The Police Studies major provides a comprehensive understanding of the police in the American criminal justice system. It is a dynamic curriculum that responds to issues of diversity as well as innovations and changes in the social and technological arenas that inform police professionals. The Police Studies major focuses on the police as an institution with concentrations on management and administration, crime analysis and investigations. The major provides a solid academic foundation for those students who wish to pursue graduate study. The program also allows students to enter the workplace with the theoretical and applied knowledge to accomplish four essential mandates of fair and effective policing: prevent and reduce crime and disorder in communities; reduce the fear of crime in communities; improve the quality of life in communities; and accomplish these goals in a fair and just fashion.
Major Requirements
A Note on General Education Requirements
Major Advising in Fall/Spring
Police Studies major advising is being done remotely in Fall 2023. Students wanting advisement for the Police Studies major can email Professor Arthur Storch, Police Studies Coordinator (astorch@jjay.cuny.edu). Please provide your EMPL ID number and contact cell number when sending him communications. Once he receives an initial request for advisement, he will make contact with you via email and set up a virtual office visit via Zoom or Collaborate.
Major Advising in Summer/Winter
Registration and Major Holds
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Professor Arthur Storch (astorch@jjay.cuny.edu ). This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!
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CJBS 101 is the foundation course for the major.
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Take PSC 101 early, since it’s the introduction to Police Studies course.
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The PSC major requires that you choose one of the following concentrations:
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CJBS 377 is an optional internship and highly recommended for this major. Talk with the PSC major advisor early to see how an internship can fit into your academic plan.
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Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 GPA in the major and at least a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.
Monitor Your Progress in the Major (Major Checklist, Sample 4 yr Plan)
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool.
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Police Studies Major Checklist - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
Meet with a General Academic Advisor
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.