Criminal Justice Studies

Criminal Justice Studies

Associates of Applied Science

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.

  • Traffic stop

Program Outline

Term 1
Course # Course Title Credits
1080119500 Written Communication
Description

Develops 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 Communication
Description

Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects.

3.00
1080919900 Psychology of Human Relations
Description

Focuses 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
1050410500 Introduction to Policing
Description

This course focuses on the philosophy and history of policing, limitations imposed on law enforcement in a democratic society in accordance with the Constitution; and the role and place of law enforcement in the total criminal justice process.

3.00
Term 2
Course # Course Title Credits
1050410000 Introduction to Corrections
Description

This 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 Procedures
Description

Learners 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
1080410700 College Mathematics
Description

Designed 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. Prerequisite: Accuplacer Algebra score >=35 or ACT Mathematics score >=18.

3.00
1050492100 Corrections Emergency Procedures
Description

Learners 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
Term 3
Course # Course Title Credits
3050450300 Overview of Criminal Justice
Description

Through classroom lecture and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises, students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following WI Department of Justice 720 Academy Phase I curriculum framework topics: Academy Orientation, Fundamentals of Criminal Justice, Ethics, Cultural Competency, Agency Policy, and Professional Communication.

1.00
3050450000 Overview of Patrol Response
Description

Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following WI Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework Phase I topics: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making, Basic Response (RESPOND), Radio Procedures, Introduction to TraCS, Traffic Law Enforcement, and First Aid/CPR/AED. This course will also include the WI DOJ 720 Academy Integration Exercises.

2.00
3050450600 Overview of Investigations
Description

Through classroom lecture, on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework Phase I topics: Constitutional Law I, Crimes I, Interviews, and Report Writing. The DOJ Phase I Written Examination will be administered in this course.

2.00
1019616000 Leadership Qualities of Leaders
Description

This course covers the importance of effective leaders and leadership to the success of organizations. Students will explore the critical differences between managers and leaders.

1.00
1050414100 Computers for Patrol
Description

This course prepares the student to utilize computer technology as a patrol officer. Subjects include Time System, TrACS, CCAP, and DOC Locator.

1.00
1050413000 Interviewing for Patrol
Description

This course prepares the student to conduct interviews and interrogations at the patrol officer level. The student will learn how to interview witnesses and victims of crimes in a professional manner. The student will also learn how to conduct legal and constitutionally sound interrogations of criminal suspect.

2.00
1050490200 Criminal Law
Description

Deals specifically with substantive criminal law which includes an understanding of acts or omissions, the mental state, and other essential elements, all of which combine to constitute a crime.

3.00
Term 4
Course # Course Title Credits
1080916600 Intro to Ethics Theory and Application
Description

Provides 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 Studies
Description

Introduces 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
3050450800 Principles of Investigations
Description

Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Phase II topics of the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework: Constitutional Law II, Physical Evidence Collections, and Crisis Management. The Phase II Written Exam will be given in this course.

1.00
3050450200 Application of Investigations
Description

Through classroom lecture, on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Phase III topics of the Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework: Ethics II: Moral Reasoning and Professional Responsibility, Cultural Competence II: Fair and Impartial Policing, Interrogations, Testifying in Court, Crimes III and Physical Evidence.

1.00
3050450500 Sensitive Crimes
Description

Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises, students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework Phase III topics: Domestics, Juvenile Law, Victims, Sexual Assault, and Child Maltreatment. The DOJ Phase III Written Examination will be administered in this course.

2.00
Term 5
Course # Course Title Credits
3050451000 Overview of Tactics
Description

Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises, students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework Phase I topics: Fundamentals of Firearms, Vehicle Contacts I, Officer Wellness, and DAAT.

1.00
3050450900 Principle of Tactics
Description

Through classroom lecture and on-campus lab and integration exercises, students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Phase II topics from the Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum frameworks including: Professional Communication Skills II, DAAT, Firearms II, Tactical Response, and a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care.

5.00
3050450400 Principles of Emergency Vehicle Response
Description

Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Department of Justice 720 Academy Phase II topics: Emergency Vehicle Operation and Control (EVOC) and Vehicle Contacts II.

2.00
3050451200 Physical Fitness 1 and 2
Description

This course incorporates phases 1 and 2 of the 720 Law Enforcement Academy physical fitness program.

1.00
Term 6
Course # Course Title Credits
3050450100 Physical Fitness
Description

Through classroom lecture and on-campus lab students will apply Phases I-III Health Fitness WI Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework program requirements and Officer Wellness Suicide Prevention.

1.00
3050451100 Scenario Assessment
Description

Refine previously learned skills and abilities by applying them to various case studies and simulated situations.

This course is designed to address from the following blocks of instruction from the Basic Law Enforcement Training 720 Hour Curriculum:
Application: Scenario Evaluation 40 hours

1.00
3050450700 Application of Traffic Response
Description

Through classroom lecture, and on-campus lab and WI Department of Justice integration exercises, students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Phase III topics from the WI Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework: Traffic Law Enforcement - Core and Radar, Traffic Crash Investigations & Incident Management, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OMVWI), Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST), Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Incident Command Systems and NIMS, and Report Writing.

3.00

At A Glance

How You'll Learn

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On Campus

Term Start Dates

Summer 2024: May 6 Fall 2024: August 26 Spring 2025: January 13

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.

Program Tuition*

$9,669

Books & Supplies*

$90

*Total cost for degree completion is estimated by current course requirements, books, and supplies. Tuition and fees are set by the Wisconsin Technical College System and subject to change.

Financial Aid Eligible

 

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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

  • Illustrate the interrelationships of the three core components of the criminal justice system
  • Analyze situational responses
  • Apply communication skills as a criminal justice professional
  • Conduct investigations
  • Adhere to the professional code of ethics for a criminal justice practitioner

Transfer Opportunities

Take a look at our transfer agreements to seamlessly transfer your degree to a 4-year university.

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

EMSI 2020.1

Get Started

Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

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