OCC, Utica College sign transfer-articulation agreement for criminal-justice degree

ONONDAGA — Onondaga Community College (OCC) and Utica College on Thursday signed a transfer-articulation agreement for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

OCC students who complete an associate degree in criminal justice with a grade-point average of 2.5 or better can transfer their credits to Utica College toward the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the same course of study.

Recent statistics indicate future growth in the criminal-justice field over the next decade, according to the joint statement from OCC and Utica College.

Economics Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) is projecting a five percent increase in criminal-justice related jobs in “our five-county region” between 2011 and 2021, the schools said.

EMSI, an Idaho–based research firm that works with colleges and workforce-development organizations, collected data that incorporates statistics from the New York State Department of Labor, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other employment databases and surveys in making the projection.

The agreement represents an “additional opportunity” for students to continue their education after earning an associate degree at OCC, Cathleen McColgin, OCC provost and senior vice president, said in the statement.

“This agreement with Utica College ensures our students a smooth transition upon graduation, and partnerships like this are critically important in providing clear educational pathways to baccalaureate programs,” McColgin said.

Students will work a curriculum that emphasizes research, technology, and real-world professional experiences, Patricia Swann, dean of Utica College’s School of Business and Justice Studies, said in the release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com