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Program Overview
The Law Enforcement Academy at Madison College prepares you for entry-level positions as a law enforcement officer at the municipal and county level. The Law Enforcement Academy program is limited to sworn law enforcement officers who have been assigned by their department and pre-service students who meet all of the requirements.
The total tuition for the 720-hour (18-week) academy is $5,000. This includes tuition, books, and academy uniform shirts. You are not allowed to work another job (including sworn officers working at your agency) on days the academy is in session. The Law Enforcement Academy is not financial aid eligible. Madison Area Technical College holds two academy classes per year. One during the Fall semester and one during the Spring semester.
Reservations for agency-sponsored recruits must be received by November 1st for the spring academy. A physical readiness (fitness) testing certificate is also required for entry. As a pre-service applicant, you should follow the deadlines listed on the Admissions tab. For sworn recruit enrollment information, contact hps@madisoncollege.edu.
Program Details
Students in the Academy must attend full-time.
Classes are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Some topics require evening attendance. The Department of Justice requires you to attend 100 percent of the training unless excused by the academy director. Excused absences are extremely limited and will only be granted under certain circumstances.
The Law Enforcement Academy is offered in the Protective Services Building at the Truax campus and requires travel to off-site locations.
Careers
Prospective employers throughout Wisconsin consider Madison College Law Enforcement graduates top candidates. Program graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field including:
- Revenue Agent
- Deputy Sheriff
- Police Officer
- Special Agent
- Park Ranger
- Conservation Warden
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Detective
- Sergeant
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Chief
Resources
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Courses -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Madison College offers basic law enforcement academy training to those persons not yet hired as a law enforcement officer, but who wish to fund and enroll in the training themselves. The process for civilian entry into the academy is not automatic, and requires a complete assessment to include a background investigation, interview panel, skills assessment and a physical readiness test. Madison College only accepts those persons who demonstrate the ability, responsibility and maturity needed to successfully complete our training academy and gain employment as a law enforcement officer. Recruits who enter our academy prior to being hired by a police agency are termed "pre-service." We proudly have a placement rate of over 90 percent within six months of graduation from our police academy for pre-service recruits. You can apply to the Madison College Law Enforcement Academy as a pre-service student if you meet the following qualifications:
- At least age 18 years old
- A U.S. citizen
- Completed at least 40 associate degree level or higher college credits with an accredited college or university
- Applicants must provide an official college transcript
- Colleges and universities must be accredited by an accrediting agency or association that is acknowledged by the United States Secretary of Education
- Have no felony charges, domestic abuse injunctions or mental commitment history
- Have a valid driver's license with minimum infractions over the past seven years
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
- Program capacity: 30 students every fall and spring semester
- Estimated wait time: To be determined
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the certificate reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Learn more in the After You Apply section on this page.
Application Dates
Early applications are not accepted. Due to the demand for staffing by agencies in our district, seats for pre-service applicants are limited.
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is December 31, 2026
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 15, 2027
Admission Requirements
To apply as a pre-service candidate to the academy, please read and follow the entire process below.
1. Admissions Application - NEW for Spring 2027
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Submit the Appropriate Documents for Review
All submitted documentation will be reviewed by the program director to ensure that the application meets the necessary educational and/or industry experience requirements.
After submitting your application, you will have a To-do list in your myMadisonCollege account to complete before entering the program. This includes all items listed below (Part One through Four).
Part One: Documentation & Fitness Testing
Download and complete:
Obtain:
- Official copies of your college transcripts
- Official proof of high school graduation or equivalency
- For financial aid also submit your official transcripts to Admissions
- Your driver's record (available online)
- Military discharge records (if applicable)
Drop off or mail documents to:
Madison College Law Enforcement Academy
1701 Pearson St.
Madison, WI 53704Schedule:
Physical Readiness Test You may schedule your test date while your application is in review.
Late or incomplete applications are not considered for entry into the academy.Part Two: Interview
If your application passes review, you will be notified of your interview. It is within 75 days of the start of the Law Enforcement Academy.
- Obtain your official birth certificate
- Complete Verification of Age and U.S. Citizenship Form (DJ-LE-322)
Part Three: Conditional Acceptance
Based on the results of your interview and fitness test, you may receive a conditional acceptance letter into the academy as a pre-service recruit and directions for fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
Part Four: Final Acceptance
If you pass the Department of Justice background check, you will receive the academy training schedule, uniform requirements, policies, and orientation information.
2. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this certificate has a limited capacity:
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are offered a place in the certificate after district and state residents, if there are still spots available. Acceptance into the certificate is on hold until a month before the semester begins to determine if there is space in the certificate. Out-of-state residents are not eligible for admission to a certificate that has a waiting list.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
One Semester Academy
Spring Full-Time
- January 11, 2027 – May 14, 2027
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy career.
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After You Apply
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
- Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Learn more about waiting lists and Admission to Programs with Limited Capacity.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Law Enforcement Academy at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Make Decisions: Students must make sound decisions which are legal, ethical, do not compromise safety, do not compromise investigations, resolve situations at least temporarily and promote long-term problem solving.
- Use Tactics: Students must use sound tactics by using effective tactical evaluation, deploying resources appropriately, maximizing the use of cover and concealment, using appropriate positioning and movement.
- Manage Emergencies: Students must manage emergencies effectively by taking charge, determining priorities, stabilizing scenes, preserving life and evidence, identifying additional resources needed and returning scenes to normal.
- Conduct Investigations: Students must conduct effective investigations by assessing and stabilizing scenes, identifying and locating victims and witnesses, conducting effective interviews and interrogations, identifying, collecting, and preserving physical evidence, documenting physical and testimonial evidence.
- Articulate and Document Actions: Students articulate and document actions effectively by preparing and using field notes, preparing written reports and associated paperwork, explaining the rationale behind actions taken, and testifying regarding observations and actions.
- Interact with Others: Students will communicate and interact with others effectively by showing respect, exhibiting a professional attitude and demeanor, adapting to situations, and displaying sensitivity for diverse cultures and individuals.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 47 51 45 Number of Surveys Sent 47 51 45 Number of Surveys Returned 13 24 24 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 13 22 21 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 91.7% 87.5% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 8.3% 8.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 12 20 20 Percent of Graduates Employed 92.3% 90.9% 95.2% Employed in Related Occupation 11 19 19 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 91.7% 95.0% 95.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 0 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 8.3% 0.0% 5.0% Employed - No Response 0 1 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 5.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 2 1 Percent Seeking Employment 7.7% 9.1% 4.8% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.4 3.4 3.5 Number of Satisfaction Responses 13 23 22 Very Satisfied (4) 5 11 10 Percent Very Satisfied 38.5% 47.8% 45.5% Satisfied (3) 8 11 12 Percent Satisfied 61.5% 47.8% 54.5% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 13 24 24 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 8.3% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 12 19 20 Before Enrollment 7 13 15 Percent Before Enrollment 58.3% 68.4% 75.0% While Attending the College 1 2 1 Percent While Attending the College 8.3% 10.5% 5.0% After Training at the College 4 4 4 Percent After Training at the College 33.3% 21.1% 20.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 12 20 21 In College District 11 18 19 Percent In College District 91.7% 90.0% 90.5% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 1 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 8.3% 5.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 2 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 5.0% 9.5% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 10 15 16 Average Monthly Wage $4,839 $5,462 $5,740 Average Hourly Wage $28.13 $31.75 $33.37 Average Work Hours per Week 44.1 42.6 45.3 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Columbus Police Dept Police Patrol Officer Columbus Cottage Grove Police Dept Police Officer Cottage Grove Dane County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriff 4 Fitchburg Police Dept Police Officer Fitchburg 2 Middleton Police Dept Law Enforcement Middleton Portage Police Dept Patrol Officer Portage Shorewood Hills Police Dept Police Officer Sun Prairie Police Department Police Officer Sun Prairie 2 UW - Madison Police Dept Police Officer Village of Deforest Police Officer DeForest Village Of Marshall Police Officer Marshall Watertown Police Department Police Officer Watertown 2 * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
