Criminal Justice Law Enforcement – Associate Degree
Graduates of this two-year program are prepared to meet the rewarding challenges of the police profession, including criminal investigation; constitutional, traffic and criminal law; patrol procedure; crime scene practices; and use of force and driving skills. Students graduating from the program will be certifiable as a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin. This program is recognized and endorsed by the state of Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and Standards Bureau.
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.
Explore Locations
Delivery
- Day
- Full-time
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- An official high school transcript, or equivalent, showing proof of graduation. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.) If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Student packet (packets are mailed one week after the application is submitted) which includes forms and requirements as designated by the Department of Justice.
- Students who apply to this program must be a United States citizen in accordance with the Department of Justice. Proof of citizenship must be presented to the Public Safety office with the student packet.
- Valid driver’s license and eligible to drive college vehicles under the college’s insurance carrier. More information included with the student packet.
- Students will be required to participate in and pass a physical fitness exam prior to starting the second semester of this program. Students must also pass a fitness test at the completion of the program to obtain their certifiability status. Click on the link to the Physical Readiness Testing site below to view a list of fitness test events and minimum passing scores for the pre and post test.
- Students must participate in an interview with a panel of NWTC and community members in order to enter the LE program.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444
Application Checklist
What are my courses?
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
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 2
Full Semester
- 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]
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 94% 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
What’s next after graduation?
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.
What else do I need to know about the program?
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.
