Apr 04, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog [PREVIEW] 
    
2026-2027 Catalog [PREVIEW]

Planner for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice - Police Academy (A.A.S.)


Official Title of Major: Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice - Police Academy, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.

Code: AAS.LEN.POLICE.ACAD

Total Credit Hours: 60

About the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

This degree is part of the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute.

Purpose: Provides students with the opportunity to develop the basic theoretical and technical skills needed for an entry-level position into various areas of the criminal justice profession.  Enhances the opportunities of in-service police officer students for promotion to higher levels of supervision and responsibility.  Provides a transfer basis for students who are seeking entry into police and criminal justice agencies having a four-year degree requirement. 

Additional Program Requirements

Students who have career interests in a particular criminal justice agency, especially federal agencies, should consult with one of the criminal justice faculty to plan a program which is transferable to a four-year institution. In addition, students enrolled in the Police Academy Option must meet specific admission requirements needed for police certification. Most police departments have specific requirements as to health, character and vision for entry-level employment. Students must determine if they meet these requirements before they enter the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice degree program.

Faculty Contact (https://webapps.aacc.edu/directory/): Darian Senn-Carter

Courses to improve skills and prepare for college-level classes may be needed. It is best to see an advisor as you plan your education.

Course/Advising Notes: ________________________________________________________________________

Term 1

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1  
(English Composition General Education Requirement)
Students may substitute ENG 101A  for ENG 101.
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
Mathematics General Education Requirement   
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3 credit hours    
Arts and Humanities General Education Requirement  
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3 credit hours    
Technology General Education Requirement  
CTA 103  is recommended. This requirement may also be satisfied by CLEP exam.
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
CJS 109 - Police Discipline and Organization   1 credit hour     
CJS 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice   3 credit hours     

Term 2

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2  
(English Composition General Education Requirement)
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3 credit hours     
Biological and Physical General Education Requirement  
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
PLS 111 - American Government  
(Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement)
picture of open book for General Education Requirementpicture of capital letter P for Prerequisite
3 credit hours     
SOC 111 - Introduction to Sociology  
(This course also fulfills the Diversity Requirement.)
picture of capital letter D for Diversitypicture of capital letter P for Prerequisite
3 credit hours     
CJS 112 - Police Operations  
picture of capital letter P for Prerequisite
3 credit hours     

Term 3

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
CJS 113 - Penology   3 credit hours     
Electives (consult with an advisor) 4 credit hours    
LGS 215 - Criminal Law   3 credit hours     
LGS 216 - Criminal Evidence and Procedure   3 credit hours     
CJS 226 - Traffic and Public Safety  
picture of capital letter P for Prerequisite
3 credit hours     

Term 4

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
CJS 218 - Criminal Justice Communications  
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3 credit hours     
CJS 222 - Investigation and Criminalistics  
picture of capital letter P for Prerequisite
4 credit hours     
CJS 225 - Criminal Justice Ethics   3 credit hours     
EMT 104 - Emergency Medical Care, CPR & AED  OR
HEA 150 - Advanced First Aid, CPR and AED  
(Wellness General Education Requirement)
Students who are graduates of recognized police academies, current employees of fire departments, or current employees of EMT/emergency response agencies may request to have HEA 150 or EMT 104 waived. To do so, students should provide an official (department letterhead) letter to the Records and Registration Office stating that they are graduates or employees of one of the above agencies. Courses or training not approved for academic credit through the American Council on Education or through an institution accredited by a commission on higher education approved by the U.S. Department of Education will not be accepted for transfer credit or as meeting the waiver.
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    

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