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.

  • criminal justice instructor with students in front of squad car

    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

    Spring 2025: January 13Summer 2025: May 19Fall 2025: August 25

    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*

    $9,863

    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

    You may experience these additional costs, not charged by Nicolet, estimated based on length of program.

    Transportation
    $6,900
    Food/Housing
    $6,864
    Personal Expenses
    $6,876

     

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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
    • 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

    Transfer Opportunities

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

    Your Potential Careers

    • Government Security Agent
    • Conservation Warden/DNR or Park Ranger
    • Military Law Enforcement Officer
    • Police
    • Police Telecommunicator/Dispatcher
    • Municipal, County, State, or Federal Law Enforcement
    • Private Security
    • Code Enforcement Officer
    • Loss Control/Prevention Manager
    • 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.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Please verify that you have met the following minimum qualifications as set forth in Wisconsin State Statute and Chapter LES 2, of Wisconsin Administrative Code:

    • I am a citizen of The United States of America (applicable to law enforcement academy students only).
    • I am or will be at least 18 years of age by the completion of training.
    • I possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license or such other valid operator's permit recognized by the Wisconsin DOT as authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in Wisconsin (applicable to law enforcement academy students only).
    • I possess a general educational development diploma or am a high school graduate who has completed a secondary education program through a public school, private school, an equivalency diploma program, or home education program within the United States or its territories.
    • I have earned at least 60 associate degree level college credits or higher, or an associate degree or higher from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. (Law enforcement and tribal law enforcement officers who do not meet this requirement at the time of employment, have 5 years from their date of employment to meet this requirement.)
    • I have not been convicted of a federal felony, or of any offense which if committed in Wisconsin could be punished as a felony, and has not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9)), or I have been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
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