Criminal Justice Program

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The Science of Crime and Justice

A degree in Criminal Justice from Fredonia gives you the knowledge and skills to make a real impact in the field of law enforcement, corrections, security, and beyond. Our interdisciplinary curriculum covers crime theory, policing, legal procedures, and human behavior—preparing you for careers that uphold justice at the local, state, and federal levels. With hands-on internships, expert faculty, and opportunities for research, you’ll graduate ready to lead in the evolving world of criminal justice.

What You’ll Gain

Comprehensive Knowledge – Study criminal law, crime theory, policing, security, and corrections to build a strong foundation in justice systems.
Hands-On Experience – Intern with police departments, district attorney offices, probation services, and more to gain real-world insight.
Critical Thinking – Analyze crime patterns, evaluate policies, and develop problem-solving skills essential to the field.
Career Readiness – Graduate prepared for roles in law enforcement, rehabilitation, cybersecurity, legal services, and beyond.
Professional Connections – Work alongside faculty on research, join student organizations, and network with professionals in the justice field.

Career Opportunities for Criminal Justice

Corrections Administration
Crime Data Analysis
Insurance Fraud Investigator
Lawyer
Parole/Probation Officer

Court Administrator
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Law Enforcement Officer
Rehabilitation Counselor
U.S. Marshal

What can you do with a degree in criminal justice?

What does a 4-year degree look like?

First Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 100	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3
ENGL 100	Craft of Writing	3
SOC 116	Introductory Sociology	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3

	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
POLI 120	Politics in American Life (or)	3
PSY 129	Introduction to Psychology	0
MATH 110	Math in Action	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	15

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 230	Criminal Law	3
SOC 200	Statistics for the Real World	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 240	Law Enforcement Policy and Practice	3
FF	Course	3
	Interdisciplinary Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Third Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 340	Introduction to Corrections	3
SOC 300	Research Methods	3
	Interdisciplinary Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 370	Criminology	3
	CRMJ Major Elective	3
	Interdisciplinary Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
	CRMJ Major Elective	3
	CRMJ Major Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 400	Senior Seminar	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

First Year - JCC

Fall Semester

Course JCC	Fredonia Equivalent	Credits
CRI 1510	CRMJ 100 Intro to Criminal Justice	3
PSY 1510	PSY 129 Foundations of Psychology	3
SUNY Gen Ed Nat Science	Fredonia Foundations Nat Science	3
ENG 1510	ENGL 099 Non Major Elective	3
INT 1555	LART 099 Liberal Arts Elective	2
Elective	Elective or Fredonia Foundations	3
	TOTAL	17

Spring Semester

Course JCC	Fredonia Equivalent	Credits
CRI 1320	CRMJ 240 Policing	3
Program Core Elective	CRMJ Elective	3
ENG 1530	ENGL 100 Craft of Writing	3
MATH 1540	STAT 200 Statistical Methods	3
SUNY Gen Ed	Fredonia Foundations	3
	TOTAL	15

Second Year - JCC

Fall Semester

Course JCC	Fredonia Equivalent	Credits
CRI 2530	CRMJ 230 Criminal Law	3
Progam Elective	CRMJ Elective	3
SOC 1510	SOC 116 Intro to Sociology	3
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ) or Fredonia Foundations	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course JCC	Fredonia Equivalent	Credits
Program Elective	CRMJ Elective	3
CRI 2550	CRMJ 360 Criminal Justice Ethics	3
SUNY Gen Ed Diversity	Fredonia Foundations Diversity	3
SUNY Gen Ed	Fredonia Foundations	3
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ)	2
	TOTAL	14

Third Year - Fredonia

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
MAT 110	Math in Action	3
Interdisciplinary Elective	Upper Level Interdisciplinary Course	3
SOC 300	Research Methods	3
CRMJ 340	Intro to Corrections	3
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
Interdisciplinary Elective	Interdisciplinary Course	3
Criminal Justice Elective	Upper Level CRMJ Elective	3
Elective	Upper Level (Non CRMJ)	3
Elective	Upper Level Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
	TOTAL	15

Fourth Year - Fredonia

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 370	Criminology	3
Interdisciplinary Elective	Upper Level Interdisciplinary Course	3
Elective	Upper Level Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
Elective	Upper Level CRMJ Elective	3
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CRMJ 400	Senior Seminar	3
Elective	Upper Level CRMJ Elective	3
Elective	Upper Level CRMJ Elective	3
Elective	Upper Level Elective (Non CRMJ)	3
Elective	Elective (Non CRMJ)	2
	TOTAL	14

GRAND TOTAL:

*SOC 1510 (116) and PSY 1510 (129) are highly recommended as they are prerequisites for Interdisciplinary Elective Courses in the major
*Students must earn a C- or higher in CRMJ 1510 (100), 1320 (240), 1520 (340), 2530 (230) and SOC 2560 (370)
* The major requires a minimum of 24 credit hours at the 300-level or above
*Transfer students will be required to complete a minimum of 27 credit hours in the Criminal Justice major in residence at Fredonia. A maximum of 18 credit hours of coursework completed elsewhere may be transferred in as long as it is deemed equivalent to Fredonia’s curriculum
*With careful planning at JCC and Fredonia, students should consider adding a minor or 2nd major.

This Sample Transfer Path is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

Transfer Policy:
SUNY General Education/Fredonia Foundations: Students who earned an AA/AS SUNY Degree in 2015 or later, or completed the SUNY Gen Ed requirement prior to transferring, will have satisfied Fredonia Foundations, our local general education requirement. Students who earned any other SUNY Degree may need to complete additional Fredonia Foundation courses at Fredonia. Such students should consult with their current advisor regarding the SUNY Gen Ed requirement and applicable courses. All SUNY General Education courses will be verified by the General Education Transcript Addendum, GETA, which is sent with the SUNY transcript.

Transfer Credit Policy:
Please refer to our Transfer Credit Policy in the College Catalog for current information.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

CRMJ 333 Criminal Investigations

This course involves the study of crime scene investigations. Emphasis on the procedural structure and strategic steps to be taken in securing the crime scene in developing a checklist of factors to be considered in a comprehensive investigation.

CRMJ 332 Homeland Security

The course involves the study of homeland security, mission and composition. Students will examine the various methods and institutions implicated in the quest to increase security and defend against terrorism. Consideration of the methods and practices for border security in the United States will be included.

SOC 364 Juvenile Delinquency

An examination of delinquent behavior and its distribution in society. Topical issues discussed include the juvenile justice system, theories of delinquency, and methods of social control of this behavior.

It's Different Here

Criminal Justice Careers Await

Fredonia Criminal Justice graduates are landing careers in intelligence, security, the Secret Service, and specialized law enforcement agencies.

Real-World Experience, Real Impact

Gain hands-on experience through police ride-alongs, courtroom observations, and rehabilitation programs that prepare you for the justice field.

Go Beyond Traditional Law Enforcement

Study specialized policing techniques in areas like environmental law, mental health crisis response, and corrections.

Why Criminal Justice at Fredonia?

Regalia for Alpha Phi Sigma that one might wear at graduation

Join the Nation’s Top Criminal Justice Honor Society

Criminal Justice majors with outstanding academic performance can join Alpha Phi Sigma, the national honor society that recognizes excellence and leadership in the field.

Correctional Officer Thomas Gilmore giving a talk to club members. Officer Gilmore is the Gang Intelligence Officer for the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office

More Than a Club—A Career Advantage

Join Criminal Justice Club, a dynamic student-run organization that offers hands-on learning experiences like police exam prep and networking with professionals.

Faculty Who’ve Been There, Done That

Our faculty includes experienced law enforcement professionals, legal experts, and researchers who bring real-world insights to the classroom.

Find Your Place in Criminal Justice

Join a Community of Future Justice Leaders

Success in criminal justice isn’t just about what you learn in class—it’s also about the connections you make and the hands-on experience you gain. At Fredonia, you’ll find a vibrant community of students who share your passion for law, justice, and public service. Whether you join Alpha Phi Sigma, our prestigious criminal justice honor society, or take part in active student clubs that offer specialized training, networking opportunities, and real-world insights, you’ll build the skills and relationships that set you apart in your future career.

Police and Detectives

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.

Median Salary: $74,910 per year
Job Outlook 2022-2032: 4% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree (Varies)

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Gavel, representing the legal profession

Lawyers

Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.

Median Salary: $145,760 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 5% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.

Median Salary: $75,020 per year
Typical Entry-Level Education: Varies

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Student Experiences

Fredonia allowed me to regularly interact with individuals of all different cultures and backgrounds, which has proved to be very useful in my new career. I have no doubt that attending Fredonia helped to set up my future for success.

— Scott Aldinger