
Criminal Justice Studies
Designed to prepare you for entry-level employment as a law enforcement officer, you'll earn an associate's degree in Criminal Justice Studies and a technical diploma in Law Enforcement Recruit. The program fully integrates the 720 hour Wisconsin Department of Justice Law Enforcement Recruit Academy which satisfies the requirements for certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in Wisconsin. Please consult with the program advisor regarding Law Enforcement Standards Board requirements or a criminal justice practicum. Study the law enforcement field plus the areas of physical and behavioral sciences to meet the demands of the police profession, including criminal investigation, traffic theory, tactical skills, and professional communications.
Program Outline
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1050410400 | Criminal Justice Program OrientationDescriptionCovers the following topics: program overview, related careers, college services and support services available, library resources, introduction to academic research techniques, and introduction to Brightspace. The course will help students increase critical and creative thinking skills and better prepare them for program and overall college success. |
1.00 |
1050414000 | Computer Utilization for Criminal JusticeDescriptionIntroduces the learner to the use of computer and internet technologies available to the criminal justice practitioner. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer usage, internet research methods and resources, fundamental investigative techniques of cyber-crimes, and the specialized use of criminal justice software for crime scene reconstruction and suspect facial reconstruction. |
3.00 |
1050490700 | Community Policing StrategiesDescriptionDeals with the sociological aspects of police-community interactions. The dynamics of a diverse society are explored in order to develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that reflect understanding of the diversity within communities. |
3.00 |
1080119500 | Written CommunicationDescriptionDevelops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments is designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. |
3.00 |
1080119600 | Oral Interpersonal CommunicationDescriptionFocuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
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1050410000 | Introduction to CorrectionsDescriptionThis class will provide a foundation to students that will enter the corrections profession. The course will cover Ethics and Ethical Decision Making, Professional Communication Skills, Report Preparation, and Correctional Law. The course is aligned with the State of Wisconsin DOJ Jail Academy requirements. |
3.00 |
1050492000 | Corrections Security ProceduresDescriptionLearners will demonstrate the steps involved in receiving and releasing inmates, maintaining security, and practicing the basic principles of supervision and behavior control. Topics include: admission, release, and search procedures; use of jail locking and surveillance equipment; principles of supervision; and inmate health management procedures. All procedures are consistent with the DOJ Jail Certifiability Standards. Covers DOJ topics introduction to POSC, admit and release inmates, inmate supervision and behavior control, supervision of special inmates/crisis intervention, maintenance of jail security, supervision of juveniles, and personal stress management. |
3.00 |
1050492100 | Corrections Emergency ProceduresDescriptionLearners will demonstrate the Principles of Subject Control (POSC) in a correctional environment with an emphasis on team tactics, and will develop the skills needed for mitigation of hostage-type situations. Learners will apply current fire science concepts to jail fire-prevention and response, including search and rescue, fire suppression, and use of safety equipment. This course will include DOJ topics POSC, jail hostage response, jail health care, jail fire safety, and CPR. |
3.00 |
1080410700 | College MathematicsDescriptionDesigned to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics pertinent to the areas of arithmetic and algebra, geometry and trigonometry, probability and statistics. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators. Topics include performing arithmetic operations and simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, solving proportions and incorporating percent applications, manipulating formulas, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities in two variables, finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, converting measurement within and between U.S. and metric systems, applying the Pythagorean Theorem, solving right and oblique triangles, calculating probabilities, organizing data and interpreting charts, calculating central and spread measures, and summarizing and analyzing data. Recommended: pre-algebra or appropriate placement scores. Accuplacer Algebra score >= 35 or ACT Math score >= 18 |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
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1050470000 | Introduction to Criminal JusticeDescriptionIn this course, students will focus on the following Phase I key topics as addressed in the WI Department of Justice Academy 720 curriculum framework. Topics include: Academy Orientation, Fundamentals of Criminal Justice, Ethics, Cultural Competency, Agency Policy, and Professional Communication. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises. Corequisite(s): 10-504-701-00 Basic Patrol Response,10-504-902-00 Criminal Law. |
3.00 |
1050470100 | Basic Patrol ResponseDescriptionThrough classroom lecture, on-campus lab and WI Department of Justice integration activities students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Department of Justice 720 Academy Phase I topics: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making, Basic Response (RESPOND), Radio Procedures, TraCS, Traffic Law Enforcement, and First Aid/CPR/AED. Corequisite(s): 10-504-700-00 Introduction to Criminal Justice,10-504-703-00 Basic Investigations. |
3.00 |
1050470300 | Basic InvestigationsDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase I topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Constitutional Law, Crimes, Juvenile Law, Interviews, Report Writing, and Evidence. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises. Corequisite(s): 10-504-701-00 Basic Patrol Response. |
3.00 |
1080919900 | Psychology of Human RelationsDescriptionFocuses on improving personal and job-related relationships through understanding and applying sound psychological principles. Topics include self-concept, motivation, emotions, stress management, conflict resolution, and human relation processes. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
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1050470700 | Intermediate InvestigationsDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase II topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Constitutional Law II, Crimes II, Domestics, and Report Writing. Student learning will occur through lecture and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises. Prerequisite(s): 1050470300 Basic Investigations (C or better). Corequisite(s): 10-504-710-00 Advanced Investigations. |
3.00 |
1050471000 | Advanced InvestigationsDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase III topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Ethics II: Moral Reasoning and Professional Responsibility, Cultural Competence II: Fair and Impartial Policing, Victims, Sexual Assault, Child Maltreatment, Interrogations, Testifying in Court, and Crimese. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises. Corequisite(s): 10-504-707-00 Intermediate Investigations. |
3.00 |
1080916600 | Intro to Ethics Theory and ApplicationDescriptionProvides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations. |
3.00 |
1080917200 | Introduction to Diversity StudiesDescriptionIntroduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and religion are explored. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
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1050470200 | Basic TacticsDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from Phase I topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Fundamentals of Firearms, DAAT, Vehicle Contacts, Officer Wellness, and Physical Fitness. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, independent physical fitness activities, and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises Corequisite(s): 10-504-705-00 Advanced Tactics. |
3.00 |
1050470500 | Advanced TacticsDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase II topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Physical Fitness, Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT), and Firearms II. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, and independent physical exercise. Corequisite(s): 10-504-702-00 Basic Tactics,10-504-706-00 Emergency Vehicle Response. |
4.00 |
1050470600 | Emergency Vehicle ResponseDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase II topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Emergency Vehicle Operation and Control (EVOC) and Vehicle Contacts II. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises. Corequisite(s): 10-504-705-00 Advanced Tactics,10-504-708-00 Physical Fitness. |
2.00 |
1050470800 | Physical FitnessDescriptionIn this Phase III course, students will apply Physical Fitness skills and Officer Wellness required by the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Students will apply learning in hands-on lab activities and an on campus physical fitness test/assessment. Corequisite(s): 10-504-706-00 Emergency Vehicle Response. |
1.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
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1050415000 | Criminal Justice Practical ApplicationsDescriptionThis class will enable associate degree students to successfully navigate the practical application of the knowledge and skills learned in the program. The course will be focused on the competencies based on the current Wisconsin DOJ training standards. It will prepare the student to successfully complete the practical skills portions of the AAS and 720 hour recruit program. Prerequisite(s): 1050470800 Physical Fitness (C or better). |
1.00 |
1050470400 | Intermediate Patrol ResponseDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase II topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Professional Communication Skills, Incident Command System and NIMS, Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Tactical Response, Crisis Management, and TECC. Student learning will occur through lecture, on-campus lab activities, and the Department of Justice 720 Academy Integration Exercises. Prerequisite(s): 1050470100 Basic Patrol Response (C or better). Corequisite(s): 10-504-709-00 Traffic Response. |
3.00 |
1050470900 | Traffic ResponseDescriptionIn this course, students will learn and apply the skills from the Phase III topics outlined in the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy. Topics include: Traffic Law Enforcement - Core and Radar, Traffic Crash Investigations and Incident Management, Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), and Report Writing. Student learning will occur through lecture and on-campus lab activities. Prerequisite(s): 1050470200 Basic Tactics (C or better). Corequisite(s): 10-504-704-00 Intermediate Patrol Response. |
3.00 |
At A Glance
How You'll Learn

On Campus
Term Start Dates
Spring 2021: January 6 | Summer 2021: May 7 | Fall 2021: September 1 |
Start dates represent the beginning of a new term. Certain programs or courses may not be available to start every term. Please view the course schedules for a list of upcoming classes or contact the Welcome Center at 715-365-4493.
Approximate Cost
$10,138*
Financial Aid Eligible
*Based on 10-level courses—materials, books, and fees may be additional
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This program has a zero cost for textbooks. If you continue your education beyond this program to complete a full associate's degree, there may be additional costs for books.
What You'll Learn
- Examine the components of and interrelationships in the criminal justice system
- Analyze situational responses
- Establish situational safety
- Apply communication skills as a criminal justice professional
- Conduct investigations
- Adhere to the professional code of ethics for a criminal justice practitioner
- Maintain personal wellness
Your Potential Careers
- Police
- Police Telecommunicator/Dispat
- Municipal, County, State, or Federal Law Enforcement
- Government Security Agent
- Conservation Warden/DNR or Par
- Military Law Enforcement Offic
- Private Security
- Loss Control/Prevention Manage
- Code Enforcement Officer
- Private Investigator
- Corrections
Median Annual Salary
$53,110 | $43,811 | $41,858 |
Local | State | National |
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EMSI 2020.1
Get Started
Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.