Law Enforcement Certificate Program
Course Title Course Number Semester Taken Credits Prerequisites
Introduction to Criminal Justice CRJ101 3 ENG095 and RDG095, or ESL098
Criminal Law CRJ103 3 ENG095 and RDG095, or ESL098
Evidence and Court Procedure CRJ202 3 ENG111, CRJ101, CRJ103, and CRJ208 or Instructor permission
Policing in a Democratic Society CRJ220 3 ENG111, CRJ101, CRJ103, or Instructor permission
College Writing I ENG111 3 ENG095 or placement and ESL098 or RDG095 or placement
Principles of Sociology SOC101 3 ESL098 or RDG095 or placement
Principles of Psychology PSY101 3 ESL098 or RDG095 or placement
Criminology SOC207 3 PSY101 or SOC101
Oral Communication ENG171 3
Total Credits 27

Additional Information

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Program Overview

Developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Law Enforcement Certificate Program has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for participation in the Police Career Incentive Program (PCIP-Quinn Bill). The certificate combines specialized criminal justice and general education coursework to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to compete for entry into the Massachusetts law enforcement field. All of the credits earned in the certificate program can be applied to a Quinn Bill eligible Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Career Outlook

The certificate program has been ratified by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association’s Training and Education Committee as an important step in their goal to have a better-educated and more professional workforce. Although the certificate is not yet a requirement in the hiring and training procedures, it is anticipated that it will substitute for a significant part of the Massachusetts Training Council curriculum in the future. Since the Law Enforcement Certificate Program will only be offered at PCIP approved colleges, all courses qualify students for the pay incentives once they earn the A.S. degree in Criminal Justice.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bhcc.mass.edu/ certificate-programs.

Upon Completion of this Concentration Graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate enhanced cultural awareness and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrate specific content knowledge of criminal justice and criminal law.