Criminal Justice Studies

Program Information

Degree Type
60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code
10-504-5

Time to Degree
2 years

Start Date
August / January / June

How You'll Learn

Hybrid
Daytime
Evening

Gain skills to protect and care for the community while showing respect and compassion to all people. Learn to work well within a team, apply effective communication and hold accountability in order to secure peace, inspire hope and motivate positive change in the world.

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

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Contact Us

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you have an interest in protecting and caring for the community, can follow orders, are an effective communicator and can show others compassion and respect, a career in criminal justice may be a right for you. Those in criminal justice must also be team players, possess critical thinking skills and have a keen eye for detail.

Law Enforcement
Homeland Security – Private Security
Corrections – Probation Parole
Emergency Communications – 911
Crime Scene Forensic Investigator
Victim Witness Social Worker

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$55,700 – $87,400 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Program Courses

Protective Services Programs

What Makes This Program Unique

Participate in Kappa Theta Rho, a cooperative learning environment with law enforcement agencies.
Instructors are experienced criminal justice veterans representing a wide variety of specialties, providing a solid foundation to face the challenges and rewards of the field.
This program provides excellent preparation for careers in all areas of social services, criminal justice and law enforcement.

Law enforcement officer smiling outdoors

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Other Educational Opportunities

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Police In-Service Training

View upcoming law enforcement in-service training session at WCTC.

Training for the Community

View upcoming training sessions open to the public hosted by WCTC's Criminal Justice department.

Vehicle Pursuit Training

View upcoming sessions of Vehicle Pursuit Training at WCTC.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

Explore Transfer Agreements