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From Staff Reports

 

AMERICUS – Looking for a field that will lead to a great career after just one semester? South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) is offering a Criminal Justice Fundamentals technical certificate of credit (TCC) that can be completed online during the fall semester. Financial aid is available and SGTC is currently registering for the fall semester. Classes start Monday, August 17.

SGTC Law Enforcement Academy graduates are also only 10 classes away from obtaining their associate degree. The only classes needed for the associate degree are six core classes and four Criminal Justice classes that are all available online. “This is a great time to take advantage of the online course offerings whether you are starting out or looking to advance in your career,” said SGTC Americus Criminal Justice Instructor Teresa McCook.

New students can enroll in the Criminal Justice Fundamentals technical certificate of credit program online and be a full-time student. The Criminal Justice Fundamentals certificate is 12 credit hours and includes the Introduction to Criminal Justice (three hours), Principals of Law Enforcement (three hours), Corrections (three hours) and Introduction to Computer Literacy (3 hrs.). The TCC is part of the SGTC diploma and degree program.

Students who have already completed the Criminal Justice Fundamentals TCC are eligible to follow up with two additional TCC’s as they pursue their diploma or associate degree. The Criminal Justice Specialist certificate can be obtained with two additional classes: Criminal Law for Criminal Justice (three hours) and the Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice (three hours) class.

Another certificate available to current students is the Selected Topics in Criminal Justice. It consists of classes in Criminal Justice Administration (three hours), Community-Oriented Policing (three hours), Ethics and Cultural Perspectives for Criminal Justice (three hours) and Juvenile Justice (three hours).

Criminal Justice is a broad field that encompasses more job prospects than simply police officers. Graduates in this field can work as caseworkers who labor for the benefit of children in protective custody or with adults who have been the victims of domestic violence. The criminal justice degree opens up doors for careers within law offices, insurance companies, youth detention centers, security firms and for numerous positions within a police department.

“If you think you are interested in this field, this is a great way to find out,” said McCook. “This is also a great opportunity for anyone who would like to jumpstart their career. You can get started with just one semester of classes and then continue toward the degree while you work.”

Graduates from the SGTC Criminal Justice program can expect starting pay from $18,000 to $55,000 per year depending on the job and its requirements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of overall jobs in the criminal justice field is currently in high demand and is expected to grow through 2028.

Fall semester classes start Monday, August 17 and it is not too late to apply and register. SGTC is hosting face-to-face registration Tuesday through Thursday, July 21-23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in both Americus and Crisp County.  Social distancing guidelines will be observed.

SGTC is currently waiving all testing requirements and students can apply online at www.southgatech.edu. Registration can be done in person, by phone or by email. For more information email: sgtc411@southgatech.edu.

Students in the SGTC Criminal Justice program may qualify for the HOPE Grant, HOPE Career Grant, HOPE Scholarship or Federal PELL grant. There are also scholarships and grants available from the South Georgia Technical College Foundation.

For more information about the SGTC Criminal Justice program contact Instructor Teresa McCook in Americus at tmccook@southgatech.edu or 229-931-6940 or Wanda Bishop at wbishop@southgatech.edu or 229-271-4055 in Cordele.

For more information about applying for fall semester, contact the SGTC admissions office in Americus at 229-931-2394 or in Cordele at 229-271-4040 or visit the website at www.southgatech.edu. Fall semester classes begin on Monday, August 17 and will be offered on-line, face-to-face, and with a hybrid combination. Students can also complete financial aid applications on line.