Criminal Justice Degree Online

Students applying for admission to the Criminal Justice program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) above 3.00 for full admission. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.00 will be considered for admission on a provisional basis. Such applicants may be required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies test scores as a condition for admission. Students admitted on a provisional basis must take SOC 4585 Professional Writing for Law Enforcement and SOC 4005 Research Methods and Analysis (or SOC 4075 Advanced Research Methods and Analysis) the first time they are offered. Such students may also be required to take prerequisite courses offered through the University College. If required, prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in any graduate courses including those indicated above. Students must achieve a grade of at least B in all courses while in a provisional status. At the conclusion of the above, the student’s application will be reviewed for a full admissions decision.

Applicants should submit or have sent to Graduate Admissions the following:
a completed application form accompanied by a non-refundable application fee,
complete and official transcripts of all coursework from each undergraduate and graduate school attended
two letters of recommendation appraising the candidate’s promise and capacity for graduate study, reflecting, from a professional’s point of view, the candidate’s ability to pursue a rigorous, independent course of study at the graduate level
a personal statement outlining the candidate’s professional goals and educational objectives for the program, including the applicant’s rationale for program choice and professional study.

Admission is on a rolling basis and applications will be considered at any time throughout the year; however, applicants are asked to meet the application deadlines listed below:

Students applying for admission to the Criminal Justice program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) above 3.00 for full admission. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.00 will be considered for admission on a provisional basis. Such applicants may be required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies test scores as a condition for admission. Students admitted on a provisional basis must take SOC 4585 Professional Writing for Law Enforcement and SOC 4005 Research Methods and Analysis (or SOC 4075 Advanced Research Methods and Analysis) the first time they are offered. Such students may also be required to take prerequisite courses offered through the University College. If required, prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in any graduate courses including those indicated above. Students must achieve a grade of at least B in all courses while in a provisional status. At the conclusion of the above, the student’s application will be reviewed for a full admissions decision.

Applicants should submit or have sent to Graduate Admissions the following:
a completed application form accompanied by a non-refundable application fee,
complete and official transcripts of all coursework from each undergraduate and graduate school attended
two letters of recommendation appraising the candidate’s promise and capacity for graduate study, reflecting, from a professional’s point of view, the candidate’s ability to pursue a rigorous, independent course of study at the graduate level
a personal statement outlining the candidate’s professional goals and educational objectives for the program, including the applicant’s rationale for program choice and professional study.

Admission is on a rolling basis and applications will be considered at any time throughout the year; however, applicants are asked to meet the application deadlines listed below:Enrollment expected Application package deadline
Fall July 15
Spring November 15
Summer April 15

General Information

Hudson Valley Community College’s Admissions staff offers guidance, counseling and support services to assist students in finding areas of study best suited to their interest, aptitudes and abilities. The Admissions Office is responsible for providing initial, relevant information about academic opportunities at the college. Interested students can contact the office to receive program information, Applications for Admission and to discuss initial academic plans with an Admissions representative. In addition, the office coordinates the review of Applications for Admission to degree and certificate programs.

Students who are interested in working towards a degree must complete the application process described on the following pages. Students not planning to complete a Hudson Valley Community College degree, but who wish to be matriculated (formally accepted into a program) for other reasons, must complete the application process as well.

The Office of Continuing Education assists students who wish to take college course work as a non-degree student. For part-time, non-degree course information, contact the Office of Continuing Education at (518)629-7338.

All students who wish to become eligible for Federal or New York State financial aid must be admitted to a degree program for the purpose of earning a degree or certificate.

General Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission are considered without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disabling condition or sexual orientation.

Applicants must provide evidence of a diploma from an accredited high school or an equivalency diploma. Transfer students possessing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree are eligible for a waiver.

High school seniors, who apply for admission during their senior year, must demonstrate adequate scholastic achievement based on their junior or latest senior year academic record.

Applicants must select a desired program choice. Each academic program has specific program entrance requirements established to ensure student success in the program. Applicants must provide official documentation of having met the requirements for the chosen program. These requirements may be met through high school and/or college course work. Program Entrance Requirements can be found here.

The college recommends, but does not require, that applicants complete the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as an aid to course placement.

Applicants who have previously been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may not be able to receive final licensure in certain fields upon completion of the degree or certificate. Also, certain career opportunities from some programs may be limited. For more specific details and advice, the applicant should discuss his/her situation with the appropriate department chairperson.