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, and corrections. 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, but are not limited to, police officer/sheriff’s deputy, detention officer/correctional officer, state trooper, probation/parole officer, etc.
This program is available both on campus and 100% online.
15-25 students
These are agreements with universities that allow you to transfer seamlessly once you graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree from Wayne.
The North Carolina Criminal Justice Fellows Program can cover the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible students in Wayne Community College’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Science programs. In return, students can have the loan forgiven by working four years in an approved criminal justice job in North Carolina. It’s a smart way to lower college costs while preparing for a rewarding career in public service. Learn more about the program. Deadline to apply is April 30, 2026.
Employment: As a graduate, you could build a career as a police officer/sheriff’s deputy, detention officer/correctional officer, state trooper, probation/parole officer, victim advocate, etc.
Further Education: Our Criminal Justice Technology program is just the beginning of your academic and career journey. Through our established articulation agreements with four-year universities and colleges in the area, you can seamlessly transfer your credits and complete your Bachelor’s degree in just two years instead of four.
Continuing your education not only saves time and money, but also opens doors to a broader range of career opportunities. A Bachelor’s degree (or more ) can lead to higher-paying positions, greater promotion potential, and specialized roles such as becoming a lawyer.
Earn Credit for your Law Enforcement Training: Students who have successfully completed the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program can receive about 19 credits toward the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice Technology program. This seamless transfer of credits allows you to fast-track your degree, saving time and money while building on the foundational skills gained in BLET.
Salary: You can expect a starting salary range of $30,000 to $60,000. Preparation for employment in this field includes lectures, discussion, role-playing, and simulation activities.
Hope Bruehl
Criminal Justice Technology/Forensic Science Coordinator
habruehl@waynecc.edu
Angie Blizzard
Dean, Public Safety
asblizzard@waynecc.edu
