Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement

10-504-1 Associate Degree (two-year) Campus: Rice Lake

Catalog Page (pdf )

Municipal. County. State.

Are you interested in a career in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement and Private Security? In this program, you will receive theoretical and practical information. This field is becoming increasingly complex. Today's employees must be trained to meet the challenges of our changing society. Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement courses and related general studies courses will prepare you for a position as a law enforcement officer (state, municipal, or county), correctional officer, or for a position in a retail, commercial, industrial security, or private investigation agency. This program will provide you with necessary skills to perform as a police officer in municipal, county, or state government levels.

Special Feature

The WITC Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program offers students a unique opportunity to complete the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy as the fourth semester of the two-year associate degree program. The requirement of completing 60 or more college credits prior to enrolling in the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy will be waived for students completing this academy certification option. Students not completing the academy coursework must complete a separate series of courses in the fourth semester.

Admission Requirements

Students in this program must:

• Complete application form and submit with fee (fee waiver may apply if previously submitted)
• Complete Accuplacer entrance assessment to determine placement (waiver may apply with acceptable alternative test scores and/or postsecondary degree completion)
• Have earned a high school diploma or GED certificate; current high school seniors must provide documentation upon graduation
• Submit signed Criminal History Record Check Statement of Understanding
• Complete admissions interview with a WITC counselor (above requirements should be completed prior to interview)

Program-Specific Requirements

Prior to enrolling in second year coursework, students in this program must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

Prior to enrolling in final term academy option, students in this program must:

• Be a United States citizen (unless employed by a Wisconsin state agency, i.e., Wisconsin State Patrol, Capitol Police, DNR, etc.)
• Pass a physical examination
• Have acceptable results based on the Wisconsin Criminal History Single Name Record Request - an unpardoned felony conviction, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction, or juvenile adjudication will prohibit a student from attending the unified tactics portion of training and will prohibit employment as a law enforcement officer

Professional. Unbiased. Observant.

Successful graduates have certain characteristics and skills that help them succeed in the field. As you prepare for your career, you should strive to reach a comfort level in the following courses or skills:

• Grammar/Business English
• Speech
• Basic Math/Algebra
• Economics
• Business Law
• Psychology
• Health/First Aid
• Physical Education

Virtual Realities

WITC's simulation programs provide the next best thing to actual experience: opportunities to sharpen skills in [almost] real-life settings. Read more.

Program Outcomes

As a graduate, employers will expect you to be able to:

• Think critically
• Manage emergencies
• Communicate effectively
• Demonstrate professionalism
• Conduct investigations
• Interact with others
• Demonstrate tactical skills (applies to Certification Track only)

Program Costs

The estimated total program cost for the two-year Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program is approximately $4,475. This program is eligible for financial aid. View more information on program and costs.