The Criminal Justice Technology associate degree is designed to prepare students with cross-functional skills necessary for entry into the Criminal Justice profession. The program curriculum focuses on organizations and administration within the Criminal Justice system and includes the fields of corrections, criminal law, juvenile justice, and criminal investigation. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills necessary for entry into the Criminal Justice profession.

This degree prepares students to work in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, private/industry security, and other criminal justice fields. It also provides an educational path for officers who have passed recognized certification examinations in law enforcement, corrections, and probation/parole. This degree is also beneficial to employees in law enforcement seeking incentive benefits or career enhancement.

Note: Regardless of any degree earned, in order to be a sworn law enforcement or corrections officer, students must successfully complete (1) a state-certified training academy such as Polk State College’s Institute of Public Safety and (2) pass the state examination.

Attention: Sworn Law Enforcement or Corrections Officers

A student who has passed the Florida Criminal Justice Law Enforcement or Correctional Standards state certification examination is eligible to receive articulated credits toward this degree. In order to receive these credits, the student should see an advisor or refer to this website under the “Sworn Law Enforcement” or “Sworn Correctional Officers” links for details. The student will need to present proof of successfully passing the state examination to an advisor prior to graduation to be awarded these credits. All articulated credits will be awarded in the semester prior to graduation.

Courses for this degree are offered in a variety of traditional and non-traditional formats, including online, hybrid, and evening options to correlate with fluctuating law enforcement schedules as well as the needs of other working adult.

Criminal Justice Technology AS
Program: AS-25900

Click here to view the Criminal Justice Technology AS curriculum.

Click this LINK to learn about a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.