Meeting of the Board of Regents | February 2008

SUMMARY

Issue for Decision (Consent Agenda)

Should the Board of Regents authorize Berkeley College (New York City) to award the Bachelor of Science degree and approve a master plan amendment authorizing that institution to offer an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice?

Reason(s) for Consideration

Required by State regulation.

Proposed Handling

The question will come before the Higher Education Committee at its February 2008 meeting, where it will be voted on and action taken.  It will then come before the full Board at its February 2008 meeting for final action.

Procedural History

Regents authorization is required because this will be the institution's first program leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, and master plan amendment is needed because these programs will be the campus' first associate and baccalaureate degree programs in the social sciences discipline.

Background Information

Informed by an institutional planning process that considered student interest, employer demand, and emerging career opportunities, the proposed programs are intended to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills required for entry-level and professional positions in agencies administering justice and security operations.  Authority for Berkeley College, a proprietary college, currently extends to A.S., A.A.S., A.O.S., and B.B.A. degrees.  Regents authorization is required because this will be the institution's first Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program.  Master plan amendment is needed because these programs represent the campus' first associate and baccalaureate social sciences degree programs.

According to the institution, the Department of Labor projects a 4.5 percent increase by 2014 in protective service jobs in New York City. In the surrounding metropolitan region, projections range from a 3.6 percent growth in Long Island to an 8.1 percent increase for the Hudson Valley.  Occupational titles related to the proposed programs include protective service workers; bailiffs; private detectives and investigators; police and sheriff’s patrol officers; correctional officers; and related supervisors and managers. 

The proposed A.A.S. program requires 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits).  This includes an internship as well as courses in justice studies, criminal law, criminal procedure, computer applications in criminal justice, criminology, police and society, and forensic science.  The proposed B.S. program (180 quarter credits) also includes studies in justice and the judiciary; corrections, probation, and parole; and related internships and electives.  Both programs incorporate business and technology components relevant to agencies administering justice and security operations. 

Berkeley serves a diverse student population.  It reports that about two-thirds of its students are female, 15 percent identify as White, 22 percent as Black, 23 percent as Hispanic, and 5 percent as Asian.   The College expects to enroll an initial cohort of 35 students in the proposed programs (20 in the A.A.S. cohort, and 15 in the B.S. program).   Upwards of 50 students are expected to be enrolled by the fifth year, with more than 80 percent of those students full-time.  In support of the new programs, Berkeley has hired three new full-time faculty members.  Two of those individuals (former New York City police officers) hold doctorates in relevant fields, while the third holds a J.D.; all have teaching experience. 

Six institutions responded to the Department's canvass of area institutions; none objected to the proposed programs.  On the basis of the detailed program proposals and other information provided by the College, the Department has determined that the programs, if approved, would meet the registration standards set forth in the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. 

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Board of Regents authorize Berkeley College (New York City) to award the Bachelor of Science degree and approve a master plan amendment authorizing the College to offer an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice.  This amendment would be effective until February 12, 2009, unless the program is registered by the Department prior to that date, in which case master plan amendment shall be without term.

Timetable for Implementation

If the Board of Regents approves the degree authorization and the master plan amendment, the Department will register the program and the College will proceed to recruit and enroll program students.