Criminal Justice Technology
63
Credit Hours
 
Location

Newark

Format

On campus

 
 
 
Admission

Open enrollment

Financial Aid Eligible

Yes

A police officer basic training cadet stands among peers in conversation on the campus.
OverviewAdmission RequirementsPlan of StudyProgram OutcomesTransfer OptionsRelated ProgramsFrequently Asked Questions

Criminal Justice Technology

Associate of Applied Science

Degrees & Certificates

Overview

In the criminal justice technology program at COTC, you learn to become an excellent communicator; explore a multifaceted system that includes the courts, policing, probation, corrections and homeland security; and apply hands-on technical training in basic investigations and firearms.

By completing this degree, you’ll be ready to begin working in criminal justice right away. You’ll also be prepared to continue your education if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Graduates with an associate degree in criminal justice technology can go on to pursue careers as:

  • federal agents
  • criminal investigators
  • court bailiffs
  • juvenile probation officers
  • adult probation officers
  • ​correction officers

Future Start Dates

Summer 2025

May 19

Apply by: May 12

Apply Now

Autumn 2025

August 25

Apply by: Aug. 18

Apply Now

Spring 2026

January 5

Apply by: Dec. 29

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, you must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll

You must be 18 years old to enroll in the LET 107 Basic Handgun course.

Plan of Study

Print plan of study

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology

A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required in all LET courses to proceed in subsequent criminal justice, law enforcement and public service courses and to graduate from the criminal justice technology program.

Total hours required: 63

Autumn Semester

ENGL-100

Composition I*

3

HLT-115

Human Nutrition

2

LET-100

Introduction to Criminal Justice

3

MATH-130

Introduction to Statistics*

3

PSY-100

Introduction to Psychology*

3

Total

14

Spring Semester

ENGL-101

Composition II*

3

LET-105

Ethics in Criminal Justice

2

LET-110

Constitutional Law & Courts*

3

LET-116

Public Administration

2

LET-230

Introduction to Homeland Security*

3

PSY-200

Abnormal Psychology*

3

Total

16

Summer Semester

LET-107

Basic Handgun

2

LET-120

Criminal Law and Procedure*

2

LET-126

Basic Investigations

2

LET-221

Juvenile Process*

3

LET-225

Probation and Parole*

3

SOC-100

Introduction to Sociology

3

SPCH-100

Fundamentals of Communication

3

Total

18

Autumn Semester

LET-200

Introduction to Corrections*

4

LET-205

Drugs in the Criminal Justice System*

3

LET-210

Criminology*

3

LET-215

Human Diversity*

3

LET-286

Criminal Justice Practicum*

2

Total

15

*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.

The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.

Published: March 2024

Program Outcomes

Statement of Purpose

The program addresses the functions and organization of the criminal justice system, integrating critical thinking, decision-making skills and the understanding of different cultures, ethics and social problems into the curriculum. The program provides students with comprehensive and practical knowledge that addresses the diverse professional areas of the criminal justice system that include policing, courts, probation and parole, and homeland security.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate competency requirements in entry-level position in CJ system.
  • Demonstrate knowledge through the study of gen ed courses with enhanced communication skills and a comprehensive knowledge of human behavior dynamics through the behavioral science courses.
  • Identify and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
  • Perform their professional duties with the highest regard for the U.S. Constitution.
  • Develop independent and lifelong learning habits.
  • Prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university to receive a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice after completing their associate degree at COTC.

Transfer Options

Students interested in continuing their education to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has transfer agreements with the following four-year colleges:

Frequently Asked Questions

Students who enroll full time may complete the criminal justice technology associate degree in four semesters.

Classes in the criminal justice program require hands-on learning and are only offered face-to-face, so you should plan to be on campus to complete this degree. Some general education courses may be available and completed online. 

COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.

Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.

See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.