Department Welcome

Mary ButtenschonThe Social Sciences Department offers programs that emphasize comprehensive knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical behavior in an environment conducive to instilling lifelong intellectual curiosity as well as an understanding of human behavior.

The faculty is committed to preparing students for career and/or transfer opportunities.

Graduates of the Criminal Justice Program are currently working in an array of allied fields such as: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Postal Service, Criminology, Police Psychology, Forensic Science, Probation, Parole, Attorney, Law Clerk, Judge, Court Reporter, Polygraph Examiner, Environmental/Conservation Officer, and Private- Industrial- Campus Security. In this program, students study ethics, American constitutional law, research methods, and juvenile delinquency and may experience their chosen profession first hand by taking our Internship course. Our electives include courses in evidence, mediation, investigations, penology, and restorative justice. Students may also select courses in a wide variety of other fields, including computers and accounting, to prepare them for transfer.

The Public Policy AS Degree is a new and exciting program developed to meet the needs of students interested in being future administrators in the area of government, business, non-profit agencies or law. Students who complete this program may enter junior level administrative positions or transfer directly into a Bachelor's degree program. It is an ideal transfer degree because it fulfills all ten New York State General Education requirements. Public Policy majors gain an in-depth understanding of public problems and the policy making and implementation process.

Graduate Quote

"I was a typical college student, holding down several part-time jobs while attending MVCC full time. After graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, I transferred to Utica College and have since completed a Masters Degree from Marist College. I have been Chief of Police in New Hartford for 23 years. The foundation that I received while at MVCC provided for a smooth transition into both the 4-year program and into the world of police work. If you are looking at a career in the Criminal Justice field MVCC should be your FIRST choice."