Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy

Why Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy?

Professionals in corrections and community advocacy play a vital role in creating safer communities and helping individuals build better futures. In this program, you will learn the principles of criminal justice, human behavior, and rehabilitation to prepare for careers in correctional facilities or community programs. You will gain the specialized training needed to guide, counsel, and support individuals within the justice system.

At Mid-State, you’ll experience a combination of classroom instruction, simulations, and real-world observation that prepare you to make a meaningful difference. You’ll graduate ready for employment or to continue your education through one of Mid-State’s university transfer agreements.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

62 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Online, Hybrid

Location

Stevens Point Downtown

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$11,380.55

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

9-1-1 Telecommunicator

Correctional Officer

Juvenile Detention Officer

Probation & Parole Agent

Victim/Witness Coordinator

$71k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $71,006. Source: Lightcast Data Set

293

Average Monthly Hires

293 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (62 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10504104	Intro to the Criminal Justice System	No	3
10504107	Wellness for Rehabilitative Professionals	No	3
10504109	Basic Professional Communication	No	3
10801136	English Composition 1	Yes	3
10801198 or 10801196	Speech or Oral/Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10504105	Mental Health	No	3
10504106	Contemporary Social Issues	No	3
10504116	Probation & Parole	Yes	3
10504179	Management of Adult Population	No	3
10804107 or 10804189 or 10806189	College Mathematics or Introductory Statistics or Basic Anatomy	Yes or Yes or No	3

Term 3: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10504128	Telecommunications	No	2
10504178	Secure Detention	Yes	2
10504184 or 10504165	Basic Jail Academy 1 or Basic Incarceration Principles	Yes or No	3
10504185 or 10504167	Basic Jail Academy 2 or Trauma & Resiliency	Yes or No	3
10809166	Introduction to Ethics: Theory & Application	Yes	3
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3

Term 4: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10504132 or 10504131	Advanced Relational Skills or Rehabilitative Professionals Internship	p No	3
10504156	Child Advocacy	No	3
10504159	Interpersonal Violence/Victimology	No	3
10504175	Substance Abuse Disorders	No	3
10809172 or 10809196	Introduction to Diversity Studies or Introduction to Sociology	Yes	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

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.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Explain the components of and interrelationships in the criminal justice system.
Apply appropriate communication skills to public safety incidents.
Establish situational safety.
Engage effectively with vulnerable and disenfranchised individuals/populations.
Model a healthy lifestyle.
Adhere to accepted culturally competent, ethical, and behavioral conduct.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Additional Resources

Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.

Criminal Background Form

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students (age requirements apply)

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad