Police Studies, Bachelor of Science

The Police Studies major provides a comprehensive understanding of the police in the American criminal justice system.  It is a dynamic curriculum that responds to issues of diversity as well as innovations and changes in the social and technological arenas that inform police professionals.  The Police Studies major focuses on the police as an institution with concentrations on management and administration, crime analysis and investigations.  The major provides a solid academic foundation for those students who wish to pursue graduate study. The program also allows students to enter the workplace with the theoretical and applied knowledge to accomplish four simply stated but vitally essential mandates of fair and effective policing:

• To prevent and reduce crime and disorder in communities; 
• To reduce the fear of crime in communities;
• To improve the quality of life in communities;
• To accomplish these goals in a fair and just fashion. 

• Use and critically evaluate a variety of practical and theoretical approaches relevant to policing.
• Use and critically evaluate a variety of practical/hands-on/research approaches relevant to policing.
• Analyze and assess the quality of operations and methods in policing.
• Integrate policing theory, research and policy in written reports and presentations.
• Explain and discuss the importance of diversity, ethical considerations and statutory requirements that police and law enforcement professionals encounter as community care takers and providers of public safety that impacts the level of crime and quality of life within the communities they serve.

Credits required. 39-42 (including an optional 3 credit internship).

Prerequisites. CJBS 101 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. Other course prerequisites include PHI 231 for CRJ 321/PHI 321.

Coordinator. Professor Joseph Pollini, Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration (212.237.8409, jpollini@jjay.cuny.edu)

Advising resources. Sample Four-year Plan of Study

Baccalaureate/Master’s Program in Police Studies. Qualified undergraduate students may enter the Baccalaureate/Master’s Program and thereby graduate with both a Bachelor’s in Police Studies and a Master’s in Criminal Justice. For additional information, please contact Professor Jennifer Dysart, Department of Psychology (212.484.1160, bamadirector@jjay.cuny.edu).

Additional information. Students who enrolled for the first time at the College or changed to this major in September 2016 or thereafter must complete the major in the form presented here. Students who enrolled prior to that date may choose the form shown here or the earlier version of the major. A copy of the earlier version may be obtained in the 2015-16 Undergraduate Bulletin.

Total Credit Hours: 39-42