Welcome
Welcome to the Criminal Justice (CRJ) Program at Bronx Community College (CUNY). This program prepares students for entry level positions after earning their Associates 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.
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.
To learn more about the criminal justice program, please watch a short Orientation video created by criminal justice full-time faculty and our specialist. This Orientation discusses the program opportunities and CUNY Justice Academy (7:30 minute video)
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. For detailed information, see the criminal justice pattern sheet and the course descriptions.
Criminal 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.
To learn more about CUNY Justice Academy, click here.
Making the transition to John Jay through the CUNY Justice Academy, click here for an explanation of the process.
You can transition directly from BCC’s Criminal Justice completely online program to John Jay College’s CJBS completely online program , click here to learn more.
Meet Your 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. To learn more about full-time and part time faculty, feel free to read their biographies by clicking on their names. The criminal justice faculty are eager to meet and work with you.
Full-time faculty:
For more information about part-time faculty, see Faculty & Staff Directory for their biographies.
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
Victim advocacy and community organizations:
Safe Horizon
Urban Resource Institute
Center for Justice Innovation
Brooklyn Collaborative Legal Engagement Assistance Response
BCC Office of Career Development
To support students in preparing for their careers after graduation, the Office of Career Development at Bronx Community College offers a variety of services to help students identify internship and career opportunities in their preferred field. To learn more about the services provided by the Office of Career Development, click here.
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. Alumni often share insights about their academic and career journeys, offering valuable advice to prospective and current students on navigating the challenges of the field and staying committed to their goals. Their stories inspire and motivate the next generation of criminal justice professionals, emphasizing the importance of integrity, dedication, and a passion for justice.
NYPD Officer Elena Vasileva, Criminal Justice graduate of BCC
Year graduated from BCC: 2021 Year graduated from John Jay College: 2024 Major at John Jay College: Criminal Justice Current Job: Police Officer, Military Service
Federal Agent Joseph Jacob Mirabal Wallace, Criminal Justice graduate of BCC
Year graduated from BCC: 2019 Year graduated from John Jay College: 2021 Major at John Jay College: Criminal Justice Current Job: Special Agent with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office […]
MTA SGT Geury Cruz, Criminal Justice graduate of BCC
Year graduated from BCC: 2013 Year graduated from John Jay College: 2016 Major at John Jay College: BA/MA Forensic Psychology Current Job: Sergeant, MTA Police Department
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. The club fosters a sense of community among their peers interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice, offering a space for networking, professional development, and discussions on current issues in the field. It also encourages leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement, while promoting awareness of social justice and public safety concerns.
To join and/or recertify the Criminal Justice Club at BCC, please contact Mr. Raymond Gonzalez (718)-289-5792 or email raymond.gonzalez@bcc.cuny.edu. For more information on the student clubs available at BCC, click here.
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. Credit will be awarded based on a review of the student’s NYPD transcript, provided these have not previously been completed as regular college courses.
New York City Department of Correction officers may receive credit(s) at BCC for completion of recruit training. Credit will be awarded based on a review of the student’s transcript, provided these have not previously been completed as regular college courses.
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 will be awarded based on a review of the student’s FDNY transcript, provided these have not previously been completed as regular college courses.
For students planning to transition to John Jay College through the CUNY Justice Academy, please review John Jay College’s credit for uniformed members services.
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.
For students planning to transition to John Jay College through the CUNY Justice Academy, please review John Jay College’s credit for military services.
All credits for prior learning require departmental approval. For more information about BCC’s credit for prior learning for criminal justice, click here and/or contact the Criminal Justice Program faculty: Dr. Sosa at marjaline.sosa@bcc.cuny.edu or Dr. Rodriguez at crystal.rodriguez03@bcc.cuny.edu.
