Program Type: Degree

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Program is designed to develop law enforcement professionals, other criminal justice personnel and others who, after completion of the two-year program, will be prepared to continue their studies in fields such as police administration, public administration, legal studies, and management. 
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
 
  • Discuss the field of criminal justice including police organization, administration and management systems.
  • Demonstrate basic forensic procedures.
  • State their ethical responsibilities for the field of criminal justice and for their role as an officer of the law.
  • Communicate effectively in writing, verbal and electronic formats with particular emphasis on police reports.
  • Apply problem solving skills to specific criminal justice situations.
  • Discuss the social and psychological characteristics of offenders.

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Paralegal Studies

As defined by the American Bar Association, “A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”
The paralegal studies program at Union County College is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of paralegal job opportunities. The utilization of paralegals improves the efficiency, economy and availability of legal services. A paralegal performs substantive legal work under the direct supervision of an attorney.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
 
The Associate in Applied Science Degree Option will prepare students to enter the paralegal work force with the requisite skills or to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their baccalaureate degree. 
The specific objectives of this program are that the student will be able to:
 
  • Examine the roles played by paralegals in the American legal system, particularly the ethical regulations concerning the practice of law;
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills;
  • Effectively communicate with others in a diverse society, maintaining a professional manner and client confidence;
  • Conduct legal research and other fact-gathering activities including client interviews and investigations using current and emerging technologies;
  • Demonstrate the ability to write clearly and accurately according to the standards of the legal profession;
  • Recognize the similarities and differences among the general areas of law;
  • Discuss the basic tenets of the diverse subjects of law, define the legal terms related to these areas, and prepare the documents related to these specialties;
  • Analyze and evaluate the relevant legal issues presented in various fact patterns;
  • Prepare various documents in preparation for litigation and post-trial practice;
  • Incorporate computer technology in law office management and data compilation systems.
Transfer Policy: Prospective students may transfer no more than 30 credits, and no more than 12 credits of legal specialty courses, into Associates in Applied Science degree program, and only with the approval of the Program Director.

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American Sign Language and Deaf Studies

The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Degree Program is designed for individuals who do not have a college degree and are interested in the field of Deaf Studies, linguistics, communications, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, education of the Deaf and other related areas. The program provides a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Areas of scholarly pursuit include cultural and historical studies, linguistic examination, and literary analysis, as well as the study of the language in its conversational form. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions working with Deaf persons or transfer to four-year degree programs. This program can be completed either as a part-time or full-time student in a day or evening program.

Students are admitted to the ASL and Deaf Studies Program when they have demonstrated English competency and have satisfactorily completed the two semesters of the Pre-entry-level. Students are required to have satisfactorily completed ENG 101 and ENG 102 before taking ASL 201 (ASL 3) and ASL 205 (Linguistics of ASL).

Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are encouraged to participate in this program.

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American Sign Language – English Interpreting

The American Sign Language-English Interpreting Program is designed for individuals who are interested in the field of American Sign Language-English Interpreting. The program provides a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach of instruction. The five-semester program (after the pre-entry-level is completed) is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills for entry-level sign language interpreting. Areas of scholarly pursuit include cultural and historical studies, linguistic examination, and literary analysis, as well as the study of the language in its conversational form. The courses within the program are geared to preparing students for evaluation for certification through the National Association of the Deaf – Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf National Interpreters Certificate. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level interpreting positions working with Deaf persons or transfer to four-year degree programs. This program can be completed either as a part-time or full-time student in a day or evening program.

Students are admitted to the American Sign Language-English Interpreting Program when they have demonstrated English competency and have satisfactorily completed the Pre-entry-level courses of American Sign Language.

 
The specific objectives of this program are that the graduate must be able to:
 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of American Sign Language and English with members of the Deaf community.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the studies of American Sign Language as a distinct modern language, including scholarly pursuit of cultural and historical studies, linguistics, and literary analysis. 
  • Explain the social and cultural characteristics of American Deaf Culture, general and diverse American culture.
  • Identify and analyze the psychological and social factors affecting diverse populations within the Deaf community. 
  • State the ethical and professional standards of interpreters working in the field with Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons. 
  • Examine the types of interpretation and translation and the processes of interpretation, using theoretical models. 
  • Demonstrate the skills and process tasks of American Sign Language-English interpretation.
  • Explain and analyze the field of interpretation from an historical perspective. 
  • Analyze contemporary issues in the field of interpreting and the Deaf community. 
  • Demonstrate effective written, spoken, and signed communication skills.
  • Demonstrate the skills and motivation for continued self-education.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills, with emphasis on using community resources to solve specific problems.
  • Analyze one’s rights and responsibilities as a professional and/or a citizen in a world community.

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Audio Production

The Audio Production program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for further study and employment in the growing field of Audio Production.

As a transfer program, the program provides a foundation in academic and general studies courses, which prepare students for further study at four-year programs in this discipline both locally and nationally.

Additionally, the program intends to create graduates with the requisite training and skills to begin working with industry standard equipment and software to compose and record their own compositions and compete for entry-level positions in the field.

Other Communications Degrees Include:

  • Communications
  • Film
  • Game Design Creation
  • Journalism
  • Multimedia
  • Public Relations
  • Radio
  • Television

Specifically, graduates must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • recount the history of audio recording technology;
  • in conducting research, understand the importance of qualifying source material, using time honored structures such as peer review and disciplinary standards;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the recording industry as a business;
  • a level of comfort and proficiency with standard productivity software such as Adobe Audition, Cubase SX and Pro Tools, as well as an understanding of the ways in which these tools are applied
  • in the audio production field;
  • the ability to understand and apply all phases of audio production in the contemporary music studio environment;
  • identify the fundamental process and sequence involved in the production of audio composition;
  • identify the different roles and responsibilities of the recording studio
  • identify the historical development of musical performance;
  • understand the essentials of audio engineering, the fundamentals of digital imaging and video editing for New Media applications.

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Fire Science Technology

Fire Science Technology is a two-year Associate degree program.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

  • Read and interpret building blueprints and codes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fire prevention including fire detection and its causes, fire prevention systems and building codes.
  • Apply problem-solving skills to specific fire ground situations.
  • Analyze fire fighting strategies, techniques and procedures involved with incident command.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the organization and management of fire departments 
  • Analyze the ethical implications of fire department state policies and individual practices.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use technology related to fire science.
  • Communicate effectively in writing, verbal and electronic formats

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Professional Nursing Programs in Muhlenberg

MUHLENBERG 
Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder Schools 
Students interested in receiving additional information about, or an application to the program should contact the Director of Admission and Recruitment Services, Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools, Park Avenue and Randolph Road, Plainfield, N.J., 07061.
 
The specific objectives of this program are that the graduate must be able to :
 
  • Function as a graduate professional nurse within structured health settings.
  • Provide competent nursing care to clients with commonly occurring health deviations through application of nursing theory, evidence based practice and conceptsfrom the behavioral and natural sciences, the humanities, ethical principles and legal standards.
  • Utilize opportunities for continuing personal and professional development.
  • Accept accountability/responsibility for professional practice as a nurse.
  • Teach clients self care practices related to the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.
  • Cooperate with health team members to facilitate optimal health of clients in primary, secondary and tertiary settings.
  • Select appropriate communication, coordination and collaborative skills when interacting with individuals and groups.
  • Apply critical thinking to nursing care situations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of evidence based practice as a research participant. 

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Sustainability Science

The Sustainability Science Option offers the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program with a major in Sustainability Science/Studies. It is designed for students who seek a career that focuses on the principles of sustainability as applied to a specific industry or business. A four-year graduate would be qualified for such current job titles as: Business Sustainability Officer or Manager, Sustainability Auditor, Energy Consultant, Design and Materials Consultant and Green Construction Manager.

Other course substitutions may be appropriate and students are encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor regarding appropriate course selections. Because of the diversity of undergraduate Sustainability Science programs, it may be necessary for students to take one or more second year courses at their transfer institution.

The stated sequence of courses for the Sustainability Science option assumes the completion of all prerequisites for the mathematics courses or satisfactory performance on the College Level Mathematics exam. Contact the Mathematics Department for further information.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of ecological, geological and sustainability principles and their relations to problems involving environmental quality control and sustainability issues;
  • Employ computer software applications to represent and solve technical problems;
  • Perform laboratory procedures and assess the validity of experimental/diagnostic data;
  • Employ critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve technical problems;
  • Express and interpret both technical and non-technical concepts orally, in writing, and in electronic formats;
  • Demonstrate information literacy through familiarity and the effective use of related information resources.

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Game Design Creation

This program introduces students to the skills and knowledge required to compete for entry-level positions in the fastest growing segment of the media field – the video game industry. Course work includes the fundamentals of game design, the elements of storytelling for digital media, graphic design, creative writing, digital video editing and multimedia content creation. Through the selection of elective tracks, students can focus their studies on animation, illustration, film and video or photography. Students are required to work with their faculty advisor regarding appropriate track options and course selection suitable to their needs and interests.
 
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
  • Communicate orally and in writing in college level discourse
  • State the importance of committing to a process of life-long learning
  • Identify the fundamental process and sequence involved in the design of games
  • Describe the different roles and responsibilities of the game design team members
  • Relate the historical development of storytelling
  • Employ the elements of good storytelling
  • Demonstrate the essential skills of multimedia development, graphic arts design and video editing for gaming applications
  • Discuss the elements of game logic, game balance and the importance of challenge and reward milestones.
Other Communications Degrees Include:
  • Audio Production
  • Communications
  • Film
  • Journalism
  • Multimedia
  • Public Relations
  • Radio
  • Television

Search for courses in the online course catalog.

Trinitas School of Nursing

Students interested in receiving additional information about Trinitas School of Nursing or receiving an application should contact Union County College. The Cranford campus number is 908-709-7518; the Elizabeth campus phone number is 908-965-6050. Additional information is also available at www.trinitasschoolofnursing.org.

Program Learning Outcomes: The Graduate will:

  1. Provide compassionate and coordinated patient centered care recognizing the patient as the source of control and as a full care partner with respect to their individual preferences, values and needs.
  2. Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
  3. Integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values when making clinical decisions in the delivery of optimal health care
  4. Use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of health care systems.
  5. Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance.
  6. Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making

GENERAL INFORMATION

 
CURRICULUM AND CURRICULUM DESIGNS:
Fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the New Jersey State Board of Nursing, the program offers a basic course of study in nursing. It provides a sound theoretical base of knowledge in nursing, biological, behavioral and social sciences and integrates this knowledge into academic and practical experiences within the health and illness continuum of client care. Utilization of a variety of health care agencies facilitates the application of all aspects of the students’ learning. The curriculum has many options from which to select in order to complete the program of study.

 

MATRICULATION: 
Students may matriculate as full-time or part-time students in the Generic or LPN to RN division. A student who pursues a minimum of 12 credit hours of academic work per semester is classified as full-time. A student who pursues less than 12 credit hours of academic work per semester is classified as part-time.

 

Generic students have a maximum of 8 semesters to complete the nursing program from the time of acceptance and three and one half years from the time they enroll in NURE 130. LPN to RN students have a maximum of 6 semesters to complete the program from the time they enroll in NURE 211/212.

 

GENERIC TRACK:
The courses in the generic track are offered during the day, evening, and weekend time frames. Students have the option of taking day, evening and weekend college courses simultaneously.

 

General education and science courses may be taken at the Elizabeth, Plainfield or Cranford campuses of Union County College while nursing courses are offered at the School of Nursing on the Elizabeth campus. All students are subject to the same school policies and academic regulations.

 

RN COMPLETION TRACK FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES
The RN completion track is specifically designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to further their nursing education within a realistic time frame. Custom designed courses build on existing knowledge, skills, and strengths and provide an opportunity to pursue career goals without undue repetition of previous learning.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Generic Track:

Application for enrollment consideration for the RN track requires the following

  1. Co-Requisite Courses: Prospective students must have successfully completed or be in progress with the co-requisite courses for NURE 130 at the time of application submission. CHE 114, BIO 105, and ENG 101 or ENG 112 are the co-requisite courses with NURE 130. Successful completion of these courses is required before progressing to NURE 131. A minimum grade of C is required for all science curriculum courses. Transfer credit for any of the Trinitas School of Nursing curriculum courses must be posted to the student’s Union County College transcript prior to NURE 130 application submission.
  2. Information Session: Attend a Trinitas Nursing Information Session.
  3. GPA: A minimum Union County College GPA of 2.5 is required at the time of application submission (if student does not have a Union County College GPA, the high school GPA will be used if student is within a year from high school graduation).
  4. TEAS Exam: Complete the ATI TEAS Admission Exam with a minimum cumulative score of 50%.

 

LPN to RN Track:
  • Application for enrollment consideration for the LPN-RN track requires the following:
  • Successful completion of all pre-requisite general education and science curriculum course work. A minimum grade of C is required for all general education and science curriculum courses.
  • Union County College GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Attendance at a Trinitas School of Nursing Information Session prior to submitting LPN-RN tack enrollment application.
  • Valid unencumbered LPN license.
  • GPA 2.5

 

Search for courses in the online course catalog.