The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide answers to questions concerning the criminal justice associate degree and certificates. For questions concerning other subjects of a general nature related to registration and administration, please see the orientation FAQs.
Q. I need to get my associate degree for pay increases and promotion eligibility, but my work schedule including my part-time job and my rotating shift work won't allow me to attend regular classes. What can I do?
A. Sign up for Online Courses or Courses in a Bag. You can take courses online or by viewing video tape lectures when convenient to your work/home schedules. You don't have to meet regular class schedules.
Q. Can I receive credit for courses taken at the SC Criminal Justice Academy?
A. Some coursework taken at the SCCJA will transfer in towards the associate degree in criminal justice. Contact your advisor about specific courses. You will need to have your SCCJA transcript sent to TTC for evaluation.
Q. Will courses taken in the military count towards my degree?
A. Some training in the military has been evaluated for college credit. Contact your advisor for more information. You will need to have your DD 214 evaluated.
Q. Do I need to have a college degree to become a police officer?
A. At the present time in South Carolina, the minimum state standard for being certified as a police officer is a high school diploma or GED. Most departments however are considering only applicants who have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Also the entry level salary is determined by the applicant's education. An associate degree candidate's salary may be more than the high school/GED candidate's. Promotion eligibility is also usually based on the degree.
Q. What should I study if I don't want to be a police officer?
A. The criminal justice field includes other positions such as private security, corrections, court services, and other support positions which employ criminal justice graduates.
Q. Will courses I take at TTC transfer to other colleges?
A. Courses taken at TTC, including criminal justice courses will transfer to other accredited institutions. This may depend on the specific college or university and the program of study or major field chosen. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
Q. What kind of jobs might I qualify for with the associate degree in criminal justice?
A. The associate degree is designed to prepare the student for entry level positions in the criminal justice field. Some supervisory and management positions also require an associate degree and some number of years of qualifying experience.
Q. What is a course in a bag?
A. A course in a bag is a college course presented in a distance learning format designed for those students who are working full time and cannot attend classes on a regular basis. Theses courses require that the student view video tapes of the class lecture and work independently.
Q. What is an on-line course?
A. An on-line course is also a distance learning format course that allows the student to complete the course on-line via the internet from home or work using a personal computer.
Q. How much does it cost to attend TTC, and are there any scholarships or student loans available?
A. The tuition at TTC is usually about one third the cost of the other four year colleges. See TTC Tuition and Fees for more information. Tuition is based on local, state, and out of state residency. State lottery assistance is available as are numerous scholarships and grants.
Q. What is the difference between the associate degree and the certificate?
A. The associate degree requires completion of criminal justice courses in addition to general education courses such as English, history, political science, math, psychology, public speaking, computer, and general electives.
The law enforcement, corrections, and forensics certificates require only completion of Criminal Justice courses and the computer course. The certificates are designed for those who already have a degree and desire coursework in Criminal Justice or for those who are not planning on seeking an associate degree.
If you have other questions related to criminal justice, contact one of the criminal justice faculty.
