Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement/Academy
Associate of Applied Science
The Law Enforcement Academy degree is designed to prepare students for various careers within the field of criminal justice. In Nevada, a Category I and III Post Certificate is necessary for most local and state jobs in the criminal justice field. This major, with the Western Nevada State Peace Officer Academy as the emphasis, allows a student to go right into a criminal justice career in Nevada.
Salary: $54,700–$77,890 / year (Nevada)
Career Outlook: Average growth
Good To Know: Communication skills are important; may work weekends, holidays and nights. Good salaries and benefits. Demand is higher for detectives and investigators
WNC Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
Total Requirements: 63.5 Units (Credits)
| Core Requirements | 21 Units (Credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| CRJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice I | 3 |
| CRJ 102 | Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 |
| CRJ 164 | Principles of Investigation | 3 |
| CRJ 220 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| CRJ 230 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CRJ 270 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 |
| CRJ 103* | Communication Within the Criminal Justice Field | 3 |
| * This class must be completed before attending the Western Nevada Peace Officer Academy | ||
| Program Requirements | 30.5 Units (Credits) | |
| CRJ 266* | Western Nevada State Peace Officer Academy | 27 |
| EMS 100 | Healthcare Provider CPR | 0.5 |
| EMS 113 | First Responder | 3 |
| * Spring and summer class that will fulfill the POST requirement. | ||
| General Education Requirements | 12 Units (Credits) | |
|
English/Communications Requirement Recommended: ENG 101 |
3 | |
| Mathematics Requirement | 3 | |
| Science Requirement | 3 | |
| U.S. and Nevada Constitution Requirements | 3 | |
| NOTE: Documentation and current health insurance (card) required. | ||
| A list of all courses filling general education requirements for the Associate of Applied Science can be found on the Associate of Applied Science page. | ||
Note: Documentation and currency of health insurance (card) is required.
Suggested Course Sequence
1st Year
First Semester: 9 Credits
Second Semester: 12 Credits
2nd Year
Third Semester: 9 Credits
Fourth Semester: 33.5 Credits
Mission and Outcomes
Mission: The purpose the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Academy (Western Nevada State Peace Officer Academy) is to provide employment-related knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a chosen field of study.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Academy are expected to demonstrate that they:
- Have met the general education requirements of WNC
- Maintain proper professional attitude for law enforcement
- Articulate the legal requirements of search and seizure
- Recognize and evaluate criminal law
- Process crime scenes
- Maintain crime scenes
- Analyze theories for committing crimes
- Are prepared to pass the Police Officer Standards and Training test to become deputy sheriffs, police officers, juvenile probation officers, attorney general investigators, district attorney investigators, parole and probation officers, and correctional officers
Download the Student Learning Outcomes/Course Matrix [ PDF / 181 KB ]