Program: AAS-A5900

The Criminal Justice Technology AAS degree program 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.

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 for employees in law enforcement who are seeking incentive benefits or career enhancement.

Students who score below the required levels on state-mandated placement tests in writing, reading, and mathematics must enroll in and complete the appropriate college preparatory courses before they enroll in some required program courses.

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

Sworn Law Enforcement or Corrections Officers

A student who has passed the Florida Criminal Justice Law Enforcement or Correctional Standards certification examination is eligible to receive articulated credits toward this degree. Students should see an advisor or refer to Polk State College’s (PSC) Criminal Justice website at http://www.polk.edu/cj for details. The student needs to present proof of successfully passing the state examination to the Registrar’s Office prior to graduation to be awarded these credits. All articulated credits are awarded during the semester in which the student graduates.