Criminal Justice Law Enforcement - Associate Degree
Earn your associate degree while simultaneously completing the 720 Law Enforcement Academy. This program equips you with the skills and knowledge to tackle the exciting challenges of police work, including criminal investigations, navigating the legal system, patrol procedures, crime scene protocol, and essential use-of-force and driving techniques. Graduate prepared to hit the ground running and make a difference, all while saving you five months of training and $5,000 in tuition.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Delivery
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement associate degree in the number of semesters shown. All core Law Enforcement curriculum must be completed within three years to obtain Department of Justice certifiability.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Social Science Course Options (the Recommended Program Course is Identified with an *):
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
- Students must obtain a "C" or better in all 10-504-XXX classes to move forward with each semester.
Program Outcomes
- Think critically
- Manage emergencies
- Communicate effectively
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Conduct investigations
- Interact with others
- *Demonstrate tactical skills [applies only to occupational certifications]
Graduate Employment
with 85% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
Law Enforcement Officer
- DNR Officer
- State Trooper
- Military Law Enforcement Officer
- Private Investigator
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Police or Sheriff Administrator
- Specialized Units (K-9, SWAT, etc.)
- State Agent
- Federal Agent
- Jail/Correctional Officer
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
Note
- Due to Department of Justice - Training and Standards Bureau requirements, transfer of credits for core criminal justice courses will not be accepted. The exception to this would be if the courses are from another Wisconsin Technical College authorized as a certified Department of Justice - Training and Standards training academy.
Industry Credentials
Students who successfully complete this program will be certifiable as a law enforcement officer in the state of Wisconsin.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Studies staff continually seek opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.
Defy expectations and follow your passion
Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.