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Criminal Justice

Programs and Classes

Criminal Justice Program

OVERVIEW

The Criminal Justice program at Berkshire Community College 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 4-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.

JOB GROWTH & WAGES

Salary range depends on job status/title/position and location/area. Salaries can range from $49,000–$84,000 with a national average of $62,960 for entry level positions. Anticipated job growth in Probation jobs is 6% through 2026 and anticipated job growth in law enforcement related fields is 7% through 2026.

Course Catalog

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES
  • Police officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Security Officer
  • Victim Assistance case worker
  • Domestic Violence case worker
  • Paralegal
  • Environmental police officer (Fish & Game)
  • Insurance fraud / other investigator
LOCAL EMPLOYERS
  • Berkshire County Municipal Police agencies
  • Berkshire County HoC and Jail
  • District Attorney’s office
  • Berkshire County attorneys
  • Massachusetts State Police
  • Various and numerous security agencies
  • Probation Departments
  • Full Time Schedule

    SEMESTER 1
    Intro to Criminal Justice
    Introductory Sociology
    Substance Abuse Education
    English Composition / Writing
    Mathematics

    		SEMESTER 2
    Correctional Process
    Criminal Procedures
    Natural or Physical Science
    Humanities & Fine Arts
    History
    SEMESTER 3
    Police & Community Relations
    Introductory Psychology
    Criminal Law
    English Composition/Writing
    Communication

    		 SEMESTER 4
    Juvenile Justice Process
    Criminal Investigation
    Intro to Ciminology
    Humanities & Fine Arts
    Free Elective
  • Part Time Schedule
    SEMESTER 1
    Intro to Criminal Justice
    English Composition/Writing     		SEMESTER 2
    Mathematics
    Introductory Sociology     		SEMESTER 3
    Police & Community Relations
    Humanities & Fine Arts
    SEMESTER 4
    Introductory Psychology
    Criminal Law     		SEMESTER 5
    Correctional Process
    English Composition/Writing     		SEMESTER 6
    Natural or Physical Science
    Humanities & Fine Arts
    SEMESTER 7
    Women & the Law
    History     		SEMESTER 8
    Criminal Justice Elective
    Communication     		SEMESTER 9
    Criminal Justice Elective
    Natural or Physical Science
      SEMESTER 10
    Intro to Criminology
    Humanities & Fine Arts     		 
Stephen Streeter, Class of 2014

Some of the best moments of my Undergraduate career took place at Berkshire Community College. While there, I was enrolled as a Criminal Justice major which inspired me to journey down a path that has lead me to Western New England School of Law. The classes that I took at BCC more than prepared me for my time at Westfield State University. Professor Bucknell and Professor Kemp provided me with some of the most practical advice I had ever received which helped me get to where I am now. I took every class offered within my major at my time at BCC. What I learned during those classes I still use in law school and at my job as a law clerk.  

Stephen Hunt
Class of 2019