High school students can earn a college certificate for free without stepping foot on campus.

Beaufort County Community College will offer its certificate in criminal justice online again during the 2017-2018 school year. Registration for these classes is ongoing.

High school students can participate in BCCC’s Career Technical Education classes as a way to start receiving college credit for free before they finish high school. The Basics of Criminal Justice Certificate can be completed in one year if a student can take two classes per semester.

“If students are interested in a criminal justice field, there is no reason for them to wait until they are out of high school,” said Crystal Watts, criminal justice instructor at BCCC. “While online classes require discipline on the student’s part, they can complete the coursework on weekends or after student activities or sports.”

Classes in this certificate can help students interested in a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice get a start on their education. While they can help students obtain a four-year degree faster, certificates can also help students gain a competitive edge if they choose to enter the workforce immediately after high school.

In 2016, Northside High School student Noah Phipps graduated high school and earned his Certificate in Criminal Justice at the same time. The CTE program also offers the Essential Police Operations Certificate and Corrections Certificate. These certificates involve some time on campus, but operate on the same timeline of the Basics of Criminal Justice Certificate.

Washington High School, Terra Ceia Christian School, Pungo Christian Academy, Washington Montessori and homeschool students should contact Steve Jones at 252-940-6497 or steve.jones@beaufortccc.edu. Northside High School, Ocracoke School and Washington County Schools students should contact Stacy Jones at 252-940-6359 or stacy.jones@beaufortccc.edu.

Southside High School and Unity Christian Academy students should contact Dana Sauls at 252-940-6391 or dana.sauls@beaufortccc.edu.