Criminal Justice Technology

Program Overview

Explore the systems that keep communities safe as you garner the skillset to be a part of them. Palm Beach State College's Associate in Science (A.S.) in Criminal Justice Technology gives you the knowledge and practical skills to start or advance a career in criminal justice. Through PBSC's dynamic, career-focused curriculum, you'll gain a strong understanding of the three branches of criminal justice: law enforcement, courts and corrections.

Students must choose one of the following concentrations.

General (non-sworn) (Code: AS 2611): Ideal for current and future corrections officers as well as students who are not sworn officers, this track covers police administration, criminal law, probation and parole and criminal investigation.
Law Enforcement Officer (Code: AS 2606): Designed for current or future law enforcement officers, this concentration helps advance your career. Dive deeper into criminal law, forensic science, courts, law enforcement, corrections and criminal investigation.

Program Details

Admission requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Law enforcement concentration only:
  - Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  - Must be a sworn officer or enrolled in a PBSC certificate program to become a sworn officer.
Location: Online or on-site at Lake Worth
Credits: 60
Program Length: Two years (full-time).
Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer. View academic calendar.
Cost: $101 per credit hour for Florida residents, plus fees. View tuition details.
Financial aid and scholarships: Available to qualified students. Learn about financial aid options.

This program is part of the Public Safety Pathway. Learn More

Career Outlook

Step into a versatile, stable career where you make a real difference in your community. Students pursuing the general concentration will build a solid foundation for entry-level roles in criminal justice and gain in-demand skills for roles such as nonsworn records officers that are valuable to law enforcement agencies and related companies.

Graduates of the law enforcement officer concentration can expect to advance their careers, growing into higher-paying and leadership roles. This degree gives you the expertise to succeed as police officers and first-line supervisors of police and detectives.

Stackable Credentials

With an A.S. in Criminal Justice Technology, you can:

Take the Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Certification Examination, if you're in the law enforcement officer concentration.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management.
Pursue bachelor's degrees at other institutions in criminal justice or related fields.

Why Choose PBSC?

Student Leadership: Get involved in the Criminal Justice Club, connecting you with fellow students and local criminal justice agencies.
Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a cutting-edge education accessible to all.
Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today's criminal justice system.
Supportive Community: Access internships, industry networking and daily interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.

How to Apply

Fill out PBSC's general application on the Admissions webpage and choose the program code for your preferred concentration area:
- General (non-sworn): AS 2611
- Law Enforcement Officer: AS 2606
Meet with a public safety advisor to discuss the next steps.

Take the Next Steps

Palm Beach State College's A.S. in Criminal Justice Technology is your affordable, flexible and direct route to a rewarding career in a field that's shaping the future. Gain the technical, ethical and problem-solving skills employers want. Start your journey today!

Associate in Science

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