Waukesha County Technical College
Criminal Justice Studies

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

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Explore the framework of the criminal justice system, and prepare for jobs in a variety of professions or easily transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at select four-year colleges. Develop critical life skills necessary for any public safety or human service job.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2023 Start

  • Submit application by August 7, 2023
  • Complete checklist items by August 14, 2023

Spring 2023 Start

  • Submit application by January 3, 2023
  • Complete checklist items by January 9, 2023

Summer 2023 Start

  • Submit application by May 30, 2023
  • Complete checklist items by June 5, 2023

* Application deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Any computer or tablet

Take advantage of a Direct Digital Access Program for discounted textbooks.

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 info@wctc.edu.

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

Apply Online
 

Program Details

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

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.

  • Police Officer
  • Detective
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Private or Corporate Security Officer
  • Correctional Officer
  • Probation/Parole Agent
  • State Trooper
  • Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Warden

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

$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.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Students working together at computer
icon

Program Courses

Student Studying
pdf icon

Program PDF

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

Participate in Kappa Theta Rho, a cooperative learning environment with law enforcement agencies.

2

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.

3

This program provides excellent preparation for careers in all areas of social services, criminal justice and law enforcement.

Similar Programs

Other Educational Opportunities

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

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

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

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.

College Program Name Credit Awards
Carroll UniversityBS Criminal Justiceup to 64
Marian UniversityBS Managementup to 70, 10% tuition discount
Marian UniversityBS Psychologyup to 70, 10% tuition discount
Marian UniversityBS Criminal Justiceup to 70, 10% tuition discount
Mount Mary UniversityBA Justice: Criminal Studies43+electives
Upper Iowa UniversityBS Criminal Justice21+electives
UW-MilwaukeeBS Criminal Justiceup to 57
UW-ParksideBA Criminal Justiceup to 57
College Program Name Credit Awards
Franklin UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing
Grand Canyon UniversityAny Bachelors10% tuition discount
Lakeland UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing, Credits Vary, 20% tuition discount
Ottawa UniversityBachelor of Arts or Sciencesup to 80, and 20%+ tuition discount for WCTC grads
UW-Green BayOrganizational Leadership - Bachelor of Applied StudiesBlock of 60 credits
UW-StoutBS Management (100% online)up to 60
UW-StoutBS Career, Technical Education & Training (100% online)up to 60
UW-WhitewaterBA Arts and Sciences60+
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeBA/BS in Business Management & Leadership50-70

 

Request Information