To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/criminal-justice/
Program Number: 10-504-2
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac
This program is eligible for financial aid
Prepare for a variety of public safety and human service positions and begin a rewarding career with the Criminal Justice associate degree program at Moraine Park.
About the Program
The Criminal Justice program prepares students to take on a variety of roles in the criminal justice field. This accredited, two-year program prepares students to work within community-based programming, less restrictive settings, such as group homes, to highly-restrictive maximum-security prisons and careers in law enforcement.
To be successful in this program, students must have strong ethical standards, supportive attitudes and positive values. They must also be effective listeners and negotiators.
What You'll Learn
To prepare for work in the criminal justice field, students must learn to manage emergencies, conduct investigations, interpret legal standards and think critically. Students gain the communication, social and people skills needed to succeed in the field. Criminal justice students also learn valuable counseling skills.
Graduates of Moraine Park’s program qualify for various roles at correctional facilities and can expect to earn $19.89 per hour in various positions.
Students may begin criminal justice employment immediately upon graduation, transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice, or work to get the combination of experience and education required for specific positions such as probation and parole agent. Many current professionals enroll in the program to advance their career.
Transfer Opportunities
Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordable, accessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.
Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
Admission Process
Standard Admissions steps details
This program also requires:
- Criminal Background Check
Credit for Prior Learning
Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process.
- Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
- Earn college credit for your military training and experience
- Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
- Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences
Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.
Approximate Costs
Tuition
Occupational
- $149.50 per credit (resident)
- $224.25 per credit (out-of-state resident)
Associate of Arts/Associate of Science
- $188.90 per credit (resident)
- $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)
Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.
Student Fees
- $5.00 minimum per course Material Fee
- $13.45 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
- $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee
Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.
While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.
Pathways
Earn a certificate and an associate degree along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.
