Criminal Justice

Opportunities in this field are numerous because the national demand for qualified criminal justice workers exceeds the supply. Employees in this field should have an interest in community/public service, problem solving, and in making a significant and positive contribution to their community/society. Although it is possible to enter the field without a college degree, an educational program in criminal justice helps you understand society and exposes you to topics that will help prepare their minds for work in this field.

Educational Choices

Educational requirements will vary based on the type of position that you seek and the level of government that employs you. Many (but not all) state and local criminal justice agencies within the United States require an associate degree to obtain entry-level employment, while most federal agencies require at least a four-year degree for entry-level employment. Most employees in this field are required to take sections of the civil service exam to qualify for employment.

Training for Criminal Justice at TC3

TC3 offers an A.S. and A.A.S. degrees in criminal justice. Our criminal justice graduates have an excellent placement rate around the nation, and are employed at the federal, state, and local levels. Most graduates choose to specialize in either becoming a police officer or a corrections officer (working in prisons). Some graduates also choose to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Skills and Tasks

Ability to assume responsibility and to handle emergency situations without supervision.
Ability to collect and analyze information and to make appropriate decisions within very short time periods and at times under significant emotional pressure.
Ability to effectively communicate with people from different cultures, economic status, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, and alternative social leanings and orientations.
Ability and predisposition to adapt to technological and sociological changes both at place of employment and within the community.
Ability to use creativity and innovation in performance of one's duties, to be self-motivated in the performance of those duties, and has the level of maturity needed to properly perform duties according to legal and community standards.
Possesses strong communication, decision making, creativity, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. Is patient, mature, and responsible.

Job Titles

Police Officer
Deputy Sheriff
State Trooper
State Highway Patrol Officer
Child Care Worker
Park Police Officer
Campus Police Officer
Corrections Officer
Youth Division Aide
Private Security Agent
Peace Officer
Border Patrol Agent

Types of Employers

City Police Department
Village/Town Police Department
County Sheriff's Department
College/University Police

Departments

State Police Agencies
State Correctional Facilities
U.S. Customs
U.S. Border Patrol

Salary Range

In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for corrections officers/jailers was: $36,020 – $48,610
In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for police investigators/patrollers was: $35,870 – $51,800
In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for sheriff/deputy sheriff was: $28,100 – $40,180

To inquire about joining one of our NTO Programs, or for more information on any of the careers and services featured within the NTO website, contact our Non-Traditional Occupations Program coordinator. Our Non Traditional Occupations Program coordinator will be your central contact and guide through your college career.

Non-Traditional Occupations Program Coordinator

607.844.8211
Email the Coordinator

Tompkins Cortland Community College

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	Accounting Broadcast Production Business Administration Communication and Media Arts: Broadcast Journalism Construction Technology Criminal Justice Early Childhood Electronic Technology Graphic Design Hotel and Restaurant Management Nursing Non-Traditional Occupations Program Coordinator 607.844.8211 email the Coordinator	Criminal Justice Opportunities in this field are numerous because the national demand for qualified criminal justice workers exceeds the supply. Employees in this field should have an interest in community/public service, problem solving, and in making a significant and positive contribution to their community/society. Although it is possible to enter the field without a college degree, an educational program in criminal justice helps you understand society and exposes you to topics that will help prepare their minds for work in this field. Educational Choices Educational requirements will vary based on the type of position that you seek and the level of government that employs you. Many (but not all) state and local criminal justice agencies within the United States require an associate degree to obtain entry-level employment, while most federal agencies require at least a four-year degree for entry-level employment. Most employees in this field are required to take sections of the civil service exam to qualify for employment. Training for Criminal Justice at TC3 TC3 offers an A.S. and A.A.S. degrees in criminal justice. Our criminal justice graduates have an excellent placement rate around the nation, and are employed at the federal, state, and local levels. Most graduates choose to specialize in either becoming a police officer or a corrections officer (working in prisons). Some graduates also choose to transfer to a four-year college or university. Skills and Tasks Ability to assume responsibility and to handle emergency situations without supervision. Ability to collect and analyze information and to make appropriate decisions within very short time periods and at times under significant emotional pressure. Ability to effectively communicate with people from different cultures, economic status, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, and alternative social leanings and orientations. Ability and predisposition to adapt to technological and sociological changes both at place of employment and within the community. Ability to use creativity and innovation in performance of one's duties, to be self-motivated in the performance of those duties, and has the level of maturity needed to properly perform duties according to legal and community standards. Possesses strong communication, decision making, creativity, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. Is patient, mature, and responsible. Job Titles Police Officer Deputy Sheriff State Trooper State Highway Patrol Officer Child Care Worker Park Police Officer Campus Police Officer Corrections Officer Youth Division Aide Private Security Agent Peace Officer Border Patrol Agent Types of Employers City Police Department Village/Town Police Department County Sheriff's Department College/University Police Departments State Police Agencies State Correctional Facilities U.S. Customs U.S. Border Patrol Salary Range In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for corrections officers/jailers was: $36,020 – $48,610 In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for police investigators/patrollers was: $35,870 – $51,800 In 1998, the New York state annual salary range for sheriff/deputy sheriff was: $28,100 – $40,180 back to top To inquire about joining one of our NTO Programs, or for more information on any of the careers and services featured within the NTO website, contact our Non-Traditional Occupations Program coordinator. Our Non Traditional Occupations Program coordinator will be your central contact and guide through your college career. Non-Traditional Occupations Program Coordinator 607.844.8211 Email the Coordinator
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