The New Hampshire Community College - Berlin has added a new program to its curriculum, an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. The program is designed to allow both pre and in-service students to complete the degree on either a full or part-time basis in preparation for professional careers, and if desired, to continue their studies at a four-year college.
Heading up the program is NHCTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dan McCrum. "We started this program last fall and since that time, enrollment for the Criminal Justice program has been on a steady rise; applications are coming in on a regular basis. And with job opportunities at the NH Department of Corrections as well as the proposed Federal prison, this program is crucial to understanding what criminal justice is. Earning this degree will dramatically increase an individual's chances of becoming accepted in those desired positions."
The Criminal Justice Program deals with causes of crime and its control through the various components of the criminal justice system, with emphasis on management and administrative concerns. Facilitated with practical experience, the Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice will prepare students within two years to effectively enter law enforcement, courts, or corrections careers.
Instructor Attorney James E. Michalik encourages would-be students; "The job opportunities available for students who have had the benefit of an education in criminal justice are increasing by the year. The needs of Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies are continuing to grow by the year. The range of jobs is far reaching, including the Secret Service, FBI, CIA, state and local police departments, as well as correctional facilities. Geographically, this type of degree is exportable to virtually any location in the nation, and even internationally. I would argue that an education in this field is certainly worthwhile."
The curriculum will include Criminology, Juvenile Justice Administration, Correction Operations, Police Operations, and Justice and the Community. The goal of the program is to give students the appropriate knowledge, skills, and background to pursue a meaningful career in criminal justice and related professions. Jason Osgood, a freshman in the program stated, "I previously attended the technical college in Concord. Once I heard the Berlin campus was going to begin offering the criminal justice program, I immediately came back. It's easier living at home and it's more cost effective."
For more information on the Criminal Justice program, contact the admissions office at CCSNH - Berlin, at 752-1113 or 800-445-4525.
6/8/2004