Criminal Justice Technology
The Criminal Justice Technology curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services. The criminal justice system's role within society will be explored.
Emphasis is on criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics, and community relations. Additional study may include issues and concepts of government, counseling, communications, computers, and technology.
Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Examples include police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer, and loss prevention specialist.
Note: In order to obtain employment as a local law enforcement officer, the graduate must successfully complete Basic Law Enforcement Training or obtain a bachelor’s degree to meet the hiring requirements for most state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to know when to apply the appropriate constitutional, criminal, juvenile and/or civil law, with high ethical standards.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of law enforcement operations, investigations, patrol procedures to include professionalism and community relations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the court and corrections systems including jails, prisons, probation, and parole.
Contact Information

Chair of Public Service/Lead Instructor - Criminal Justice
Phone: 336-838-6429
jmexposito094@wilkescc.edu

Pathways
Students interested in transferring to Appalachian State University should make their advisor aware so appropriate electives can be determined.
Course Requirements
First Year - Fall Semester
- ACA 115 Success & Study Skills
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
- CJC 111 Intro to Criminal Justice
This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options.
- CJC 112 Criminology
This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response.
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
- Elective
Elective to be chosen from the following prefixes: BIO, BUS, CCT, CTI, HIS, POL, PSY, SOC, SPA, WBL (maximum of 1 credit hour with WBL prefix)
First Year - Spring Semester
- CJC 132 Court Procedure & Evidence
This course covers judicial structure/process/procedure from incident to disposition, kinds and degrees of evidence, and the rules governing admissibility of evidence in court. Topics include consideration of state and federal courts, arrest, search and seizure laws, exclusionary and statutory rules of evidence, and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest/search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence.
- CJC 231 Constitutional Law
The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments on the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts.
- CJC 121 or CCT 121
- ENG 112 or ENG 114
- Humanities and Fine Arts Elective
Following are humanities and fine arts elective courses that are recommended for fulfilling humanities and fine arts elective requirements. All of the courses listed earn a minimum of three semester hours of credit. Other courses with humanities and fine arts elective prefixes may be suitable for these requirements as well. Students should discuss all course selections with their advisor before registration. ART 111, ART 114, ART 115, ART 121, ART 131, ART 132, ART 240, ART 241, ART 283, ART 284, DRA 111, ENG 125, ENG 126, ENG 231, ENG 232, ENG 241, ENG 242, ENG 261, ENG 262, HUM 110, HUM 115, HUM 120, HUM 121, HUM 122, HUM 123, HUM 130, HUM 150, HUM 160, HUM 161, HUM 170, HUM 180, HUM 220, MUS 110, MUS 112, MUS 114, MUS 210, PHI 240, REL 110, REL 211, REL 212
- MAT 143 or MAT 152
Second Year - Fall Semester
- CJC 113 Juvenile Justice
This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition.
- CJC 131 Criminal Law
This course covers the history/evolution/principles and contemporary applications of criminal law. Topics include sources of substantive law, classification of crimes, parties to crime, elements of crimes, matters of criminal responsibility, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the sources of law and identify, interpret, and apply the appropriate statutes/elements.
- CJC 141 Corrections
This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system.
- CJC 212 Ethics & Comm Relations
This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations.
- PSY 150 General Psychology
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology.
- Elective
Elective to be chosen from the following prefixes: BIO, BUS, CCT, CTI, HIS, POL, PSY, SOC, SPA, WBL (maximum of 1 credit hour with WBL prefix)
Second Year - Spring Semester
- CJC 214 Victimology
This course introduces the study of victims. Emphasis is placed on roles/characteristics of victims, victim interaction with the criminal justice system and society, current victim assistance programs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and identify victims, the uniqueness of victims' roles, and current victim assistance programs.
- CJC 215 Organization & Administration
This course introduces the components and functions of organization and administration as it applies to the agencies of the criminal justice system. Topics include operations/functions of organizations; recruiting, training, and retention of personnel; funding and budgeting; communications; span of control and discretion; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss the basic components and functions of a criminal justice organization and its administrative operations.
- CJC 221 Investigative Principles
This course introduces the theories and fundamentals of the investigative process. Topics include crime scene/incident processing, information gathering techniques, collection/preservation of evidence, preparation of appropriate reports, court presentations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, explain, and demonstrate the techniques of the investigative process, report preparation, and courtroom presentation.
- CJC 232 Civil Liability
This course covers liability issues for the criminal justice professional. Topics include civil rights violations, tort liability, employment issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain civil trial procedures and discuss contemporary liability issues.
- Elective or WBL 111
Elective to be chosen from the following prefixes: BIO, BUS, CCT, CTI, HIS, POL, PSY, SOC, SPA, WBL (maximum of 1 credit hour with WBL prefix)
Course Requirements
Fall Semester
- ACA 115 Success & Study Skills
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
- CJC 111 Intro to Criminal Justice
This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options.
- CJC 112 Criminology
This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response.
- CJC 113 Juvenile Justice
This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition.
- CJC 141 Corrections
This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system.
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
Spring Semester
- CJC 121 Law Enforcement Operations
This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations.
- CJC 132 Court Procedure & Evidence
This course covers judicial structure/process/procedure from incident to disposition, kinds and degrees of evidence, and the rules governing admissibility of evidence in court. Topics include consideration of state and federal courts, arrest, search and seizure laws, exclusionary and statutory rules of evidence, and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest/search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence.
- CJC 212 Ethics & Comm Relations
This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations.
- CJC 231 Constitutional Law
The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments on the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts.
- CJC 232 Civil Liability
This course covers liability issues for the criminal justice professional. Topics include civil rights violations, tort liability, employment issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain civil trial procedures and discuss contemporary liability issues.
- MAT 143 or MAT 152
Course Requirements
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
- CJC 111 Intro to Criminal Justice
This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options.
- CJC 121 Law Enforcement Operations
This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations.
- CJC 141 Corrections
This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system.
Course Requirements
- ACA 115 Success & Study Skills
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
- CJC 111 Intro to Criminal Justice
This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options.
- CJC 112 Criminology
This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response.
- CJC 113 Juvenile Justice
This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition.
- CJC 121 Law Enforcement Operations
This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations.
- CJC 132 Court Procedure & Evidence
This course covers judicial structure/process/procedure from incident to disposition, kinds and degrees of evidence, and the rules governing admissibility of evidence in court. Topics include consideration of state and federal courts, arrest, search and seizure laws, exclusionary and statutory rules of evidence, and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest/search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence.
- CJC 141 Corrections
This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system.
- CJC 212 Ethics & Comm Relations
This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations.
- CJC 231 Constitutional Law
The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments on the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts.
- CJC 232 Civil Liability
This course covers liability issues for the criminal justice professional. Topics include civil rights violations, tort liability, employment issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain civil trial procedures and discuss contemporary liability issues.
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
- MAT 152 Statistical Methods I
This course provides a project-based approach to introductory statistics with an emphasis on using real-world data and statistical literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, basic probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate technology to describe important characteristics of a data set, draw inferences about a population from sample data, and interpret and communicate results.
Course Requirements
- CJC 112 Criminology
This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response.
- CJC 113 Juvenile Justice
This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition.
- CJC 212 Ethics & Comm Relations
This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations.
- CJC 231 Constitutional Law
The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments on the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts.
Course Requirements
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
- CJC 111 Intro to Criminal Justice
This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options.
- CJC 121 Law Enforcement Operations
This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations.
- CJC 141 Corrections
This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system.
CJC 121 Juvenile Justice
CCT 121 Juvenile Justice
ENG 112 Juvenile Justice
ENG 114 Juvenile Justice
ART 111 Art Appreciation
ART 114 Art History Survey I
ART 115 Art History Survey II
ART 121 Design I
ART 131 Drawing I
ART 132 Drawing II
ART 240 Painting I
ART 241 Painting II
ART 283 Ceramics I
ART 284 Ceramics II
DRA 111 Theatre Appreciation
ENG 125 Creative Writing I
ENG 126 Creative Writing II
ENG 231 American Literature I
ENG 232 American Literature II
ENG 241 British Literature I
ENG 242 British Literature II
ENG 261 World Literature I
ENG 262 World Literature II
HUM 110 Technology and Society
HUM 115 Critical Thinking
HUM 120 Cultural Studies
HUM 121 The Nature of America
HUM 122 Southern Culture
HUM 123 Appalachian Culture
HUM 130 Myth in Human Culture
HUM 150 American Women's Studies
HUM 160 Introduction to Film
HUM 161 Advanced Film Studies
HUM 170 The Holocaust
HUM 180 Internat Cultural Explor
HUM 220 Human Values and Meaning
MUS 110 Music Appreciation
MUS 112 Introduction to Jazz
MUS 114 Non-Western Music
MUS 210 History of Rock Music
PHI 240 Introduction to Ethics
REL 110 World Religions
REL 211 Intro to Old Testament
REL 212 Intro to New Testament
MAT 143 Juvenile Justice
MAT 152 Juvenile Justice
2+2 Information
A 2+2* agreement is an opportunity for students to complete their Associate's degree at Wilkes Community College and then transfer into a specified program at a partnering four-year institution for their Bachelor's degree. Wilkes Community College has the following 2+2 agreements for our Criminal Justice Technology graduates:
* The 2+2 model is the proposed timeframe, but may be subject to change.