Program Overview
Introduction to the Criminal Justice AA Program
The Criminal Justice (CRJ) Program at Bronx Community College (CUNY) prepares students for entry-level positions after earning their Associate's degree and prepares students to continue their education to a Bachelor's degree. The CRJ program collaborates with many departments and offices across BCC and CUNY to support the academic and professional needs of our students.
Program Overview
The criminal justice curriculum is designed to provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system. Students will learn and improve important skills, including, but not limited to, critical thinking, analytical skills, effective communication (verbal and written), etc. To graduate from the criminal justice program at BCC, students must successfully complete common core courses, four criminal justice required courses, including two writing-intensive courses, as well as have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher, as part of their associate degree requirements.
Program Structure
The Criminal Justice Program is available in-person, mixed modalities (in-person and/or online), or fully online (asynchronous, synchronous, online mix). The flexibility offers students the option to select their preferred learning modalities. As of Fall 2025, at least two sections of criminal justice required courses (CRJ 11, 21, 22, and 23) are offered as a Zero Textbook Course, saving students money.
CUNY Justice Academy
The Criminal Justice Program at Bronx Community College is a joint degree program with the City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice. By majoring in Criminal Justice at one of the participating CUNY Community Colleges (including BCC), students are automatically part of the CUNY Justice Academy. Students who meet all the academic requirements graduating with their Associate of Arts degree from BCC can transition seamlessly to John Jay College to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. All credits earned from BCC are transferable toward your bachelor's degree at John Jay.
Transition to John Jay College
Making the transition to John Jay through the CUNY Justice Academy allows students to continue their education in a seamless manner. Students can transition directly from BCC's Criminal Justice completely online program to John Jay College's CJBS completely online program.
Faculty
Faculty are an important part of students' academic and professional journeys. Criminal justice faculty offer mentorship, guidance, and access to research and networking opportunities. The full-time faculty includes:
- Dr. Shelley Liu
- Dr. Crystal Rodriguez
- Dr. Marjaline Sosa
Careers
Criminal Justice degrees tend to attract individuals who enjoy helping others, preventing crimes, and serving communities. Graduates of the Criminal Justice program can be employed by many different criminal justice agencies, both locally and across the country. Students can also continue their education at a four-year college and complete a bachelor's degree to expand their career opportunities.
Career Options in the Criminal Justice Field
- Law Enforcement (local, state, and federal)
- NYPD
- New York State Police Department
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Courts
- NY State Careers in the Courts Brochure
- New York State Court System job postings
- New Jersey State Court System job postings
- Corrections
- New York City Correctional Officers
- New York State Correctional Officers
- New Jersey Department of Corrections
- Victim advocacy and community organizations:
- Safe Horizon
- Urban Resource Institute
- Center for Justice Innovation
- Brooklyn Collaborative Legal Engagement Assistance Response
Alumni Spotlight
BCC Criminal Justice graduates have pursued diverse career paths, from law enforcement and corrections to legal practices and policy making. Through their achievements, they exemplify the impact that a Criminal Justice education at BCC (and beyond) can have on both personal and professional development.
Notable Alumni
- NYPD Officer Elena Vasileva, Criminal Justice graduate of BCC
- Federal Agent Joseph Jacob Mirabal Wallace, Criminal Justice graduate of BCC
- MTA SGT Geury Cruz, Criminal Justice graduate of BCC
Criminal Justice Club
The Criminal Justice Club at BCC is a dynamic student organization that aims to engage and educate students about the criminal legal system. Through a combination of guest speakers, field trips, and community service projects, the club provides members with valuable insights into law enforcement, the judicial process, and correctional practices.
Credit for Prior Learning
Uniformed Member Services
- New York City Police Department officers who completed their training in July 2007 or thereafter may receive credit(s) at BCC for completion of the Recruit Academic Program at the New York City Police Department Academy.
- New York City Department of Correction officers may receive credit(s) at BCC for completion of recruit training.
- New York City Fire Department personnel who completed their training in July 2017 or thereafter may receive credit(s) at BCC for completion of the probationary firefighter school.
Credit for Military Service
Bronx Community Colleges follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) in granting credit for military training, conditional on review of student's military transcripts and applicability towards degree.
Departmental Approval
All credits for prior learning require departmental approval. For more information about BCC's credit for prior learning for criminal justice, contact the Criminal Justice Program faculty.