Criminal Justice

Career Outlook

The criminal justice field offers a variety of rewarding career opportunities. Criminal justice professionals often work in areas such as law enforcement, the courts, security, probation, and corrections. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for law enforcement professionals to grow 3% by 2030, with roughly 68,500 job openings available each year. The average salary for police and detectives was $66,000 in 2021.

Many graduates of our program work in law enforcement at state and local agencies. Others have careers in private security, the court system, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Some potential career options include:

• Correctional Officer
• Drug Enforcement
• Forensic Science Technician
• Police Officer
• Private Security
• Probation or Parole Officer

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Earn College Credit for Prior Training

Reduce the time it takes to finish our criminal justice program by receiving credits for prior education, training, and life experiences.

• BOCES program — Our partnership with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) helps you earn college credit in high school.
• New Visions program — Complete a one-year criminal justice career exploration program to earn credits toward this degree.
• In-service credits — If you've served in the military, completed police officer training or corrections academy, or worked in a civil service position, you may qualify for prior learning credits.
• NYS Police Officers Academy — By completing a Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Police Officers Academy, you'll earn FLCC's NYS Law Enforcement certificate and 24 credits toward our AAS in Criminal Justice. This opportunity is ideal for Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy students studying at our main campus.

Network with Regional Employers

Meet and learn from experienced law enforcement and criminal justice professionals who live and work in the local community. Chiefs of police, correctional officers, judges, and others will visit your classrooms to share their knowledge of the industry with you.

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• CJC 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CJC 105 - Criminal Law
• CJC 110 - Criminal Procedure Law
• CJC 217 - Issues in Constitutional Law