Criminal Justice: Transfer Associate

The Criminal Justice: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of the criminal justice system. This program is designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, enabling them to pursue a bachelor's degree in fields such as Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Police Administration, or related disciplines. Throughout the program, students gain vital knowledge about the functions of law enforcement, the judicial process, corrections, and the legal system, along with an understanding of ethical considerations and societal impacts related to criminal justice. The curriculum includes courses in criminal law, corrections, criminology, ethics, and criminal investigation, coupled with practical skills developed through laboratories and internship opportunities. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical decision-making, which are essential for successful careers in criminal justice. Students will also learn about crime prevention strategies, the role of technology in law enforcement, and contemporary issues facing the justice system today. The transfer associate degree provides a flexible pathway for students interested in advancing their education while gaining foundational knowledge and skills in criminal justice. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to either enter entry-level positions within law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, or related organizations, or to transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Harrisburg Area Community College’s program combines theoretical instruction with practical application, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education and professional opportunities in the criminal justice field.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing (or)  (3) 
  ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3) 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective Math  3 
Core C Elective Science  3 
Core C Elective  3 
General Education Transfer Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements     
CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice  3   
CJ 108 Criminology  3   
CJ 212 Criminal Law and Procedure  3   
CJ 240 Ethics and Diverse Cultures (D)  3   
Law Enforcement or General Transfer Options  18   

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Demonstrate an awareness of professional ethics including ethical and legal entrance requirements to the criminal justice

Translate observations into writing

Use technology as a form, or method, to conduct research

Describe components of the criminal justice system including corrections, courts, law enforcement, and the private sector

Examine diversity issues as they impact criminal justice

Demonstrate an awareness of the dynamics of organizational behavior

Manage and build teams

Analyze problems and develop solutions

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Criminal Justice: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundational understanding of the criminal justice system. This program prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce or the pursuit of a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including criminology, criminal law, corrections, policing, juvenile justice, and ethics in criminal justice. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through coursework, and may have opportunities for internships or field experiences that enhance their understanding of real-world criminal justice operations.

Throughout the program, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for solving complex problems related to crime and justice. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and the societal impacts of criminal justice policies. Additionally, students are encouraged to understand diversity and cultural competency within the criminal justice system, preparing them for work in varied and dynamic environments.

The transfer associate degree ensures students meet the academic prerequisites required for admission into a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice or related fields at participating institutions. Harrisburg Area Community College has articulation agreements with several universities, facilitating a smooth transfer process and allowing students to pursue further education without losing credits. This pathway allows students to specialize further and pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal services, probation, and social services, among others.

The program typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, including general education requirements such as English, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities, which complement the major coursework. It is designed to be flexible for part-time students and working professionals, often offering evening or online classes. Upon graduation, students are equipped not only with knowledge of the criminal justice system but also with transferable skills such as communication, research, and digital literacy, which are valuable across multiple career paths.

Overall, this associate degree serves as a solid stepping stone for students interested in entering the criminal justice field or advancing their education at a four-year college. Harrisburg Area Community College commits to providing quality education that prepares students for both employment and lifelong learning in criminal justice and allied fields.