Students in business professional attire sat around a desk.

Criminal Justice Technology

A.A.S.
Certificate
Diploma
High School Option

You Protect and Serve. We’ll Teach You How.

If public service is in your heart, South Piedmont should be on your resume.

Our Criminal Justice Technology program will equip you with a foundational knowledge of our criminal justice system. You’ll learn from long-serving professionals and their real-world experiences.

This program is offered in a HyFlex format, allowing you to choose day by day how and when you’ll attend class — in person, online in real time, or online at a time that fits your schedule. We also offer courses on both an 8- and 12- week format, allowing you to progress at the pace that is right for you.

Plus, if you’re already employed in the criminal justice field, you’ll receive college credit for your prior training and service (training must be from an approved certifying authority and will be evaluated by South Piedmont).

Loading…

The Program Options

2 Years 71 Credit Hours
Choose this program if you’re seeking entry-level employment in the fields of law enforcement, courts, or corrections. You’ll graduate with a broad understanding of our criminal justice system. This program will allow you to seamlessly transfer to one of our Criminal Justice baccalaureate degree program partners.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Year 16 Credit Hours
The Criminal Justice Technology certificate includes the core classes of the A.A.S. degree. Choose this program if you plan to transfer to a university but do not want to pursue a full degree now. 

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Year 15 Credit Hours
This program will provide you with the broadest overview of our criminal justice program. This is a good choice if you are already working in the criminal justice field and are trying to position yourself for a pay increase. 

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Year 36 Credit Hours
This program is the middle ground between the certificate and degree programs. You gain deeper knowledge than the certificate program, but you’ll complete the diploma in a shorter amount of time than the degree. This is a good option if you think you’ll eventually want to complete a degree.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Year 14 Credit Hours
This pathway provides essential knowledge in criminal justice, including law enforcement operations, juvenile justice, and ethics. It’s designed for those interested in careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

Unweighted GPA of 2.8

5


Program options: degree, diploma, certificate, and high school CTE pathways

8/12


This program offers courses in both an 8- and 12-week format, allowing for maximum flexibility.

5


Criminal Justice transfer agreements, allowing you to seamlessly continue your education

Instructors Who’ve Been on the Frontlines

As a student in the Criminal Justice Technology program, you’ll learn about local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services, while also exploring the criminal justice system’s role in our society.

The coursework emphasizes criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics, and community relations. The program is taught by instructors who have extensive experience in their fields.

Because of the high-quality education South Piedmont’s Criminal Justice Technology students receive, five universities have agreed to let our graduates seamlessly transfer into their criminal justice bachelor’s degree programs. Transfer partners include East Carolina University, Mars Hill University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina State University, and Wingate University.

Main Building on the Old Charlotte Highway campus.
South Piedmont graduate and police officer Carmen Jenkins.

High-Quality Education Leads to Elevated Public Service

I liked the Criminal Justice Technology Program because it combined my passion for justice with the opportunity to understand and influence the systems that shape our society.

Carmen Jenkins, ’24 Criminal Justice Technology graduate and a patrol officer with the Stallings Police Department

Get Ready for What Comes Next

Our SP | Career Connector will help you build your resume, prepare for job interviews, and even connect you to hiring managers in our area.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Get in Touch

We’re excited to talk to you about your future and how we can help you reach your goals. Reach out today!