Individuals who pursue a career in Criminal Justice Technology work as law enforcement officers, correctional officers and correctional office administrators.
CAREER OPTIONS
TCL offers the following degree options in the Criminal Justice Technology program:
- An Associate in Applied Science major in Criminal Justice Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology Transfer Pathway
- Criminal Justice Technology Certificates including
- correctional office administration
- law enforcement training
- law enforcement psychology training
- correctional training
Salaries are varied depending on the career choice. In 2009, the average annual income in South Carolina for police and sheriff’s patrol officers was $37,660. For correctional officers and jailers the average annual income was $31,770.*
*Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Associate in Applied Science provides a complete survey in the areas of the court system, law enforcement and corrections. The Criminal Justice Transfer Pathway provides students the opportunity to transfer to a baccalaureate criminal justice degree program. The Criminal Justice Technology Certificates prepare students for employment in administrative offices of federal, state and local correctional institutions, and for career opportunities in law enforcement. Some courses may be waived if the student has completed study at the SC Criminal Justice Academy or its equivalent. Electives are offered in specialty areas such as juveniles and the law, and criminalistics.
Note: For list of required courses, please see Course Catalog
ADMISSIONS
South Carolina law requires that police officers be at least 21 years of age at the beginning of their career. Security officers may enter the field at 18 years old. The officer must also pass written, psychological and physical examinations; meet height and weight standards; and undergo character and background investigations. Typically, law enforcement agencies in major metropolitan areas require at least an Associate degree.
FACULTY
Dr. Kenneth Flick, Division Dean
Phone: 843.525.8238 / Fax: 843.470.8413 / kflick@tcl.edu
Michael Ricks, Criminal Justice Instructor
Phone: 843.525.8322 / mricks@tcl.edu