Newsroom

Want to make a difference? A career in public service offers the chance to impact your community in a positive way while also allowing you to be personally and professionally fulfilled. From criminal justice to emergency services to paralegal studies and more, this rewarding career path spans both government and industry to enable you to serve others and embrace civic responsibility.

At Raritan Valley Community College, we’ve developed innovative programs in public service with both degree and certificate options. With the belief that there is more to earning a public service degree than textbook knowledge and classes, we partner with community leaders to bring you innovative programs that allow you to gain relevant hands-on experience in your chosen field—whether you continue your education at a four-year college or immediately enter the workforce after graduation.

Degrees Designed to Transfer to Four-Year Schools

The following public service programs at RVCC allow you to transfer credits to a four-year school upon graduation. Earn a criminal justice degree or Associate of Science degree in emergency services—then complete your education at one of many quality four-year schools in NJ and beyond. Luckily, transferring from community college has never been easier—especially at RVCC.

• Criminal Justice, Associate of Arts
• Emergency Services – Fire Science Option, Associate of Science
• Emergency Services, Associate of Science

Degrees and Certificates Designed to Lead to Immediate Employment

If you’re looking to head directly into the workforce after completing your degree or certificate, consider the following options within the public service realm:

• Paralegal Studies, Associate of Applied Science Degree
• Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Certificate of Completion
• Paralegal Studies, Certificate

Student Clubs

Specialized clubs let you get involved, serve your community, and extend your knowledge and engagement beyond the classroom. Clubs at RVCC related to public service include:

• Paralegal Studies Club
• Criminal Justice Club
• Enactus
• Rotaract

Learn more about student clubs here.

Scholarships

Public service-related scholarships are available to students studying in specialized fields including:

• Criminal Justice – Wayne J. Forrest, Esq. Scholarship
• Paralegal Studies – Maria DeFilippis Scholarship, Patricia Critelli Scholarship, Baker & Runnells Graduate Award
• Business or Paralegal – Sophie Sadowsky Chmil Memorial Scholarship (women over 45 years old re-careering)

Learn more about scholarships here.

CareerCoach

To learn more about public service careers, check out Career Coach—RVCC’s free, easy-to-use online tool that functions as your very own career counselor!

About RVCC

RVCC was rated the best community college in New Jersey by BestColleges.com. Interested in enrolling? Be sure to check out an upcoming Information Session. We hope to see you there!