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Program Overview

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 service. 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.

Career and College Promise:

This program is offered through our Career and College Promise Dual Enrollment program.

Employment Opportunities:

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.

Many law enforcement department and agencies offer a pay incentive for earning a degree and for speaking a foreign language. Generally, it is 5% for an associate degree and 10% for a bachelor degree.

BLET Credit:

Students successfully completing a Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) course accredited by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission will receive credit toward the Associate in Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology for the following courses:

  • CJC 131 - Criminal Law
  • CJC 132 - Court Procedure & Evidence
  • CJC 221 - Investigative Principles
  • CJC 231 - Constitutional Law

Students must have successfully passed the Commissions' comprehensive certification examination. Students must have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training since 1985.

ONLINE PROGRAM INFORMATION: Surry offers this program online. Go to Online Learning for more information.


Start Your Higher Education Journey in Criminal Justice at Surry

Surry Community College is pleased to work with Lees-McRae College of Banner Elk, N.C. to offer a 4-year Bachelor’s degree completion program here on campus to students who have completed their A.A.S. in Criminal Justice Technology or Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Concentration. Surry Community College and Lees-McRae College have an articulation agreement which is an official guarantee that classes completed at Surry will be accepted when a student transfers to Lees-McRae College. Currently, the only exception to the agreement are Surry Community College’s forensic science courses.

Resources for Lees-McRae

Program Contacts:

Denise Sizemore

Lead Instructor - Criminal Justice

Degree Curriculum

To complete the degree, 37 credit hours from Criminal Justice Diploma (D55180) must be included in A55180.

WBL-110 World of Work 1
OR
ACA-122 College Transfer Success 1
CJC-141 Corrections 3
OR
WBL-111 Work-Based Learning I 1
CJC-213 Substance Abuse 3
CJC-232 Civil Liability 3
PSY-150 General Psychology 3
PSY-231 Forensic Psychology 3
POL-120 American Government 3
ENG-114 Professional Research & Reporting 3
COM-231 Public Speaking 3
MAT-110 Mathematical Measurement and Literacy 3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3

WBL options: WBL 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 124, 131, 132, 133, 211, 212, 213, 221, or 231

Total credits needed to graduate: 29 Hours

Students on financial aid should speak with their financial aid advisors before enrolling in less than 12 credit hours per semester.

Diploma Curriculum

To complete the diploma, 12 credit hours from Criminal Justice Technology Certificate (C55180/C55180X) must be included in D55180.

CJC-112 Criminology 3
CJC-132 Court Procedure & Evidence 3
CJC-212 Ethics & Community Relations 3
CJC-221 Investigative Principles 4
CJC-121 Law Enforcement Operations 3
ENG-111 Writing and Inquiry 3
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers 3
SOC-230 Race and Ethnic Relations 3

Total credits needed to graduate: 25 Hours

Certificate Curriculum

CJC-111 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
CJC-113 Juvenile Justice 3
CJC-231 Constitutional Law 3
CJC-131 Criminal Law 3

Total credits needed to graduate: 12 Hours

This certificate is offered to high school students through the Career and College Promise program (C55180X). CCP students should complete this certificate over two semesters.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply local, state, and federal statutes to protect individual rights and preserve public order.
  • Interpret evidence and analyze potential motives to develop theories in the investigation of crimes.
  • Practice ethical behavior and adhere to professional codes of conduct.

Program Costs

Degree In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees $4,700.00 $15,000.00
Books and Supplies $1,500.00 $1,500.00
Total Cost $6,200.00 $16,500.00
Certificate In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees $1,462.50 $4,918.50
Books and Supplies $932.25 $932.25
Total Cost $2,394.75 $5,850.75

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Program Facts

Emilio Lopez
The best decision I could have made was to attend Surry Community College. It has opened doors and continues to open doors of opportunities for me.

Emilio Lopez

Criminal Justice, AAS

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