Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, Oak Creek Campus, West Allis Campus
- Pathway: Community & Human Services
- Program Code: 10-504-5
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: August/January
About the Criminal Justice Studies Degree
Description
This program is designed to prepare you for employment in law enforcement at the state, local and federal levels, as well as in the field of private security. Successful completion of this program may qualify you to enroll in basic recruit training that leads to certification in Wisconsin.
Currently trained security professionals are in demand.
Additional program details: Many of the courses contain training directly from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board curriculum related to the certification of law enforcement officers.
This program includes the opportunity for participation in an optional pair of courses as internships within law enforcement agencies. A certificate is available within the program with courses that meet State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board objectives. Successful completion of this program qualifies you to enroll in basic recruit training leading to certification as a law enforcement officer. Some law enforcement agencies list an associate degree as a pre-employment requirement. You also may acquire knowledge that may be acceptable in lieu of other agency requirements.
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Detailed Program Information
2024-25 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG-195 | Written Communication ‡ (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| CJS-161 | Ethics in Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CJS-900 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJS-901 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| ENG-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication ‡ (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| MATH-107 | College Mathematics ‡ (or) Any 200-level MATH course |
3 |
| CJS-902 | Criminal Law ‡ | 3 |
| CJS-907 | Community Policing Strategies | 3 |
| CJS-908 | Traffic Theory | 3 |
| ECON-195 | Economics (or) Any 200-level ECON course |
3 |
| CJS-160 | Contemporary Legal Issues | 3 |
| CJS-162 | Sensitive Crimes | 3 |
| CJS-906 | Criminal Investigation Theory ‡ | 3 |
| SOCSCI-197 | Contemporary American Society (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
| ELECTIVES | (Three credits) | 3 |
| CJS-903 | Professional Communications ‡ | 3 |
| CJS-904 | Juvenile Law ‡ | 3 |
| CJS-905 | Report Writing ‡ | 3 |
| SOCSCI-172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
60 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Important Dates
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar
Program Outcomes
- 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
- Examine the professional code of ethics for a criminal justice practitioner
- Explore personal wellness strategies for the criminal justice professions
- Explain the role of criminal justice professionals in working with diverse populations
Career Outlook
Police officers and private security personnel are needed to maintain public order and safety. Currently the need for security and order has increased, and trained professionals are in demand.
Your employment prospects will be enhanced if you are in sound mental and physical condition, and you are able to pass a rigid physical examination. Desirable physical attributes include average vision, normal hearing and good depth perception.
You must be able to perform all physical aspects of the job, which can be strenuous. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver’s license, and have a cleared criminal background and be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
POSSIBLE CAREERS
Deputy Sheriff
Investigator
Police Officer
Public Safety Officer
State Trooper
Conservation Warden
Private Security Professional
Private Investigator
Jailer
Corrections Officer
Probation and Parole Agents
Law Enforcement Trainer/Instructor
Police Supervision
This program is being developed as a Career Pathway. Contact an MATC advisor for information.
Admission Requirements
- Age 17 and older
- Students entering the program must have an official high school or GED/HSED transcript
Scholarships
Accreditation
608-266-8800, www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/training-and-standards-bureau
Law Enforcement Training
More information is available at https://matcrtc.org/.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now.
Request Info Visit Us Apply Now
QUESTIONS?
Community & Human Services Academic & Career Pathway
414-570-4426
servepathway@matc.edu