The Criminal Justice - Transfer Option associate degree program provides students with a broad academic background in the area of criminal justice and the opportunity to develop the skills needed for pursuing a public service career in policing, corrections, courts, probation, parole, federal agencies, or the private sector. This program is specifically designed for students who wish to meet the rigorous requirements of the MassTransfer Program, which ensures the full transfer of credit into the criminal justice and general education courses in bachelor’s degree programs within the Massachusetts public education system.​

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

You will learn how to identify the various sources of law and recognize how the different components of the legal system operates to settle both criminal and civil conflicts. You will be able to explain the dimensions of crime and criminal behavior and the approaches to prevention and treatment, and summarize from a historical and systemic perspective criminal justice institutions (i.e., police, courts, corrections) and how they relate to each other.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

61-62 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: CJTR).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in four semesters.
  • Complete ENG 101.
  • For the Mathematics Elective, MAT 121 or MAT 122 recommended.
Cultural Anthropology ORANT 111F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introductory Sociology (Principles)SOC 101
Introduction to Criminal JusticeCRJ 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Mathematics Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total15 

Semester 2

  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete prerequisite(s) for the Lab Science Elective (Semester 3) and the Science Elective (Semester 4).
Multicultural Diversity in Criminal JusticeCRJ 110F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Criminal LawCRJ 111F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Introduction to EthicsPHI 131F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total15 

Semester 3

  • For the Lab Science Elective, choose any BIO, CHM, PHY, or SCI 4-credit course.
  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process.
Contemporary CorrectionsCRJ 123F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Introduction to PolicingCRJ 231F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Technical and Workplace WritingENG 205F/S/SU3ENG 102, Computer Literacy
State & Local GovernmentPSC 221F/S/SU3ENG 101
Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU4 
  Total16 

Semester 4

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Evidence & Court ProcedureCRJ 211F/S/SU3ENG 101
CriminologyCRJ 213F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Juvenile Delinquency & the Juvenile Justice SystemSOC 212F/S/SU3ENG 101
Elective---F/S/SU3 
Science Elective---F/S/SU3-4 
  Total15-16 
Total Credits Required:  61-62 

Program Goals:

The Criminal Justice - Transfer Option associate degree program provides students with a broad academic background in the area of criminal justice and the opportunity to develop the skills needed for pursuing a public service career in policing, corrections, courts, probation, parole, federal agencies, or the private sector. This program is specifically designed for students who wish to meet the rigorous requirements of the MassTransfer Program, which ensures the full transfer of credit into the criminal justice and general education courses in bachelor’s degree programs within the Massachusetts public education system.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Identify the various sources of law and recognize how the different components of the legal system operates to settle both criminal and civil conflicts.
  • Explain the dimensions of crime and criminal behavior and the approaches to prevention and treatment.
  • Summarize from a historical and systemic perspective criminal justice institutions (i.e., police, courts, corrections) and how they relate to each other.
  • Articulate information clearly to a variety of audiences by means of oral presentation, written documents and reports, and graphs, charts, and tables.
  • Examine the importance of diversity, culture, and ethical considerations that criminal justice professionals encounter in the workforce.
  • Compare and contrast the operations and administration of the criminal justice system.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

  • As required by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for the ongoing approval for participation in the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP), also known as the “Quinn Bill Program”, the QCC Criminal Justice program has instituted a policy that:
    • Credit for prior learning options for this program are limited.
    • Students enrolled in this program may be able to earn academic credit for DANTES and CLEP Exams (6 credit maximum).
    • Only credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is transferrable to the QCC Criminal Justice program.
  • Students who have successfully completed a Local Police Academy recognized by the Municipal Police Training Committee or a State Police Academy in Massachusetts may be awarded six (6) college credits towards the QCC Criminal Justice degree.
  • The credits that will be awarded are as follows:
    • CRJ 111 Criminal Law (3 credits)
    • CRJ 231 Introduction to Policing (3 credits)
  • Students who meet the criteria and wish to receive the credits towards their degree must submit proof of completion from the Local or State Police Academy. A certificate of completion from the academy must be certified and submitted directly from MPTC or the State Policy Academy Training Committee. The certificate can be sent to experience@qcc.mass.edu.
  • Note: Not all colleges and universities accept credits earned through a police academy. Students that are planning to transfer to another college or university should check with their transfer office to make certain that the institution accepts police academy credits.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 43.0107.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.