Schoolcraft program code # AAS.00086
In this program, the criminal justice courses are restricted to students who are officially admitted to this program.
The criminal justice system is a highly specialized field. Law enforcement officers are employed by 40,000 local police agencies nationwide as well as county sheriffs’ departments. Law enforcement officers must be prepared to interact with the public in a position of responsibility and authority. Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including criminal law, police field operations, criminal investigation and human relations enhances the professionalism of the criminal justice system.
Candidates for employment as law enforcement officers must be certified by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). After completing the Police Academy (CJ 287), students may become certifiable by passing the MCOLES Certification Exam. Certification is valid for one year. Pre-service students, who are not employed by a law enforcement agency, must complete 41 credit hours of course work for the associate degree before taking CJ 287.
Students who satisfactorily complete all college and program requirements qualify for an associate of applied science degree.
Becoming a law enforcement officer requires candidates to meet certain psychological and physical requirements. Please review “Employment Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers” available at www.michigan.gov/mcoles prior to beginning this area of study.
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.
