Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Degrees & Pathways

AAS - Associate in Applied Science program (WT Course ID #: A55180)

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.

AAS - Associate in Applied Science program (WT Course ID #: A5518C)

Latent Evidence is a concentration under the curriculum of Criminal Justice Technology. This curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of latent evidence systems and operations. Study will focus on evidence processing and procedures for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Students will learn both theory and hands-on analysis of latent evidence. They will learn fingerprint classification, identification, and chemical development. Students will record, cast, and recognize footwear and tire-tracks; and process crime scenes. Issues and concepts of communications and the use of computers and computer-assisted design programs in crime scene technology will be discussed.

Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of criminal justice organizations, especially in local, state and federal law enforcement and corrections agencies.

Certificates program (WT Course ID #: C55180F)

Utilizes banking systems to investigate and research all transaction information to ensure Banking Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and regulations. Responsible for compiling and distributing a monthly report that details the banking networks' BSA/AML errors for the previous month and year-to-date. Responsible for providing and making updates to internal policy and procedures as well as annual updates to the bank operations manual.

The typical job is found under: Bank Secrecy Act Analyst, Risk Analyst, Financial Crime Prevention Onboarding Analyst, Analyst-Fraud & Breach, AML Surveillance Monitoring Analyst and Financial Investigative Analyst.

Certificates program (WT Course ID #: C5518C)

Crime scene technician certificate programs are targeted education options that focus on the skills needed to get an entry-level job with a local, county, or state law enforcement program. This certificate will include coursework on how to properly process a crime scene, including establishing chains of custody for evidence, identifying potential materials for analysis, and taking crime scene photos, identifying footwear and tire imprints and recognition trace evidence. Crime scene technicians must have a keen eye for detail and patience as the job has a high degree of unpredictability.

Students on track to receive a crime scene technician certificate are focused on using a particular methodology from various sources to compile accurate information and patterns to support law enforcement decisions.

Certificates program (WT Course ID #: C55180P)

Individuals seeking a career in criminal justice understand that additional credentials are required to enter into the field.  A broad introduction to the role of police, the structure and function of the courts; the legal profession, legal education, prison life and other correctional facilities including the study of social reform.  This certificate is taught by knowledgeable faculty members with years of real-world, hands-on experience.

Certificates program (WT Course ID #: C55180R)

Performs responsible technical work in developing and validating the police database. Conducts analysis of incident data, assists in the preparation of special reports, works in conjunction with all local, state, and national law enforcement agencies on wanted and missing persons, stolen or recovered property and criminal history information. Operates and enters files into the NCIC and DCI computer systems and may be required to prepare clear, comprehensive reports from information obtained directly from offices or citizens.

Certificates program (WT Course ID #: C55180S)

The typical job requirements for Homeland Security in North Carolina is more oriented towards Intelligence Analysis, Security Management, and Critical Incidents.  This certificate would prepare students to perform extensive security audits for private corporations and for local and state government, identifying weaknesses in their overall security.  Emphasis placed on risk analysis studies that examine the methods, procedures, and systems for security gaps and vulnerabilities.