Criminal Justice Technology A.A.S.

This curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. The 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 studies 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 officers, deputy sheriffs, county detention officers, state troopers, intensive probation/parole surveillance officers, correctional officers, and loss prevention specialists.

Contact:
Sarah A. Benson
Department Chair

Phone: (828) 782-2395
Email: sarahabenson@abtech.edu

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA and CJC

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-122		1
This course provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include the CAA, college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills for a successful academic transition. View course details for College Transfer Success ‌‌
CIS-110		3
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include the identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. Microsoft Office will be used in this course; this includes Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. View course details for Introduction to Computers ‌‌
CJC-111		3
This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Introduction to Criminal Justice ‌‌
CJC-113		3
This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Juvenile Justice ‌‌
CJC-231		3
The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments to the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts. View course details for Constitutional Law ‌‌
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CJC-112		3
This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response. View course details for Criminology ‌‌
CJC-121		3
This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations. There will be an emphasis on practical skills. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Law Enforcement Operations ‌‌
CJC-131		3
This course covers the history/evolution/principles and contemporary applications of criminal law. Topics include sources of substantive law, classification of crimes, parties to crime, elements of crimes, matters of criminal responsibility, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the sources of law and identify, interpret, and apply the appropriate statutes/elements. There will be an emphasis on North Carolina law. View course details for Criminal Law ‌‌
HUM-115		3
This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Critical Thinking ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌
MAT-143		3
This course is designed to engage students in complex and realistic situations involving the mathematical phenomena of quantity, change and relationship, and uncertainty through a project and activity-based assessment. Emphasis is placed on authentic contexts which will introduce the concepts of numeracy, proportional reasoning, dimensional analysis, rates of growth, personal finance, consumer statistics, practical probabilities, and mathematics for citizenship. View course details for Quantitative Literacy ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CJC-132		3
This course covers judicial structure/process, the procedure from incident to disposition, kinds, and degrees of evidence, and the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court. Topics include consideration of state and federal courts, arrest, search and seizure laws, exclusionary and statutory rules of evidence, and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest/search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence. View course details for Court Procedure and Evidence ‌‌
CJC-170		3
This course prepares the student to specialize in the direct response, operations, and management of critical incidents. Emphasis is placed upon the theoretical and applied models to understand and manage disasters, terrorism, and school/work place violence. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify and discuss managerial techniques, legal issues, and response procedures to critical incidents. View course details for Critical Incident Management for Public Safety ‌‌
CJC-221		4
This course introduces the theories and fundamentals of the investigative process. Topics include crime scene/incident processing, information gathering techniques, collection/preservation of evidence, preparation of appropriate reports, court presentations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, explain, and demonstrate the techniques of the investigative process, report preparation, and courtroom presentation. View course details for Investigative Principles ‌‌
ENG-114		3
This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Students entering this course should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a technical field and should anticipate interdepartmental evaluation of course projects. View course details for Professional Research and Reporting ‌‌
SOC-225		3
This course provides a comparison of diverse roles, interests, opportunities, contributions, and experiences in social life. Topics include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and religion. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze how cultural and ethnic differences evolve and how they affect personality development, values, and tolerance. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for Social Diversity ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CJC-122		3
This course covers the historical, philosophical, and practical dimensions of community policing. Emphasis is placed on the empowerment of police and the community to find solutions to problems by forming partnerships. Upon completion, students should be able to define community policing, describe how community policing strategies solve problems and compare community policing to traditional policing. View course details for Community Policing ‌‌
CJC-141		3
This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Corrections ‌‌
CJC-212		3
This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations. View course details for Ethics and Community Relations ‌‌
CJC-222		3
This course covers the functions of the forensic laboratory and its relationship to successful criminal investigations and prosecutions. Topics include advanced crime scene processing, investigative techniques, current forensic technologies, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and collect relevant evidence at simulated crime scenes and request appropriate laboratory analysis of submitted evidence. An emphasis will be placed on current technology for the collection and classification of fingerprint evidence. View course details for Criminalistics ‌‌
CJC-255		3
This course provides an opportunity to exhibit interpersonal and technical skills required for the application of criminal justice concepts in contemporary practical situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and integration of theory and practical skills components. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge required of any entry-level law enforcement officer. View course details for Issues in Criminal Justice App ‌‌
SPA-120		3
This course offers applied Spanish for the workplace to facilitate basic communication with people whose native language is Spanish. Emphasis is placed on oral communication and career-specific vocabulary that targets health, business, and/or public service professions. Upon completion, students should be able to communicate at a functional level with native speakers and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. View course details for Spanish for the Workplace ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

Students who have successfully completed a curriculum offering of Basic Law Enforcement Training within 10 years of their application to the Criminal Justice Technology Program will receive credit for CJC-121, CJC-131, CJC-132, CJC-221, and CJC-231.

Students who have successfully completed the WNC Law Enforcement Leadership Academy will receive credit for CJC-111, CJC-221, CJC-231, and CJC-255.

See advisor for General Education substitutions.

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.