Degree in Criminal Justice - Transfer Option
Degree & Certificate Programs
Program Details
The Criminal Justice – Transfer Degree Program provides students with educational experiences that will produce academic and technical skills, commensurate with a liberal arts education. The program is also geared to make its students competitive in applying for entry level criminal justice jobs and in applying to four-year colleges and universities. The Associate Degree program in Criminal Justice at Massasoit Community College includes day, evening, and online options.
Motivations for seeking a degree in Criminal Justice are many. Many wish to prepare for a career in municipal and state policing or attain a position in one of 21 federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Customs Service; or U.S. Marshals Service. This program is Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP) approved.
Many students in this program exhibit an interest in the fields of corrections, probation, parole, juvenile justice, and private security.
Students devote approximately one-half of their time studying liberal arts and social science courses such as psychology, sociology, and English. The other half of their program is more directly related to the field of Criminal Justice.
Graduates earn an Associate in Science Degree.
Program Outcomes
Completing the Associate Degree, transfer students will have:
- A practical working understanding of the Criminal Justice system and the major component segments; Law Enforcement, Courts and Corrections.
- Completed the necessary academic requirements to transfer directly to a bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice at all Massachusetts state schools and most private colleges.
- Acquired a solid foundation in Criminal Law and Constitutional Procedures, Psychology, Sociology and Criminology,
- Become prepared for further academic study or career opportunities.
- The ability to communicate well in written English, speech, and mathematics.
- An education rounded with electives in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
- Become prepared for future coursework, careers, and as effective citizens.
Academic Map
Degree in Criminal Justice - Transfer Option
A minimum of 20 classes and 62 credits is required. At least 16 credits of your program must be taken at Massasoit. Note: A maximum of 12 CJUS credits may be accepted in transfer. Note: Each course completed and passed can only fulfill one program requirement. The same course cannot be used to satisfy multiple program requirements.
Semester 1
3 Credits in CJUS 101
Introduction to Criminal Justice
3 Credits in ENGL 101
English Composition I
3 Credits in either GOVT 105 or GOVT 200
(American National Government or State and Local Government)
3 Credits in SOCI 104
Principles of Sociology
3 Credits in SPCH 105
Speech Communication
Semester 2
3 Credits in CJUS 302
Corrections
3 Credits in CJUS 305
Criminal Law
3 Credits in ENGL 102
English Composition II
3 Credits in PSYC 101
General Psychology
3 Credits in Math elective - Introduction to Statistics or higher
Semester 3
3 Credits in CJUS 306
Criminal Procedures
3 Credits in CJUS or SECU
Criminal Justice or Security elective
3 Credits in SOCI 203
Criminology
3 Credits in Humanities elective
4 Credits in Lab Science elective
Semester 4
3 Credits in CJUS 316
Police, Community, and Society
1 Credit in CJUS 403
Criminal Justice Capstone
3 Credits in CJUS or SECU
Criminal Justice or Security elective
3 Credits in Humanities elective
3 Credits in Science elective
3 Credits in Social Science elective
This academic map is a suggested semester-by-semester guide to keep you on a clear path to program completion. Please note that some classes are offered only in certain semesters, have prerequisites, or minimum passing grades. Winter and/or Summer Session classes may be available for some classes. Your academic advisor will provide you with clear direction needed to stay on course and discuss scheduling options with you. Taking courses not reflected on this map may result in courses not counting toward the completion of your requirements.
Advisory Committee
This committee is composed of dedicated professionals from law enforcement, corrections, legal services, and community organizations who work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to ensure our programs remain current, comprehensive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the criminal justice field. By offering expert insight into industry trends, policy developments, and workforce expectations, the committee plays a vital role in shaping a curriculum that prepares students for successful transfer, career advancement, and meaningful service in their communities.
- Sheriff Michael G. Bellotti
Norfolk County - Dr. Marcel Beausoleil
Fitchburg State University - Carl Boen
Old Colony Correctional Center - Dr. Stephen Morreale
Worcester State University - Chief Probation Officer Joel F. West
Plymouth County Juvenile Court - Julie Ellen Christian
Massasoit Community College - Colin Murphy
Massasoit Community College