New Criminal Justice Degree at Cayuga Supporting Students’ Career & Transfer Pathways

A new Criminal Justice degree at Cayuga Community College will create fresh opportunities for students to study evolving law enforcement techniques and career options while also reinforcing their transfer pathways.

Starting in the Fall 2024 semester, Cayuga will offer an Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice, a degree dedicated to helping graduates identify transfer options to four-year institutions while still allowing them to consider potential careers.

“This degree illustrates the best path forward for students who are passionate about criminal justice careers at the local, state or federal levels,” said Professor and Program Director Theresa Misiaszek. “It allows them to explore diverse criminal justice pathways while learning the techniques they’ll need regardless of their career choices. By graduating with this new degree, students will have the foundational knowledge on which they can build a great career.”

The Criminal Justice program is a constant at Cayuga, with a documented track record of placing graduates in position to start successful careers. For approximately five decades, the College has offered an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Criminal Justice, regularly updating the program to reflect changes in the career field. The new degree offers stronger potential for students to transfer to a four-year school after earning their AS degree.

Currently, Cayuga offers an AAS in Criminal Justice: Police and Criminal Justice: Corrections. While these programs will be discontinued starting in the Fall 2024 semester, students currently enrolled in these programs can complete the programs and earn their AAS.

Though many of the courses in the new AS degree will remain consistent with those in the closing AAS programs — students will continue taking classes in criminology and criminal law, for example — the degree pathway will be updated to meet current employer needs. The program will also offer internship opportunities tailored to students’ needs and career goals.

The program features five concentrations: Crime Analysis and Intelligence, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, and Probation Officer Assistant. Students are not required to select a concentration. Cayuga is the only college in Central New York to offer the Probation Officer Assistant concentration.

The new degree is one of several changes connected to Cayuga and its Criminal Justice program. The College has partnered with several Central New York law enforcement agencies, including the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, to construct the Oswego County Regional Police Academy. The academy will create an opportunity for students to simultaneously earn their degree and complete Phase I of the academy while building a connection with local law enforcement.

Oswego County awarded the College $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the project. Construction on the academy has already started on Cayuga’s Fulton Campus, and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Additional information about the new degree program and the Police Academy will be posted at www.cayuga-cc.edu.