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.
Program Type
Associate in Applied ScienceHow to Enroll
To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.
Questions?
Sample Program Plan and Costs
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| 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. |
Full 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 |
$12,400.00 Not including fees and equipment |
||||||
Part Time
| 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 |
$12,400.00 Not including fees and equipment |
||||||
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.