Criminal Justice Studies

Criminal Justice studies pic

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.

2024-2025 Program Flyer

View/Print pdf

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

This program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau, P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857
608-266-8800www.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

 

Last updated: 06/03/2024