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).
The Program Options
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
None
Mode
Online/in-person
Prerequisites
Unweighted GPA of 2.8
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
FAQ – Criminal Justice Technology
Criminal Justice Technology is a field of study that examines the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, criminal law, and criminal investigations. Students learn how criminal justice agencies operate and develop skills that prepare them for careers in public safety and related fields.
While, no degree can guarantee employment a Criminal Justice degree can strengthen your qualifications, enhance your knowledge of the profession, and help prepare you for career opportunities in the field.
Graduates may pursue careers in:
· Law enforcement
· Detention and corrections
· Probation and parole
· Juvenile justice
· Court services
· Private security
· Loss prevention
· Emergency management
· Victim advocacy
Some positions may require additional training, certification, or education. Many careers in criminal justice are considered security-sensitive and may require extensive background investigations as part of the hiring process.
Yes. Many students transfer to four-year colleges and universities to pursue bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Homeland Security, or related fields. Academic advisors can help students develop a transfer plan.
Yes. Students who have successfully completed North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) may be eligible to receive college credit toward the Criminal Justice Technology degree. Credit is awarded in accordance with South Piedmont Community College policies and North Carolina Community College System guidelines.
Students interested in receiving BLET credit should contact the Criminal Justice Program Chair or an academic advisor to discuss eligibility requirements and the credit evaluation process. Documentation of successful BLET completion may be required.
This option can help students apply their law enforcement training toward a degree and potentially reduce the number of courses needed for program completion.
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.
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.