Criminal Justice
| Degree Type | Program Number | Program Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 105045 | CRIJ | 62.00 |
| Typical Start | Learning Format | Financial Aid | Estimated Cost | Location | Area of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hybrid | Available | 10961 | La Crosse | Public Safety |
Help protect and serve your community with a career in criminal justice. Western's Criminal Justice associate degree program prepares you for entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and other public safety fields. Through a combination of academic study and applied learning, you'll learn how the criminal justice system works while building practical skills in communication, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and working with diverse populations.
Courses combine classroom learning with real-world insight from experienced faculty who have worked in the criminal justice field. Through Western's strong partnerships with local agencies, you'll gain exposure to professional practices and explore career opportunities within the field.
Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their training through Western's Law Enforcement or Jail Officer certification academies. If you plan to continue your education, the program also offers transfer opportunities through articulation agreements with several four-year colleges and universities.
To view the Criminal Justice program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here (PDF).
Admissions Requirements
- Apply at www.westerntc.edu/how-to-apply
- Western’s Admission Coaches are available to help you through the application process. Have questions or need advice? Call 608-785-9200 or email AdmissionsCoach@westerntc.edu.
- Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.
Additional Requirements
- High School or GED/HSED Transcript is required.
- To enroll in the Criminal Justice program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. Please see the details below.
- Criminal Justice Technical Standards
- Criminal Justice Background Check (PDF)
- The background check is required but will only be used for career advising purposes and not for determination of admittance to the Criminal Justice program.
Career Opportunities
Law Enforcement Officer (local, state, and federal levels)
Correctional Officer (jail or prison)
Juvenile Detention Worker
Public Safety Telecommunicator/Emergency Dispatcher
Victim/Witness Professional or Advocate
Court Clerk/Records Clerk
Program Outcomes
- Illustrate the interrelationships of the three core components of the criminal justice system
- Analyze situational responses
- Apply communication skills as a criminal justice professional
- Conduct investigations
- Examine the professional code of ethics for a criminal justice practitioner
- Explore personal wellness strategies for the criminal justice professions
- Explain the role of criminal justice professionals in working with diverse populations
Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025
| Graduates | 60 |
|---|---|
| Graduates Responding | 27 |
| Employed In Related Occupation | 5 |
| Employed In Non-related Occupations | 2 |
| Seeking Employment | 1 |
| Continuing Education | 18 |
| Not In Labor Market | 1 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation | 0 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation | 3 |
| FT Average Hours per Week | 42 |
| FT Median Hourly Wage | $21.00 |
| FT Hourly Wage Range | $21.00 |
| FT Median Annual Salary | $47,500 |
| Related Occupations | Adolescent Secure Unit Worker, Police Officer, Security Assistant |
Software & Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools.
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Career Pathways
This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.
Prior Learning
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.
Certificates
There are currently no certificates associated with this pathway.
Technical Diplomas
There are currently no technical diplomas associated with this pathway.
Associate Degrees
There are currently no associate degrees associated with this pathway.
University Transfer
Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10504822 - Criminal Procedure | 3.00 |
| 10801136 - English Composition I | 3.00 |
| 10504821 - Juvenile Justice | 3.00 |
| 10504828 - Police in America | 3.00 |
| 10890106 - Strengths Seminar | 1.00 |
| 10504819 - Survey of Criminal Justice | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10504827 - Criminology | 3.00 |
| 10504851 - Ethics in Criminal Justice | 2.00 |
| 10809198 - Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10809196 - Intro to Sociology | 3.00 |
| 10504824 - Justice Administration | 3.00 |
| 10504823 - Substantive Criminal Law | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10504858 - CJ Investigative Strategies | 3.00 |
| 10504820 - Corrections in America | 3.00 |
| 10801196 - Oral/Interpersonal Comm | 3.00 |
| 10504852 - Relationship-Based Policing | 3.00 |
| 10504825 - Victimology | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10504859 - CJ Research Methods | 3.00 |
| 10504867 - CJ Technology | 2.00 |
| 10504829 - Criminal Justice Report Writing | 3.00 |
| 10504866 - Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice | 3.00 |
| 10804135 - Quantitative Reasoning | 3.00 |