Criminal Justice Studies

Associate Degree

Area of Study:

Program number: 105045

Overview

Overview

The Criminal Justice associate degree program provides the academic and professional training necessary to prepare for a career in law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, warden, and juvenile justice related careers. The program includes courses that:

  • Explore current topics like human trafficking, mass, spree and serial killers, and contemporary controversies around the administration of the death penalty. 
  • Examine the evolution of forensic science and community policing
  • Study juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice.
  • Explain the legal foundation of interviewing and interrogation.

Positions in the Criminal Justice fields often require a background investigation, psychological testing and drug testing. An applicant for employment as a law enforcement officer or to enter the Law Enforcement Academy must possess either a two-year associate degree from a Wisconsin technical college or its accredited equivalent from another state or a minimum of 60 fully accredited college-level credits.

Program Details

Students in the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Program can attend full or part-time.

Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

  • Madison - Truax
  • Madison - South
  • Reedsburg
  • Portage
  • Fort Atkinson

Some of the courses for this program may be available online.

Criminal Justice Program at Madison College
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgAhB0XAYm4

Admission

Admission

To Apply

After Acceptance

Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at MATC. 

Questions?

Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2019-2020 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

Current program students (including newly admitted), go directly to your Degree Progress Report (also referred to as an Advising Report or Academic Requirements) to view:

  • Progress toward your specific requirements
  • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

If you have questions after reviewing your report, please see Advising Services.

Outcomes

Outcomes

After completing the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to demonstrate:

Communication Skills
Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and through written documentation with clients, coworkers, other agencies and supervisors, by demonstrating listening skills, effective report writing, appropriate interview techniques, testifying in court and displaying sensitivity to diverse cultures and individuals.

Community Skills
Demonstrate community resource skills including, but not limited to, conflict resolution, media relations, media communications, safety instruction; and referrals to, assistance and/or collaboration with other public agencies.

Interpersonal Skills
Demonstrate desirable professional abilities including self-motivation, self-awareness, cooperative work and group facilitation skills.

Analytical Skills
Apply critical thinking skills for appropriate law enforcement decision-making.

Legal Studies and Skills
Use legal knowledge to enforce, interpret, and apply laws.

Technical Skills
Demonstrate appropriate technical skills in communication, observation, investigation, evaluation, and basic safety assistance in law enforcement situations.

Tactical Skills
Aware of appropriate procedures for crisis management and dispute resolution.

Professional Standards
Exhibit appropriate professional standards through the demonstration of personal ethics, leadership, stress management, professional growth through continuing education, and adherence to "chain of command."

Careers

Careers

Associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of law enforcement including:

  • Law Enforcement Officers

In city, county, state and federal law enforcement departments.

  • Private Security Officers
  • Investigators
  • Correctional Officers
  • Juvenile Detention Workers

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

  • Detectives
  • Sergeants
  • Lieutenants
  • Captains
  • Chiefs
  • Probation and Parole Officers

Criminal Justice Jobs

Find open jobs in this industry on Wisconsin TechConnecttm

Wisconsin TechConnect Connecting Skills with Jobs

  • Estimated Program Cost
    # of Credits for Completion
    54
    Tuition
    $7371.00
    Materials/Supplemental Costs
    $774.96
    Other Costs
    $0.00
    Total Estimated Program Costs:
    (book costs not included)
    $8145.96

Resources

Related Programs

Our Criminal Justice Programs do not have a uniform requirement.