The first program of its kind in the nation, UC's undergraduate major in criminal justice - economic crime investigation (ECI) offers advanced education in the highly specialized skill sets required prevent, detect, and investigate economic crime in today's global economy. Economic crime encompasses fraud, money laundering, and corruption, with counter-efforts that include institutional and corporate compliance and due diligence programs, regulatory and enforcement efforts on the part of government agencies, and the recovery of assets wrongfully taken or held.Part of UC's internationally respected suite of economic crime and justice studies programs, the ECI major is taught by a remarkably accomplished professional faculty using the industry's most current tools and techniques. Students have access to advanced technologies available in the College's state-of-the-art Economic Crime, Justice Studies, and Cybersecurity facility.
Field of study: Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Economic Crime Investigation at Utica College offers students an in-depth understanding of the legal, investigative, and forensic aspects of economic crimes. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, financial crimes investigation, corporate security, and regulatory agencies. Throughout the program, students will explore a range of topics including white-collar crime, fraud detection and prevention, money laundering, cybercrime, and criminal justice systems. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical decision-making essential for uncovering and combating economic crimes effectively.
Students will engage in coursework such as criminal law, criminal investigation techniques, forensic accounting, digital forensics, and international financial regulation. Practical skills are developed through hands-on training, case studies, and internships that provide real-world experience in investigating and prosecuting economic crimes. Faculty members, experts in criminal justice and financial crime investigation, guide students through the complexities of modern crime trends and investigative strategies. The program also emphasizes the importance of technology in economic crime investigation, including the use of data analysis tools, cybersecurity measures, and digital forensics techniques.
In addition to technical skills, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks, regulatory environments, and compliance standards that govern financial activities. This knowledge prepares graduates for roles such as financial crime investigator, fraud analyst, compliance officer, and criminal investigator specializing in economic crimes. The program’s interdisciplinary approach combines criminal justice principles with business, finance, and computer science to ensure students are well-equipped to address the challenges of both traditional and emerging forms of economic crime.
Graduates of this program will be positioned to contribute effectively to law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, governmental regulatory bodies, and private sector firms. They will be capable of analyzing complex financial data, conducting investigations, and implementing preventive measures to reduce economic crime. Utica College’s focus on practical application ensures students are ready to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving field upon graduation.
Program Requirements:
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice — Economic Crime Investigation at Utica College, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours, including general education, core courses, and electives. The general education curriculum emphasizes a well-rounded academic foundation, including courses in English, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, designed to develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
Core program courses focus on foundational topics such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Crime and Justice Systems, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Law. Specialization in Economic Crime Investigation requires students to undertake advanced coursework in financial crimes, white-collar crime, cybercrime, forensic accounting, and investigative techniques. Students are expected to complete a capstone project or internship in the field, providing practical experience in economic crime investigation.
Prerequisites include a high school diploma or equivalent, with a competitive GPA and standardized test scores. Transfer students must submit official transcripts for evaluation of transfer credits, which may be applied toward degree requirements. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, research projects, and fieldwork opportunities facilitated by the college to gain hands-on experience.
Students are also required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in good academic standing. Certain courses may have prerequisite requirements, such as introductory courses in criminal justice and foundational courses in finance or accounting. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, corporate security departments, and regulatory agencies focused on economic crimes.
Additional program-specific requirements may include participation in seminars and workshops on topics such as cyber security, fraud detection, and legal procedures related to economic crimes. In compliance with college policies, students must adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct codes throughout their academic journey. Successful completion of all coursework, internships, and mandatory examinations qualifies students for graduation and entry into the professional workforce in the specialized field of economic crime investigation.
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- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
The Criminal Justice — Economic Crime Investigation program at Utica College offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for this program are structured to remain competitive within the region and the sector, providing an affordable pathway for students pursuing careers in criminal justice and economic crime investigation. Utica College typically charges tuition per credit hour, with the total cost depending on the number of credits taken each semester. Additional fees may include registration fees, technology fees, and specialty fees related to specific courses or lab sessions.
Students are encouraged to explore federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, which provide need-based support to eligible undergraduate students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted annually to be considered for these grants. Utica College also participates in federal student loan programs, offering Stafford and PLUS loans that can help cover educational expenses. Scholarships are available based on merit, leadership, and specific demographics, with details accessible through the college’s financial aid office.
Work-study programs are another potential source of financing, enabling students to work part-time on or near campus to earn money toward their education costs. The college offers various part-time employment opportunities aligned with students’ academic schedules. Additionally, some students may be eligible for private scholarships and external grants provided by organizations focused on criminal justice and law enforcement careers.
Utica College emphasizes financial planning and encourages students to meet with financial aid advisors to develop personalized assistance plans. Military veterans and active service members may also qualify for additional support through the GI Bill or other veteran-specific financial aid options. Payment plans are available to help manage tuition payments over the semester, reducing immediate financial burdens.
International students, if applicable, should explore international student scholarships and may also qualify for private funding or sponsorship programs in collaboration with their home countries. The college’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance to help students identify the most suitable financing strategies.
Overall, Utica College aims to make the Criminal Justice — Economic Crime Investigation program accessible to students by offering diverse financing opportunities, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations.
The Criminal Justice — Economic Crime Investigation program at Utica College is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of economic crime detection, investigation, and prevention. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the fundamentals of criminal justice with specialized knowledge in economic crime, such as fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime. Through coursework, students gain an understanding of the legal, financial, and technological aspects of economic crimes, enabling them to analyze and respond effectively to complex criminal schemes. The program emphasizes practical skills, including forensic accounting, digital forensics, interview techniques, and investigative methods, often complemented by hands-on training and internships. Students also explore the criminal justice system, legal procedures, and ethical considerations necessary for conducting thorough investigations. Utica College's facilities and partnerships with law enforcement agencies provide students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. The program aims to develop not only technical expertise but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are vital for effective investigation and prosecution of economic crimes. Graduates are prepared for employment in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, private security firms, and corporate compliance departments. The program's interdisciplinary approach prepares students to confront the challenges associated with economic crimes in an increasingly digital and globalized world.