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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, WI 54494
Delivery:
Hybrid/Blended
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
The Criminal Justice-Studies program offers students multiple career paths in the criminal justice field. Students can choose to enter law enforcement or corrections right after graduation or transfer to a university for a bachelor's degree. The program aims to facilitate employment, keep students updated on industry advancements, and promote further education. Mid-State’s experienced instructors prioritize professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards.
The program includes the opportunity to enroll in the separate Wisconsin Department of Justice's 720-hour law enforcement academy or the 200-hour jail academy, allowing students to become certified law enforcement or correctional officers in four semesters. Graduates can also apply their skills in civilian criminal justice roles, such as record maintenance or communications center operations.
Outcomes
- Examine the components of and interrelationships in the criminal justice system.
- Analyze situational responses.
- Apply communication skills as a criminal justice professional.
- Conduct investigations.
- Adhere to the professional code of ethics for a criminal justice practitioner.
- Maintain personal wellness.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,768.20
- Books: $820.43
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $10,588.63
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.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504114 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| 10504125 | Patrol Procedures | 3 | |
| 10504164 | Criminal Law for LE | 3 | |
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3 | |
| -or- | 10804189 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504163 | Constitutional Law for LE | 3 | |
| 10801198 | Speech | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| 10504140 | Report Writing for Protective Services | 3 | |
| 10809198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 10504144 | Wellness in Public Safety | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504112 | Court Procedures | 3 | |
| 10809122 | Introduction to American Government | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 10504123 | Criminal Investigation | 3 | |
| 10809172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3 | |
| 10504195 | Criminal Justice Internship | 2 | |
| -or- | 10504196 | Criminal Justice Applications | 2 |
| 10504103 | Fitness for Law Enforcement | 1 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10504129 | Community Policing | 3 | |
| 10504115 | Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement | 3 | |
| -or- | 10504185 | Basic Jail Academy 2 | 3 |
| 10504166 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 | |
| -or- | 10504184 | Basic Jail Academy 1 | 3 |
| 10504134 | Intro to LE Organizations and Leadership | 3 | |
| 10504143 | Criminology | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 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.”
MICHAEL TOPNESS, BAS
Mike earned his bachelor of applied science in leadership and organizational studies from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and 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
- Police Officer
- State Trooper
- Deputy Sheriff
- Civilian Law Enforcement Employee
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Park Ranger
- Private Security
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- 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. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
