Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
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Why choose Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy?

  • Corrections officers change lives and help people assume more positive roles in society.
  • Get the special training and certification needed to supervise and counsel individuals who enter the justice system.
  • Choose to protect the safety and security of the inmates and staff in a variety of facilities, or work behind the scenes to assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems.
  • Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
Corrections officers are specially trained and certified to supervise and work with individuals who enter the justice system. As advocates, these professionals help others in the community learn to make real-life changes and assume more positive roles in society.

Program Locations

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

The Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy program at Mid-State teaches the operations and management of adult/juvenile correctional institutions, probation/parole, community advocacy agencies, special needs populations, alcohol and other drug abuse, and mental health services. Graduates may work in jails, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, halfway houses, and shelter care facilities as well as in the court system. Experienced faculty emphasize professionalism and integrity needed to work in these settings.

You’ll experience a blend of classroom theory, simulation, and occupational observation, setting you up for success in this field. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a reproduction of a secure detention facility to allow you to develop your skills in a safe yet challenging environment.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2023/24 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $9,673.20
  • Books: $1,372.85
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $11,046.05

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10504104 Intro to the Criminal Justice System 3
  10801136 English Composition 1  3
  10801198 Speech  3
-or- 10801196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication  3
  10504107 Wellness for Rehabilitative Professionals 3
  10504109 Basic Professional Communications 3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10804107 College Mathematics  3
-or- 10804189 Introductory Statistics  3
-or- 10806189 Basic Anatomy 3
  10504116 Probation & Parole  3
  10504179 Management of Adult Population 3
  10504105 Mental Health 3
  10504106 Contemporary Social Issues 3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10809166 Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application  3
  10504184 Basic Jail Academy 1  3
-or- 10504165 Basic Incarceration Principles 3
  10504185 Basic Jail Academy 2  3
-or- 10504167 Trauma & Resiliency 3
  10504128 Telecommunications 2
  10504178 Secure Detention  2
  10809198 Introduction to Psychology  3
-or- 10809188 Developmental Psychology  3
  Term Total   16 Credits
       
Term: 4
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10504159 Interpersonal Violence/Victimology 3
  10504156 Child Advocacy 3
  10809172 Introduction to Diversity Studies  3
-or- 10809196 Introduction to Sociology  3
  10504175 Understanding Substance Abuse 3
  10504132 Advanced Relational Skills 3
-or- 10504131 Rehabilitative Professionals Internship 3
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
  Program Total   61 Credits

Instructors

COURTNEY KOSTUCHOWSKI, AAS, BS, MS

Courtney earned her master of arts in criminal justice from American Military University. Her experience includes two years as a police officer followed by eight years with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as a probation and parole agent. She continues to receive ongoing training and takes courses related to criminal justice to keep her skills fresh.

“My passion for the criminal justice system is contagious. The best thing about teaching in the Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy program is getting students excited about how many career opportunities they can pursue with this degree.”


CANDACE SCHMIDT, AAS

Candace earned an AAS in corrections from Mid-State and is currently working to obtain her bachelor’s degree. Since earning her AAS, she has worked as a correctional officer for six years, with three of those years as a field training officer for new staff.

“In my journey I've discovered a determined passion for the realm of corrections and community advocacy. Through my experiences and knowledge, I am eager to share not just insight, but a sincere dedication to fostering positive change.”

Careers

  • Correctional/Juvenile Detention Officer
  • 9-1-1 Telecommunicator
  • Probation & Parole Agent
  • Correctional Officer
  • Home Detention Specialist
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
  • Psychiatric Care Technician
  • Shelter Care Worker
  • Victim/Witness Coordinator
  • Clerk of Courts Assistant
  • Child Support Case Manager
  • Social and Human Services Assistants

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program; however, some courses have age requirements. Speak to a Mid-State advisor for more information. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track

"Mid-State’s instructors took time to work with each student, and the internship program provided me with the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting. I was able to get my foot in the door with my desired career choice and was hired in a county jail shortly after I graduated."

LEE ROKKE
GRADUATE
 

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy Pathway Graphic