to solve problems and analyze challenges;
Understand and use appropriately a variety of technological tools;
Use scientific knowledge and methodology to test, validate, and update their knowledge about the natural world.

Career and Transfer Outlook

With an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, you can begin a career in various aspects of law enforcement, such as federal or state policing, corrections and probation, juvenile justice, and victim advocacy. You can work for a federal or state agency, police force, or in public interest.

MassBay’s Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice qualifies as an Alternative Transfer Agreement (MassTransfer) with select public institutions in Massachusetts.

For transfer information visit:

Info for Transfer Students