The Criminal Justice Studies program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the study of crime, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Designed for individuals interested in careers in public safety, corrections, community supervision, and related fields, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world application. Students examine ethical decision-making, constitutional law, investigative techniques, and the role of the criminal justice system in a diverse society. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for modern criminal justice professionals.

Students examine advanced topics including constitutional law for law enforcement, criminal investigations, community-oriented policing, use-of-force decision-making, report writing, ethics, and contemporary challenges facing policing. The curriculum also emphasizes officer wellness, procedural justice, cultural competency, and effective or for transfer to four-year institutions to pursue advanced degrees.

This program supports lifelong learning and prepares students to serve their communities with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    If you're a community service-oriented individual who values honesty, order, and detail, a career in law enforcement may be for you.

    Students entering the Criminal Justice Studies program should:

    • Enjoy working with diverse people.
    • Communicate well orally and in written form.
    • Be perceptive and analytical.
    • Be detail-oriented and patient.
    • Not mind working different shifts.
    • Have excellent character backgrounds.
    • Be in good physical condition.
    • Remain objective in emergency situations.
    • Have excellent driving records.

    Program Basics

    • Associate degree, requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
    • Classes are offered daytime, face to face, and on campus.
    • Fall start.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Credit for prior learning may be available.
  • Curriculum & Costs

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 26-27

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $5,240
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $10,910
    Books and Supplies $1,463
    Personal Expenses $3,084
    Transportation 3,899
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $700
    Loan Fees $85
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $25,381
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $12,691

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Admissions & Requirements

  • Admission Requirements


    Academic Preparedness Requirements

      Before you can be fully accepted into your program, you need to complete the requirements below. These are the same requirements you may see in your SWTC Student Portal.

    • Submit Official High School, College, Military Transcripts, and Test Scores (Not Required)
      Have documents sent directly to:
      • Email: admissions@swtc.edu
      • Mail: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Meet with Your Advisor for an Admissions Meeting
      Schedule an admission meeting with your program advisor to complete your student success plan, including a career assessment and academic map and support plan.

      To schedule your meeting, go to the Appointments page. Find your advisor in the list, then select Make an Appointment under their contact information.

      Appointments are available on campus or virtually.

      • If you want to check which of these requirements you still need to complete, log in to your SWTC Student Portal, go to My Profile → Document Center, and make sure All Programs is selected.

  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Recognize the personal demands required of police.
    • Demonstrate proper police investigative procedures.
    • Demonstrate effective communication with diverse populations.
    • Understand legal principles and procedures to ensure justice.
    • Apply Wisconsin statutes when analyzing criminal behavior.
    • Demonstrate writing skills.
    • Practice good personal fitness strategies.
    • Practice effective team member attributes.
  • Career Opportunities

  • The profession of law enforcement, also known as police science, is becoming very people-oriented. Law enforcement officers spend a great deal of time communicating and interacting with an increasingly diverse population. Officers are more active in community relations and crime prevention, and they must always be able to react immediately to any level of emergency. Criminal Justice Studies prepares graduates for careers as:

    • Police officers
    • Deputy sheriffs
    • Security guards
    • Bailiffs
    • Correctional officers

    Each of these careers may require special additional requirements and/or training.

    Southwest Tech's Career Services Center offers services to assist students looking for job placement.

    Find a Job
  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    Criminal Justice Studies Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-801-136English Composition IYes
    CLEP Test - College Composition
    10-801-198SpeechYes
    10-809-196Intro to SociologyYes
    10-809-198Introduction to PsychologyYes
    CLEP Test - Introduction to Psychology