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Criminal Justice-Studies
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Why choose Criminal Justice-Studies?
- Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to be effective in criminal justice and meet the challenges of our changing society.
- Apply your skills and knowledge to maintain peace, protect property, and be ready at a moment’s notice to restore order.
- Looking for a career with variety? On any given day, a police officer may be called upon to respond to a crime in progress, help a person in crisis, assist in a medical emergency, handle a traffic crash, or enforce traffic laws. Law enforcement officers also interview suspects and witnesses, provide referral services, and work with community members.
- Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
We are able to move freely through society—and enjoy some expectation of safety—thanks to the law enforcement officers in our midst. Police officers strive to maintain peace in our homes, parks, streets, businesses, and schools. They are ready at a moment’s notice to restore order and protect life and property. Adequate preparation is important for success in this career.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall
Start at any time or location by taking general education courses
What You'll Learn
The Criminal Justice-Studies program prepares students to meet the challenges that come with a variety of positions in the criminal justice field. Graduates interested in pursuing a career as a law enforcement officer are prepared for entry into the 720-hour certification training required for law enforcement certifiable status by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Graduates who do not seek sworn law enforcement positions may use their skills in civilian law enforcement positions, such as record and documentation maintenance, dispatch or communications center operations, or secure correctional facility operations.
This program is designed to help secure employment, keep students abreast of rapidly changing advancements, and encourage further education. Experienced instructors emphasize professionalism, integrity, and quality work performance, with a significant focus on high ethical and moral standards.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2020/2021 academic calendar year.
- Tuition & Fees: $8,943.30
- Books: $1,766.45
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $10,709.75
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid.
Curriculum data is currently under maintenance and may be temporarily unavailable.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504114 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3.00 | |
| 10504112 | Court Procedures | 3.00 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition I | 3.00 | |
| 10504176 | Corrections/Correctional Institutions | 3.00 | |
|
10809198 | Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3.00 |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504129 | Community Policing | 3.00 | |
| 10504163 | Constitutional Law for LE | 3.00 | |
|
10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10801198 | Speech | 3.00 |
| 10504140 | Report Writing for Protective Services | 3.00 | |
| 10504166 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504125 | Patrol Procedures | 3.00 | |
| 10504164 | Criminal Law for LE | 3.00 | |
|
10804107 | College Mathematics | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10804189 | Introductory Statistics | 3.00 |
| 10504115 | Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement | 3.00 | |
|
10504195 | Criminal Justice Internship | 2.00 |
| -or- | 10504196 | Criminal Justice Applications | 2.00 |
| 10504103 | Fitness for Law Enforcement | 1.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10809122 | Intro to American Government | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10809196 | Intro to Sociology | 3.00 |
| 10504144 | Wellness in Protective Services | 3.00 | |
| 10504123 | Criminal Investigation | 3.00 | |
| 10809172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3.00 | |
| 10504134 | Intro to LE Organizations and Leadership | 3.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| (60 Credits) |
Instructors
PAUL BUSHMAKER, BS
Paul earned his bachelor of science degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He is a graduate of Command College #3 in conjunction with UW–Madison and is a Certified Public Manager. He has over 23 years of law enforcement experience, with 16 years as a patrol sergeant. He holds a number of specialty certifications, is a DOJ-certified instructor, and has been training and teaching law enforcement officers for over 18 years.
“I am honored to be a part of the Mid-State criminal justice studies team. The chance to help educate, mentor, and train the future law enforcement officers of this state is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
SCOTT LANG, AS, BS, MS
Scott has a master’s degree in criminology from Indiana State University. He has 32 years’ experience as a police officer in the central Wisconsin area, including his work as a patrol officer, school liaison officer, and patrol sergeant. His certifications have included dispatch, hostage negotiations, field training officer, and tactical response team.
“As an officer I saw the impact that positive contact with law enforcement can have on citizens. Working directly with students at Mid-State allows me to teach new officers the importance of integrity and professionalism.”
MIKE TOPNESS, AD
Mike earned his associate degree in criminal justice from Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes over 13 years of work as a patrol officer in central Wisconsin. He’s also had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles including field training officer, assistant entry team leader on an area special response team, and shift lead officer. Mike holds numerous specialty certifications with an emphasis on controlled substance enforcement and law enforcement tactics as well as being a certified firearms and tactical response instructor.
“I am eager for the opportunity to mentor the future of law enforcement and help continue the excellence in policing that central Wisconsin has grown accustomed to.”
Careers
- Civilian Law Enforcement Employee
- Conservation Enforcement
- Correctional Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Park Ranger
- Private Security
- Police Officer
- Public Defender Investigator
- State Trooper
- Telecommunicator
- Additional Resources
Take the Next Step
"The combination of classroom teaching by field-experienced instructors and hands-on applications provided a well-rounded learning environment. I was prepared to do the job right out of the program.”
SHERIFF SAM WOLLIN
ADAMS COUNTY, WI
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.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
