Criminal Justice Technology

Criminal justice is — at its core — a profession for those who wish to serve their community. Whether you’re interested in a career in law enforcement, corrections, or homeland security, these professions are seeking motivated individuals who are problem-solvers and willing to accept the challenge of building trust, opening lines of communication, and improving the lives and security of others. From enforcing the law to ensuring the secure custody of offenders to preventing a terrorist attack, few career paths provide so many opportunities to make a positive difference in one’s community.

Courses in the program are taught in an engaging and interactive format. In addition to traditional instructional methods, courses include practical exercises, scenario-based instruction, use of technology, and analysis of current events. Faculty are dedicated to student success and helping students to reach their goals.

"Justice is doing for others what we would want done for ourselves." — Gary Haugen, CEO and founder of International Justice Mission

Credentialing Options

Criminal Justice Technology, AAS - CIP Code: 43.0104

A 55 18 0 

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50393

This curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. Study will focus on local, state and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections and security services. The criminal justice system's role within society will be explored.

Emphasis is on criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics and community relations. Additional study may include issues and concepts of government, counseling, communications, computers and technology.

Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state and federal law enforcement, corrections and security fields. Examples include police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer and retail loss prevention officer.

All students interested in a career in criminal justice, in a part-time or full-time capacity, must meet the special requirements as dictated by the N.C. Criminal Justice Standards and the N.C. Sheriff's Standards Divisions of the N.C. Department of Justice.

To be employed in this field, it is necessary to be a U.S. citizen.

Note: All or some of the courses in this program may transfer to a 4-year institution. Please see your advisor and/or transfer institution of interest.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion the Criminal Justice Technology AAS degree, the graduate should be able to:

  • Explain goals, processes and organizational components of the American Justice System. 
  • Apply statutory and case law to various legal scenarios. 
  • Examine issues related to inmate management in a correctional setting. 
  • Evaluate causes of adult and juvenile delinquent behavior and motivations for criminal activity.
  • Demonstrate detection, investigation, and enforcement procedures.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

 

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 16

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 15

Summer Semester I

  • Social/Behavioral Science Elective Credits: 3 3
  • Second English/Communications Elective Credits: 3 2

Total Credits: 6

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 15-16

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 14-15

Total credit hours required for degree: 66-68

Electives

1. Criminal Justice Technical Electives

Choose 8-10 credits from:

2. Second English/Communications Electives

Choose one course from the following:

3. Social/Behavioral Science Electives

Choose one course from the following:

4. ACA Elective

Choose one course from the following:

Close

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC.  During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.

Ed Carolan, Instructor
ecarolan@gtcc.ed 

Brad Robertson, Instructor
blrobertson1@gtcc.edu

All full-time and adjunct faculty are also current or former professionals in the criminal justice field. 

Yes, Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3.

Careers in criminal justice are found at the federal, state, county, and local levels as well as in the private sector. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2016, roughly three million workers were employed in the criminal justice field.

When you graduate from the criminal justice program, you could occupy positions in local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. All full-time and adjunct faculty are also current or former professionals in these areas. 

Employment opportunities for an Associate’s Degree include, but are not limited to: local police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, crime scene investigation, communications/dispatch, state trooper, state correctional officer, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer, park ranger, wildlife officer, retail loss prevention, and private security. 

Yes. A large number of four-year public and private institutions accept all or some of the courses in this program for transfer toward a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice or related field.  We strongly encourage you to continue your education to open up additional career paths and improve your promotional opportunities within your chosen field.  See your criminal justice program faculty coach or transfer institution of interest for more information regarding transfer credits. 

The criminal justice program is incorporating Work-Based Learning as elective credits into the program to allow you to do an internship as part of your studies.  You must have completed a certain number of hours, maintained a minimum required GPA, and meet other requirements to be eligible for internship opportunities.   See your criminal justice program faculty coach or contact a criminal justice faculty member for more information.

All criminal justice agencies have specific hiring standards that take into account an applicant’s criminal history and other background factors.  Though minor violations such as a speeding ticket will not prevent you from being employed in this field, a felony conviction will.

Though not a requirement for program admission, it is necessary to be a U.S. citizen to be employed in the field of criminal justice.