Criminal Justice

Overview

Completing the Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology will prepare students for careers in corrections, law enforcement, and public safety.

The Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for employment in the areas of law enforcement, correctional services, the courts, private security, and juvenile services. The program covers a broad spectrum of criminal justice concepts and theories including police administration, criminal law, criminal evidence and procedures, correctional systems and criminology, and appropriate general education courses. The structure of the program is designed for those currently serving in various professions related to the criminal justice field as well as those interested in pursuing a career in these fields. The Criminal Justice program is also offered for students who are planning to continue their studies at a four-year college.

Learning experiences for students in the Criminal Justice Technology program are provided in the classrooms on the Airport and Beltline campuses as well as online. Introductory courses may also be taught at the Batesburg-Leesville Campus.

Service learning is an integral part of the Criminal Justice curriculum. Students are required to observe various agencies and individuals encompassing all of the three core areas of criminal justice: law enforcement, courts and corrections. Students enrolled in CRJ 130: Police Administration are required to participate in a ride along program with a local police department or sheriff’s office. Court observation is a mandatory element of the CRJ 220: Judicial Process class. Students enrolled in CRJ 242: Correctional Systems must successfully shadow a detention officer or community corrections professional. For CRJ 115: Criminal Law students are required to interview a local or state politician on the inner dynamics of creating legislation. In addition to these mandatory requirements, students are encouraged to complete a 175-hour Criminal Justice internship for elective credit.

In order to complete the Criminal Justice Technology program, students must obtain a “C” or better in the 24 hours of required courses in the major. Also, 26 hours are required in general education courses, and 12 hours of additional course requirements must be completed. This includes 6 hours of elective credits, of which nine hours are to be selected from the list of approved electives found in the MTC CAC. These electives allow students, along with their advisors, to tailor the program to particular needs.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(16 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
CRJ-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to Criminal Justice

ID: CRJ-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the functions and responsibilities of agencies involved in the administration of justice to include police organizations, court systems, correctional systems, and juvenile justice agencies.

3
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
CPT-101 Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

ID: CPT-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system.

3
SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology

ID: SOC-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology, including culture, socialization, interaction, social groups and stratification, effects of population growth, and technology in society and social institutions.

3
Semester 2
(15 Credit Hours)
CRJ-125 Criminology

Criminology

ID: CRJ-125

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various theories of criminal causation and control, the identification of criminal typologies, and the reaction of society to crime and criminals.

3
CRJ-130 Police Administration

Police Administration

ID: CRJ-130

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the organization, administration, and management of law enforcement agencies. Students are introduced to the principles of organization and management and to concepts such as organizational behavior, planning and research, budgeting, selection and training of personnel, and coordination of services.

3
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
HSM-101 Introduction to Homeland Security

Introduction to Homeland Security

ID: HSM-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an overview of homeland security as an interdisciplinary system. The components of the homeland security system and their relationships will be examined, including law enforcement, intelligence, transportation and border security, emergency management and public health preparedness.

3
CRJ-236 Criminal Evidence

Criminal Evidence

ID: CRJ-236

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the established rules of evidence from arrest to release in the administration of criminal justice.

3
Semester 3
(16 Credit Hours)
HIS-201 American History: Discovery to 1877

American History: Discovery to 1877

ID: HIS-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of u.s. history from discovery to 1877. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period.

3
CRJ-115 Criminal Law I

Criminal Law I

ID: CRJ-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the development of criminal law in America. The basic elements of specific criminal offenses, criminal defenses, and various legal principles upon which criminal law is established are reviewed.

3
CRJ-242 Correctional Systems

Correctional Systems

ID: CRJ-242

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to aspects of the correctional function in criminal justice, including organization, process, procedure, and clients incarcerated and on conditional release.

3
PHI-101 Introduction to Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy

ID: PHI-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes a topical survey of the three main branches of philosophy -- epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics -- and the contemporary questions related to these fields.

3
BIO-101 Biological Science I

Biological Science I

ID: BIO-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of the scientific method, basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell physiology, cell reproduction and development, mendelian genetics, population genetics, natural selection, evolution, and ecology.

4
Semester 4
(15 Credit Hours)
CRJ-220 The Judicial Process

The Judicial Process

ID: CRJ-220

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the law-making function of the courts, the growth of common law, the structure and organization of the courts, court processes and procedures involved in criminal and civil cases, and the question of reform for the administration of justice.

3
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
PSC-201 American Government

American Government

ID: PSC-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of national governmental institutions with emphasis on the constitution, the functions of executive, legislative and judicial branches, civil liberties and the role of the electorate. The impact of current events on the national government and institutions is emphasized.

3
HIS-101 Western Civilization to 1689

Western Civilization to 1689

ID: HIS-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of western civilization from ancient times to 1689, including the major political, social, economic, and intellectual factors shaping western cultural tradition.

3
ART-101 Art History and Appreciation

Art History and Appreciation

ID: ART-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts.

3
  Total Credit Hours 62
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$11,656.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(7 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
CRJ-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to Criminal Justice

ID: CRJ-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the functions and responsibilities of agencies involved in the administration of justice to include police organizations, court systems, correctional systems, and juvenile justice agencies.

3
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
Semester 2
(9 Credit Hours)
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
CPT-101 Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

ID: CPT-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system.

3
SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology

ID: SOC-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology, including culture, socialization, interaction, social groups and stratification, effects of population growth, and technology in society and social institutions.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
CRJ-125 Criminology

Criminology

ID: CRJ-125

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various theories of criminal causation and control, the identification of criminal typologies, and the reaction of society to crime and criminals.

3
CRJ-130 Police Administration

Police Administration

ID: CRJ-130

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the organization, administration, and management of law enforcement agencies. Students are introduced to the principles of organization and management and to concepts such as organizational behavior, planning and research, budgeting, selection and training of personnel, and coordination of services.

3
Semester 4
(9 Credit Hours)
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
HSM-101 Introduction to Homeland Security

Introduction to Homeland Security

ID: HSM-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an overview of homeland security as an interdisciplinary system. The components of the homeland security system and their relationships will be examined, including law enforcement, intelligence, transportation and border security, emergency management and public health preparedness.

3
CRJ-236 Criminal Evidence

Criminal Evidence

ID: CRJ-236

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the established rules of evidence from arrest to release in the administration of criminal justice.

3
Semester 5
(9 Credit Hours)
HIS-201 American History: Discovery to 1877

American History: Discovery to 1877

ID: HIS-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of u.s. history from discovery to 1877. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period.

3
CRJ-115 Criminal Law I

Criminal Law I

ID: CRJ-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the development of criminal law in America. The basic elements of specific criminal offenses, criminal defenses, and various legal principles upon which criminal law is established are reviewed.

3
CRJ-242 Correctional Systems

Correctional Systems

ID: CRJ-242

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to aspects of the correctional function in criminal justice, including organization, process, procedure, and clients incarcerated and on conditional release.

3
Semester 6
(7 Credit Hours)
PHI-101 Introduction to Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy

ID: PHI-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes a topical survey of the three main branches of philosophy -- epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics -- and the contemporary questions related to these fields.

3
BIO-101 Biological Science I

Biological Science I

ID: BIO-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of the scientific method, basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell physiology, cell reproduction and development, mendelian genetics, population genetics, natural selection, evolution, and ecology.

4
Semester 7
(6 Credit Hours)
CRJ-220 The Judicial Process

The Judicial Process

ID: CRJ-220

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the law-making function of the courts, the growth of common law, the structure and organization of the courts, court processes and procedures involved in criminal and civil cases, and the question of reform for the administration of justice.

3
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
Semester 8
(9 Credit Hours)
PSC-201 American Government

American Government

ID: PSC-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of national governmental institutions with emphasis on the constitution, the functions of executive, legislative and judicial branches, civil liberties and the role of the electorate. The impact of current events on the national government and institutions is emphasized.

3
HIS-101 Western Civilization to 1689

Western Civilization to 1689

ID: HIS-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of western civilization from ancient times to 1689, including the major political, social, economic, and intellectual factors shaping western cultural tradition.

3
ART-101 Art History and Appreciation

Art History and Appreciation

ID: ART-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts.

3
  Total Credit Hours 62
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$11,656.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Law Enforcement Officer

Law enforcement officers, or certified peace officers, are responsible for general or specialized law enforcement duties.

Projected Job Growth

+3.4%

Average Annual Salary

$48,830
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Law Enforcement

Careers

Detention/Correctional Officer

Detention or correctional officers work in detention centers or prisons as line staff and carry out various custodial functions.

Average Annual Salary

$37,713
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Law Enforcement
  • Mental Health Facilities

Careers

Dispatch/Communications

Dispatch communications professionals operate radio or telecommunications equipment. They receive and transmit routine and emergency radio, telephone, and teletype traffic. They dispatch law enforcement, public safety, or other personnel and equipment in response to service requirements.

Projected Job Growth

+5.9%

Average Annual Salary

$35,708
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Emergency Communications Departments
  • Law Enforcement

What’s next after I complete this program?

Transfer to a four-year school

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice Technology is fully transferable to most four-year colleges and universities. In addition, MTC has articulation agreements with numerous institutions throughout the state.

Become employed in the field of criminal justice

Graduates from the Criminal Justice program at MTC are qualified for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, communications, and institutional support.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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