
Criminal Justice Studies
70-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree


Those who choose careers in law enforcement are driven by the guiding principle, “to protect and serve.” They are highly trained to ensure the safety of people and property and make a commitment to enforcing the law. In the Criminal Justice Studies program, gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of law enforcement, police operations, homeland security, counter terrorism initiatives and related topics. Instructors who are experienced criminal justice veterans, representing a wide variety of specialties, provide a solid foundation needed to face the challenges and rewards of the field.
- Prepare for jobs such as police officer, detective, deputy sheriff, state trooper, DNR ranger, probation agent, private and corporate security or Transportation Security Agency (TSA) officer, among others.
- Program-to-program transfer opportunities are available at Carroll University, Concordia University, Marian University, Marquette University, Mount Mary College and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. For a complete list of transfer credits, see the “credit transfer” section.
- Participation in Kappa Theta Rho (Law Enforcement Organization) helps students increase awareness of police duties and responsibilities; obtain additional education and training in law enforcement and procedures; and promote a cooperative learning environment with law enforcement agencies.
- Wages of recent graduates per Graduate Follow-up Report
- Three-year Avg. Salary for Full-time Related Employment: $37,199
Program Code 10-504-5
Required Courses
First Semester | |||||
Course Num | Course Name | Credits | |||
504-104 | Introduction to Security | 3 | |||
504-122 | Patrol & Traffic Procedures | 3 | |||
504-900 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | |||
801-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Comm | 3 | + | * | |
809-199 | Psychology of Human Relations | 3 | * | ||
Total Semester Credits | 15 | ||||
Second Semester | |||||
Course Num | Course Name | Credits | |||
504-102 | Police Organization and Admin | 3 | |||
504-160 | Intro to Homeland Security | 3 | |||
504-902 | Criminal Law | 3 | |||
504-904 | Juvenile Law | 3 | |||
801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | + | ||
804-107 | College Mathematics | 3 | + | * | |
Total Semester Credits | 18 | ||||
Third Semester | |||||
Course Num | Course Name | Credits | |||
504-108 | Introduction to Terrorism | 3 | |||
504-124 | Forensic Investigation I | 3 | |||
504-901 | Constitutional Law | 3 | |||
504-905 | Report Writing | 3 | |||
809-197 | Contemporary Amer Society | 3 | * | ||
Elective | 3 | ||||
Total Semester Credits | 18 | ||||
Fourth Semester | |||||
Course Num | Course Name | Credits | |||
504-115 | Criminal Evidence | 3 | |||
504-140 | Criminology | 3 | |||
504-162 | Employment Strategies | 1 | |||
504-903 | Professional Communications | 3 | |||
504-906 | Criminal Investigation Theory | 3 | |||
801-198 | Speech | 3 | + | ||
809-166 | Intro to Ethics: Theory & App | 3 | |||
Total Semester Credits | 19 |
* (Prerequisites or substitutes may apply to this class.)
View available courses for this term
View course descriptions of all required courses
View course descriptions of all required courses
Credit Transfer Opportunities
WCTC has agreements with local high schools and various four-year colleges and universities that enable students to transition more seamlessly from high school to WCTC to four-year colleges. Transcripted credit agreements provide high school students the opportunity to take WCTC courses at their high schools. Agreements with four-year colleges enable WCTC graduates in selected programs to transfer credits, often at junior-level standing. Agreements currently in place for this program are listed below.
High School Transfer Opportunities
WCTC Course |
WCTC Credits Awarded |
---|---|
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm | 3 |
Four Year College Transfer Opportunities
Program Specific Agreements | ||
College |
Program Name |
Credits Awarded |
---|---|---|
Cardinal Stritch | BS Law Enforcement | full program |
Carroll University | BS Criminal Justice | up to 64 |
Concordia University | BS Criminal Justice | up to 70 |
Marian University | BS Criminal Justice | up to 70, 10% tuition discount |
Rasmussen College | Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice | up to 70 |
UW-Milwaukee | BS Criminal Justice | up to 57 |
UW-Oshkosh | BS Human Services Leadership | up to 70 |
UW-Oshkosh | Bachelor Degree Criminal Justice (online) | up to 70 |
UW-Oshkosh | BS Applied Studies, Public Safety; emphasis Leadership and Organizational Studies | up to 60 |
UW-Parkside | BA Criminal Justice | up to 57 |
UW-Platteville | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | up to 30 |
UW-Waukesha | Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) | 60-Junior Standing |
UW-Whitewater | BS Criminology | Up to 72 |
Viterbo University | BS Criminal Justice | up to 70 |
General Agreements | ||
College |
Program Name |
Credits Awarded |
Franklin University | Bachelor of Science (various) | Junior Standing |
Lakeland University | Any Bachelors Degree | up to 72, and 20% tuition discount |
Mount Mary University | Bachelor Degree | Junior Standing |
Ottawa University | Bachelor of Arts or Sciences | up to 80, tuition discount |
Purdue University Global | Any Bachelors | credits vary, 20% tuition discount |
Upper Iowa University | Bachelor of Science | up to 78 |
UW-Green Bay | Bachelor of Applied Studies Online | Junior Status |
UW-Oshkosh | BS Leadership and Organizational Studies | full program |
UW-Stout | Bachelor of Science in Management | up to 60 |
UW-Stout | B.S. Career, Technical Education & Training | up to 60 |
Wisconsin Lutheran College | BA/BS in Business Management & Leadership | 50-70 |
UW-System Credit Transfer
If you are interested in attending a UW-campus, you should contact a transfer representative at the campus you plan to attend. You may also check credit transfer agreements between WCTC and the UW System to tell you which specific courses and general education classes may be accepted.
Important Cautionary Note:
This information is intended as a general description. Please verify the availability and details of the program that interests you with the transfer coordinator at the receiving institution.
Meet your Instructor

Christopher Campbell
Phone: 262.691.5389
Education
- BS, Criminal Justice, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Wisconsin Certified Public Manager, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC)– Class #255
Law Enforcement Experience
- Menomonee Falls Police Department, Patrol Officer – Sergeant, 27+ years
Teaching Philosophy
"I seek to fully engage every student by appealing to their mind, heart and spirit in the specific subject area. Students in my classes need to commit to a process of lifelong learning that is not strictly academic. It should include a sense of purpose, and development of their knowledge, skills and abilities – all with the goal of making them a well-prepared law enforcement agent."

Timothy R. Gossett
Phone: 262.691.5260
Education
- BA, National University
- MA, National University
- FBI National Academy( 133rd session)
Law Enforcement Experience
- 1972 – 1995 USMC Military Police, Major
- 1996 – 2001 Oconomowoc Police Department , Patrol Officer - Sergeant
- 2002 – present, consultant to several local departments for training and on-scene assistance at major incidents
Teaching Philosophy
"I want to impart knowledge, not only from text books but from experience. It is important to teach the concepts and tactics of a law enforcement officer as well as the need for compassion when dealing with people. When teaching criminal investigation, my focus is on the thorough, meticulous and methodical approach. In forensics, my focus is on successful processing of a crime scene along with applying science when analyzing the evidence results in solving crimes."

Dan Noordyk
Phone: 262.691.5389
Education
- AAS, Police Science, Milwaukee Area Technical College
- BS, Police Administration, University of Wisconsin – Platteville
Law Enforcement Experience
- Ripon Police Department 1972 -1974, Patrol Officer
- New Berlin Police Department, 1974 – 2002, Patrol Officer – Chief of Police
Teaching Philosophy
"Upon leaving WCTC, students will have a basic understanding of how to be successful in law enforcement. I also advise them that the degree they earn at WCTC is respected within the state of Wisconsin as well as in many states throughout the country."

Mark G. Stigler
Phone: 262.691.5385
Education
- AAS – Police Science, Northern Virginia Community College
- BS -- Criminal Justice, Mount Senario College
- MA – Security Studies, Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security
- Certificate – Criminal Justice Education, University of Virginia
- FBI National Academy
Law Enforcement Experience
- City of Waukesha Police Department, Patrol Officer – Deputy Chief, 29+ years
Military Experience
- US Army
- Military Occupational Specialty, Infantry Sergeant
- 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) Arlington Cemetery
Areas of Expertise
- Law Enforcement Operations
- Criminal Law
- Emergency Management
- Homeland Security and Defense
- Terrorism Studies
Teaching Philosophy
"I have been honored to train with and teach professional law enforcement officers from all over the world. The lessons learned during my 30 years in public safety are shared with the next generation of public safety professionals at WCTC as we facilitate the building of new knowledge and a common understanding of future challenges."