Criminal Justice Technology

A career in criminal justice is about serving and protecting people. The Criminal Justice Technology program is about more than the law. It's about communication skills and learning to critically think. It's about keeping an open mind, being objective and fair.

In the Criminal Justice Program at Central Carolina Community College, students work in teams as they process mock crime scenes to collect and preserve evidence. Students learn to interview witnesses or victims and to use a variety of investigative tools. During these practice investigations, students utilize identification, fingerprint, and crime scene kits as they gather and document evidence.

In other classes, students utilize critical thinking skills as they study current laws and their applications to real life cases. They study courtroom procedures and rules of evidence while preparing legal briefs. By studying cases, students learn the law and how it is applied, along with the reason the court reached a particular decision.

Students learn how to deal with victims as well as suspects. They learn the importance of working with other public service agencies like the courts, parole offices, and human services agencies.

Criminal Justice graduates find interesting jobs in a variety of positions. They can be juvenile court intake counselors, probation and parole officers, state, local or federal law enforcement officers, wildlife officers, park rangers, or magistrates. Some students even continue their education to become lawyers.

Designed as a two-year associate degree program, the Criminal Justice curriculum is offered during the day and evening. Several online instructional opportunities are also available.

What Students Learn

Students completing the Criminal Justice Technology Program will be able to:

  • State the three components of the criminal justice system and describe how the components interact
  • Differentiate between common felonies and misdemeanors, including crimes against people and property
  • Describe concepts of due process of law, criminal procedures, defendant's rights, victim's rights, and Constitutional rights
  • Explain theories of crime causation and societal responses
  • Demonstrate the ability to testify in court
  • Apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations

Please Note:
Curriculum guides are for students enrolled during the current academic year. Students enrolled in a previous academic year should visit the Program Evaluation link in Self-Service to find the required list of courses for graduation. For assistance, consult your advisor.