Criminal Justice Technology - Associate Degree
If you're interested in working in the criminal justice field or if you're already a professional in the field and want to enhance your salary and career options, EFSC's Criminal Justice Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is the ideal program.
It consists of 60 credit-hours and is designed to broaden your knowledge of criminal justice.
This A.S. degree will prepare you for various entry-level positions at the local, state, and Federal levels. It also opens up opportunities for related jobs in private industries, focusing on areas such as crime prevention, investigation and arrest, prosecution, and the incarceration of criminals.
Within the criminal justice field, there are opportunities to pursue multiple roles, such as that of a supervisor, manager, or trainer at a law enforcement agency, correctional institution, juvenile court, or crime laboratory.
This program offers a combination of theoretical and practical courses that will give you a strong foundation for your future in the criminal justice field.
Criminal Justice Technology A.S. - Course Curriculum
The program courses explore criminal justice principles, investigation, corrections, and legal procedures, ensuring you receive a well-rounded education.
Criminal Justice Technology - Associate Degree
Program Overview
- Degree Type
- Associate in Science (A.S.)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus, Hybrid, 100% Online Option
- Location
- Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 60
- Academic Community
- Public Safety
- Contact Information
-
Melissa Walker, Advisor
walkerme@easternflorida.edu
321-433-5637Tonia Graham, Program Manager
grahamt@easternflorida.edu
321-433-5695
You have the flexibility to choose your learning experience! The degree can be earned 100% online, or through face-to-face classes on EFSC's Melbourne Campus, or a hybrid format combining online and in-person courses.
Criminal Justice Technology A.S. - Admissions Information
At Eastern Florida, Criminal Justice Technology is an open-access program. This means that you can apply and enroll through EFSC's general admissions process at any time that suits you.
If you have prior experience or training, such as a law enforcement or corrections academy certificate or a successful state exam certification, you may be eligible for articulated credit that applies toward this A.S. degree. The course curriculum explains the requirements and you should also speak with the program advisor if this might apply to you.
Plus if you completed Criminal Justice Operations courses at a Brevard Public high school with a grade average of C or higher, you may have the opportunity to receive college credit toward this degree for the work you've already done. Again, speak with the advisor or program coordinator.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
If you're considering enrolling in EFSC's Criminal Justice Technology program, it's important to note that in-state tuition is approximately $6,240. There may be additional fees for course materials and labs, so it's a good idea to budget for those expenses as well.
You may be eligible for financial aid or scholarships, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. It's worth exploring these options to make your education even more affordable.
College Courses You Would Take
Here are some examples of the courses that are part of the curriculum:
Examines the types and causes of crime, as well as how society copes in the face of domestic violence, murder, and other areas of criminology.
Covers the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, emphasizing physiological effects and social aspects relating to control measures, public safety, and public policy.
Reviews the American Correctional System, examining its historical and philosophical origins, problems, treatment approaches, future trends, and related facilities and agencies.
Explores the nature and causes of juvenile delinquency from a theoretical perspective, as well as current strategies used in its prevention and control.
Why Study Criminal Justice Technology at EFSC?
Real-world Experiences and top-notch Facilities
As an EFSC student, you'll have the opportunity to participate in ride-alongs with local law enforcement agencies, visit courthouses and the Brevard County Jail, and even observe autopsies, providing you with hands-on exposure to real-world criminal justice operations.
You'll receive personalized mentoring. The faculty at EFSC are knowledgeable and professional, bringing expertise in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the broader criminal justice field, ensuring you receive quality education and guidance.
Our Public Safety Institute on the Melbourne Campus also features an on-site crime scene lab and courtroom facility, enabling you to gain practical experience in a simulated environment. Additionally, the Criminology Club offers a platform for you to engage in criminal justice activities within the community, fostering connections that can be beneficial for future employment opportunities.
The Opportunity for Advancement
Many of the credits you earn through EFSC's Criminal Justice Technology A.S. degree can also be transferred into a bachelor's program at the college — such as the Organizational Management BAS, which offers a specialization in Public Safety Management. EFSC's BAS curriculum is designed for seamless transition with an A.S. degree. If you are considering bachelor options at other colleges or universities, work closely with an advisor at those institutions to ensure your coursework will meet their program prerequisites and admission requirements.
Related Public Safety Institute Programs
EFSC offers a variety of other degree and certificate programs within the Public Safety Institute that you might also want to explore, including the Criminal Justice Technology Specialist certificate program. That CCCs 24 credits can apply toward the A.S. degree and the certificate has no general education or placement testing requirements, so may be an initial option as you build toward this associate degree.
While this degree focuses on the theories, history, and processes of the criminal justice system, other programs available through the Public Safety Institute can lead to certification as a law enforcement or corrections officer.