Program changes effective 2023 Fall. Please see your advisor if working off an older catalog.
Program Description
The Criminal Justice Technology curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. 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 study 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 officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer, and loss prevention specialist.
What will I learn in this program?
You will learn about the criminal justice system, how it operates and its role in society. Study will focus on local, state and federal law enforcement; judicial processes, corrections; security services; criminology; juvenile justice; criminal and constitutional law; investigative principles; ethics; and community relations. Additional study may include issues and concepts of government, counseling, communications, computers, and technology.
Will I be suited for this type of work?
If you are an investigative type of person with good analytical and critical thinking skills, you are well suited for a career in criminal justice. You also need to be fair-minded, have a desire to help others and have good communication skills.
How long does it take to complete the program?
There are three levels of credentialing in the Criminal Justice Technology program. The associate degree is a two-year program; the diploma is a one-year program; and there are two certificate pathways, Corrections, and Law Enforcement, that consist of five to six courses.
What if I already have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) or the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Basic Correctional Training?
RichmondCC will award you college credit for the training you successfully completed.
If you have successfully completed the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), your training earns you college credit for 4 classes in the Criminal Justice program. This is equivalent to one semester!
If you have successfully completed the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Basic Correctional Training OR the North Carolina Detention Officer Certification Course, your training earns you college credit for 3 classes in the Criminal Justice program. This is 9 credit hours.
Can I complete courses for this program online?
Yes, this program is offered 100% ONLINE!
Does this program provide hands-on projects and lessons?
Yes, class projects include many hands-on activities such as fingerprinting, blood spatter analysis, crime scene investigations and correctional facility design.
Can I advance to a higher degree?
Yes, the courses you take for the associate degree are designed to transfer into bachelor degree programs in criminal justice offered at the four-year college and university level. Explore the articulation agreements that RichmondCC has with multiple higher education institutions.
What is the North Carolina Criminal Justice Fellows Program?
The Criminal Justice Fellows Program can aid you in achieving your goal of becoming a criminal justice professional. It is an opportunity for a 100% forgivable loan to go to any North Carolina Community College to acquire an Associate in Applied Sciences degree for criminal justice. The loan will be forgiven upon 4 years of working in an eligible profession and county.
Flyer for NC Criminal Justice Fellows Program
Brochure for NC Criminal Justice Fellows Program
Previous Program & Course Requirements, Program Completion Guides and Course Catalogs, please visit the Archives.