POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Marist University and Dutchess Community College (DCC) have signed a new agreement that simplifies the transfer process for students pursuing careers in crime and justice studies and seeking a 4-year degree. Under the agreement, students who complete an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Criminal Justice at DCC that meet the grade point average course requirement will be able to transfer all earned credits to Marist University and complete a Bachelor’s degree in Crime & Justice Studies in just two years as full-time students.

This partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to supporting student success and expanding access to higher education. The agreement removes uncertainty for students and allows them to plan their academic journey with confidence that allows them to seamlessly pursue four-year degrees. A Crime and Justice Studies major prepares students for careers across various sectors of the justice system, including federal, state, and local law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Additional career paths may include the law, social work, social justice advocacy, public policy, and government.

“We are delighted to offer another opportunity for DCC students to transfer seamlessly into a major in our School,” said Dr. Deborah Gatins, Dean of Marist’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “Creating pathways for bachelor’s degrees at lower costs supports our mission to engage with our local community and provide meaningful programs that may lead to personal fulfillment and career success.”

Dr. Raymond M. Houston, Vice President for Instruction and Learning at Dutchess Community College, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Marist University to create a seamless pathway in Crime and Justice Studies for our students, ensuring they can continue their education and build successful careers.”

This agreement enables Dutchess Community College students to track their progress toward a Marist degree while completing their studies at DCC. By participating, students can plan their academic pathways more confidently and transfer up to 70 credits directly toward their Marist degree.

This new pathway agreement builds upon existing transfer agreements between Marist and DCC in Business, Social Work, and the Visual Arts, which open up pathways to degrees that lead to careers in fields such as accounting, marketing, counseling, community outreach, graphic design, animation and digital art.

About Marist’s Crime and Justice Program
As part of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Marist’s Crime and Justice Studies majors learn and apply critical thinking and criminological theory to address the many issues relevant to the creation of a just society.

A Welcoming University for Transfers
Marist welcomes traditional undergraduate transfer students (ages 18-22) from two-year and four-year colleges in the United States and abroad, and adult students (age 22 and older).

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About Marist University: Founded in 1929, Marist University is a comprehensive, independent four-year institution that blends the liberal arts with pre-professional studies and emphasizes experiential learning to enrich classroom instruction. With campuses in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Florence, Italy, as well as more than 70 programs offering a variety of international study options, the University is a portal to the world and is devoted to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive community. Through six schools offering nearly 50 majors, Marist fosters the intellectual growth and well-being of its more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University encourages students to explore beyond traditional academic boundaries, pursuing coursework and personal
experiences that provide valuable occupational expertise and reflect their individual passions. Marist has been recognized as a top institution in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review, and others.

About Dutchess Community College: Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The College currently has four locations including its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport and DCC @ the Family Partnership Center. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.