The Associate in Applied Science, Major in Criminal Justice curriculum does not set admission requirements beyond the college’s general requirements. Prospective students are advised that the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and the South Carolina Division of Training and Continuing Education do set minimum standards for employment. These minimum standards are for law enforcement officers, corrections officers, youth services officers, probation and parole officers, and others. All criminal justice agencies are free to set their entry-level standards higher than the minimums established by the academy. Existing minimum standards may include age, citizenship, health and physical faculties, education, background screening, and freedom from felony and/or serious misdemeanor convictions. Additionally, aptitude, civil service, polygraph, drug testing, and psychological testing may be required.
Students seeking admission to the Associate in Public Service, Major in Criminal Justice curriculum should review their background to determine if they are likely to qualify for employment in the criminal justice field. Students who have concerns are encouraged to contact the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College for assistance. Upon entry into the Associate in Public Service, Major in Criminal Justice, students must sign a statement indicating that they understand that standards for employment are based on strict professional standards and that a review of their background is their responsibility and not that of the college.
