Criminal Justice
A.S. Degree, A.A.S. Degree, Certificate
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Criminal Justice
In our complex, technological society, criminal justice practitioners deal with a variety of people, social problems, conflict situations, and incidents. Our A.S. and A.A.S. degrees provide courses in criminal justice, social sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and computer technology. An optional internship component affords students the opportunities for experiential learning in a number of criminal justice agencies.
Degree Requirements
Careers on Career Coach
Recent graduates have been employed by an array or organizations, including Cortland City Police and Sheriff’s departments, Ithaca City Police, New York State Police, Tompkins and Tioga County Sheriff’s departments, and Tompkins Cortland Community College Campus Police. Learn more about related jobs:
Transfer Options
Many graduates have continued their education at a four- year college or university. For specific transfer information, contact your academic advisor in the Criminal Justice program, the Criminal Justice Program Chair, and the Counseling, Career, and Transfer Services office.
Our graduates have transferred to institutions including:
- Alfred State
- Buffalo State College
- Cazenovia College
- Hilbert College
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Hartwick College
- University at Albany
- Binghamton University
- SUNY College at Brockport
- SUNY College at Cortland
- SUNY College at Oneonta
- SUNY College at Oswego
Student Showcase
Grad of Note - Tamesha Ridgell
Why did you choose Tompkins Cortland Community College?
I chose TC3 because I heard that they had a great Criminal Justice Program. And I believed it would be a great place to start my college education.
Who at TC3 had the greatest impact in your experience?
Hands down Scott Ochs, chair of the Criminal Justice Program. All of classes over the last two years have changed my perspective on criminal justice. He is the reason I am where I am now. I could not thank him enough.
What were your extracurricular involvements at and how did the contribute to your college experience?
Throughout college I have always worked full time. I came from a lower-class family, so I have been financially independent since I was 17. I have had to work non-stop. With that said, I really did not have time for much extracurricular working 40 hours a week. Working has contributed to my college experience – it has caused me to procrastinate less and to work on my time management.
What are your next steps, and how did college prepare you for that?
I will be moving June 1st, to attend my dream school: The University at Albany. Going to TC3 and meeting Scott Ochs only made me work harder and to get better grades to ensure I have the career I want, and that I get to go to my dream school. TC3 allowed me to grow up, and mature before moving and attending a huge four-year university.
James Pastorello
Scott Ochs, Chair and Professor of Criminal Justice, recently caught up with an alumnus on duty. Pictured with professor Ochs is Officer James Pastorello of the Syracuse City Police Department. Officer Pastorello graduated from the Criminal Justice Program in 2015 and began employment as a Syracuse Police Officer in December 2016. We are proud of his success.