Criminal Justice (A.S.)
The Criminal Justice program offers students opportunities for career preparation in criminal justice agencies as well as for transfer to various bachelor's degree programs.
Law Enforcement (Certificate)
This certificate combines specialized criminal justice and general education coursework. Learn more.
Overview
The Criminal Justice 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.
Learn More
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BCC Graduation Pathway: Full-Time Schedule
SEMESTER 1
Intro to Criminal Justice
Introductory Sociology
Substance Abuse Education
English Composition / Writing
MathematicsSEMESTER 2
Correctional Process
Criminal Procedures
Natural or Physical Science
Humanities and Fine Arts
HistorySEMESTER 3
Police and Community Relations
Introductory Psychology
Criminal Law
English Composition/Writing
CommunicationSEMESTER 4
Juvenile Justice Process
Criminal Investigation
Intro to Criminology
Humanities and Fine Arts
Free Elective -
BCC Graduation Pathway: Part-Time Schedule
SEMESTER 1
Intro to Criminal Justice
English Composition/WritingSEMESTER 2
Mathematics
Introductory SociologySEMESTER 3
Police and Community Relations
Humanities and Fine ArtsSEMESTER 4
Introductory Psychology
Criminal LawSEMESTER 5
Correctional Process
English Composition/WritingSEMESTER 6
Natural or Physical Science
Humanities and Fine ArtsSEMESTER 7
Women and the Law
HistorySEMESTER 8
Criminal Justice Elective
CommunicationSEMESTER 9
Criminal Justice Elective
Natural or Physical ScienceSEMESTER 10
Intro to Criminology
Humanities and Fine Arts -
Job Growth and Wages
Salary range depends on job status/title/position and location/area. Salaries can range from $49,000 to $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.
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Job Titles
- Police officer
- Corrections Officer
- Security Officer
- Victim Assistance case worker
- Domestic Violence case worker
- Paralegal
- Environmental police officer (Fish and Game)
- Insurance fraud / other investigator
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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
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.
