LOCH SHELDRAKE – For students considering a future in criminal justice, SUNY Sullivan offers more than just an associate degree—it offers a launchpad into one of today’s most multifaceted career fields. Whether students envision themselves in law enforcement, forensic science, social work, or homeland security, the college’s Criminal Justice program provides the skills, support, and direction to turn those aspirations into reality.

“We’re not just training police officers,” said Jason Kaplan, Interim Dean of Liberal Arts, Science, and Health Sciences at SUNY Sullivan. “We’re preparing students for a broad spectrum of careers in the criminal justice system—from probation officers to forensic technicians.”

The two-year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree draws from both academic theory and field experience. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program supports both full-time and part-time students and includes small class sizes, individual attention from instructors with real-world law enforcement backgrounds, and smooth transfer pathways to four-year SUNY schools.

Curriculum that meets the moment

Kaplan emphasized the diversity and practicality of the courses. Beyond the foundational “Intro to Criminal Justice,” students explore classes in police operations, criminal law and procedure, and cultural diversity in justice systems.

A forensic science course—complete with lab components—teaches students evidence collection, fingerprinting, and crime scene control. “It’s one of the most hands-on classes we offer,” said Kaplan. “They lift fingerprints, study ballistics, and get familiar with the real tools used in the field.”

Courses also explore deeper systemic issues such as criminology, terrorism (both domestic and international), and juvenile justice—areas that Kaplan says are essential for understanding the complex causes and conditions behind criminal behavior.

The program’s emphasis on communication skills is notable. “Verbal and written communication are crucial in this line of work,” Kaplan stressed. “You can have the technical skills, but if you can’t relate to people or write clear reports, you’re going to struggle.”

Classroom to Community

SUNY Sullivan integrates practical experiences through guest speakers, field trips to courthouses and police stations, and demonstrations like police canine units. While there’s no formal internship program currently, the college facilitates ride-alongs and job shadowing with local law enforcement for motivated students.

“We bring in officers, judges, lawyers—and we take students to where the work happens,” Kaplan explained. “It’s an academic program, but we make sure they see what the job is really like.”

SUNY Sullivan also works closely with BOCES. Students who complete the BOCES Public Safety program in high school and receive a referral from their instructor can enter SUNY Sullivan’s Criminal Justice program with a semester’s worth of credit.

Career and transfer pathways

Upon graduating, students have several avenues to pursue. Some enter the workforce immediately, finding jobs in law enforcement, corrections, probation, or security. Others continue their education, often transferring to SUNY institutions like John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“There’s a growing demand for trained professionals not just in policing, but also in forensics, homeland security, and social services,” Kaplan said. “We’ve seen our students go in all those directions—including myself. I started in this program in the ‘90s.”

Kaplan’s own journey took him from SUNY Sullivan to law enforcement roles in the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department and Fallsburg Police, before moving on to police oversight work in California. Now, he shares that lived experience with the next generation.

A field that makes a difference

When asked what he’d say to a student considering the program, Kaplan was reflective: “Keep an open mind. You may come in thinking you want one thing, and discover a completely different passion.”

He added, “This is a field where you can make a real difference. One day you might change someone’s life without even realizing it. That’s what makes criminal justice special—it’s personal, impactful, and always evolving.”