Criminal Justice Studies
Associate Degree
Program Number: 105045
Credits: 60
Area of Study: Law, Protective and Human Services
Financial Aid Available
Estimated Program Cost:
-
Overview
Admission
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
CurriculumAdmission
To Apply
- View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements.
- Attend an Advising, Application, Information & More (AAIM) Session to get started in the admission process.
- Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience including campus tours and program open houses.
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.
TransferCurriculum
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2021-2022 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.
First SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterElective3 creditsFourth SemesterElective3 creditsRecommended ElectivesElectives must be 10- or 20- level courses. It is recommended to take one each in the third and fourth semester.OutcomesTransfer Partnerships
There are currently no Transfer Partnerships for this program. Review our Transfer Opportunities page for information on all Madison College transfer options.
CareersOutcomes
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
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
- Wisconsin Law Enforcement Network
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Law Enforcement Recruiting Directory
- Public Safety Jobs
- 911 Hot Jobs
- UW-Platteville Criminal Justice Job Vacancies
- Security Jobs Network
- Jobs 4 Police
- The Blue Line: Police Opportunity Monitor
- Corrections.com
- USA Cops: The Nation’s Law Enforcement Site
Related Programs
Our Criminal Justice Programs do not have a uniform requirement.