Program Requirements

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

504-104CJ Orientation and Success Sem1Corequisite: 504-162, 504-900, 504-901Students will prepare for a successful transition to CVTC and the Criminal Justice Program. This course is designed to enhance student development and learning through the examination of career, personal, and academic issues that influence their college experience. Learners will also explore common new-student issues that individuals face at CVTC and develop a personalized success plan. The Criminal Justice Program orientation will also be part of this course.

504-162Contemp. Issues in Crim. Just.3Corequisite: 504-104, 504-900, 504-901An examination of all levels of criminal justice system, public and private, in contemporary issues that impact on these agencies now and in the future. It will investigate futuristic challenges and concerns of these agencies as they relate to legal, social, economic, political and employment opportunities.

504-900Intro to Criminal Justice3Corequisite: 504-104, 504-162, 504-901This course provides an overview of the history, function and roles of the modern criminal justice system. Learners are introduced to the structure of local, state and federal law enforcement and non-law enforcement agencies within the system along with duties and responsibilities of each. Learners discover careers paths within the CJ system, specialized positions, community resources and professional standards in law enforcement. They also explore and interpret current scholarly research, data and trends in the criminal justice system.

504-901Constitutional Law3Corequisite: 504-104, 504-162, 504-900This course explores the legal aspects and application of the concepts of arrest, use of force, search and seizure, and other essential functions within the field of criminal justice. With focus placed on the Bill of Rights, Wisconsin State Statutes, and other sources of law, students will be given an opportunity to examine and understand these topics and how they interrelate to the criminal justice system, as well as the rights of all persons in the United States of America.

801-136English Composition 13This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies3This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.

TOTAL CREDITS:16 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

504-170Corrections, Intro to3Corequisite: 504-902, 504-903This course provides an overview of how criminal cases flow through the courts and how the criminal justice system and correctional system work together. Learners explore various correctional career paths, professionalism, ethics and cultural awareness within the system. Evidence-based practices in corrections and scholarly research are examined to articulate current issues, best practices, and trends in corrections. Learners will differentiate the roles, duties and functions of community corrections, diversion, probation and alternatives to incarceration, county jails and state and federal prisons.

504-902Criminal Law3Program student; 504-900 and 504-901; Corequisite: 504-170, 504-903This course defines and describes theories concerning the nature of crime and the purpose and sources of criminal law in American society. It identifies principles of state and federal constitutional, statutory, and local ordinances applicable to criminal law with emphasis on the Wisconsin Criminal Code. It includes an examination of substantive and procedural criminal law it applies to, and is likely to be applied by a law enforcement officer.

504-903Professional Communications3504-900 and 504-901; Corequisite: 504-170, 504-902This course examines professional communication skills in the Criminal Justice field with significant emphasis on law enforcement and corrections occupational areas. Key skills include active listening, interpreting non-verbal behavior, utilizing conflict resolution techniques and implementing strategies to overcome communication barriers. In addition to examining and applying communication strategies, this course also explores factors that influence effective communication, including adherence to a professional code of ethics to impact successful communication and overall job performance.

801-197Technical Reporting3801-136 or 801-219Prepares and presents oral and written technical reports. Types of reports may include lab and field reports, proposals, technical letters and memos, technical research reports, and case studies. Designed as an advanced communication course for students who have completed at least the prerequisite introductory writing course with a grade of "D-".

804-134Mathematical Reasoning3All college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement.

809-196Intro to Sociology3This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.

TOTAL CREDITS:18 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

504-905Report Writing3504-901 and 504-902 and (801-136 or 801-195 or 801-151) and (801-197 or 801-171); Corequisite: 504-906, 504-907This course prepares the learner to write effective police reports. Writing an effective report starts with understanding how these reports are used and by whom. Learners will conduct interviews and interrogations, make notes of observations, construct field notes and create reports. Learners will demonstrate how to organize information for various types of reports and citations. Learners will also practice testifying to the information written in their reports.

504-906Criminal Investigations I3504-901 and 504-902 and 504-903; Corequisite: 504-905, 504-907In this course, the learner will recognize the dynamics of victimization; apply knowledge of the definitions and responsibilities for law enforcement; apply appropriate interview techniques with adult or child victims; conduct interviews and interrogations; analyze the role of law enforcement in responding to domestic abuse; intervene and apply appropriate investigative strategies; respond to an officer-involved domestic violence incident; analyze the role of law enforcement in responding to sexual abuse; demonstrate investigative techniques in a simulated sexual assault case; and identify other resources that can assist in sexual assault cases.

504-907Community Policing Strategies3504-900 and 504-901; Corequisite: 504-905, 504-906The course is meant for you to gain knowledge and skills related to various Community Policing Concepts. These include many tools for your policing tool belt, so to speak. Policing is much more than enforcing laws and responding to calls. Increasing trust, cultural intelligence, approachability, making connections and partnerships are all very important aspects of policing. In addition to that, there are many strategies that you need to increase the success of your policing and efforts. These include problem-solving, having partnerships, resources, technology, crime prevention tools and the ability to think outside the box to solve big and small issues.

809-159Abnormal Psychology3This course surveys the essential features, possible causes, and assessment and treatment of the various types of abnormal behavior from the viewpoint of the major theoretical perspectives in the field of abnormal psychology. Students will be introduced to the diagnosis system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). In addition, the history of the psychology of abnormality will be traced. Cultural and social perspectives in understanding and responding to abnormal behavior will be explored as well as current topics and issues within abnormal psychology.

Choose 2 credits from the following:504-103Employability Strategies3Program student; 504-900 and 504-901 and 504-902 and 504-903 and 504-170This course entails essential steps in preparing and obtaining a position in the field of law enforcement and other related criminal justice fields. Students will explore the various aspects of each setting from an organizational perspective. Resume, letter of application and portfolio tools will be created. Practical applications for job interviewing will take place along with learning from area employers how to conduct a successful interview. Part of the course will be devoted to assessing a baseline of physical readiness for the LE Academy entrance fitness test.

Choose 2 credits from the following:504-912CJ Human Service Seminar3Program student; 504-900 and 504-901 and 504-902 and 504-903 and 504-170The course will include and overview of human service specific careers and more details on how the human service system and resources work with the criminal justice system. Students will learn motivational interviewing skills and specifics on alcohol and other drugs in the course, also.

Choose 2 credits from the following:802-103Spanish for the Workplace2Introductory conversational Spanish for the person whose business works with Spanish-speaking employees and/or customers. Emphasis is on everyday language usage and interaction rather than a formal grammar approach.

TOTAL CREDITS:14 - 15 

Fourth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

504-107Crisis Management3Program student; 504-900 and 504-901 and 504-903 and 504-905 and 504-907; Corequisite: 504-121, 504-904, 504-909In this course, students will learn principles, guidelines and techniques for law enforcement and others in the criminal justice field response to persons with possible mental disorders, alcohol or drug problems, dementia disorders, and/or developmental disabilities. Students will become more familiar and able to recognize traits of mental health disorders to better handle crisis situations and provide the appropriate resources to assist a person in crisis in their own communities. Students will also learn and apply the legal basis under Wisconsin law for conducting emergency detentions and emergency protective placements of persons, as well as legal requirements and practical guidelines for implementing these procedures.

504-121Patrol Procedures3Program student; 504-903 and 504-906 and 504-907; Corequisite: 504-107, 504-904, 504-909This capstone course is the culmination of criminal justice students' educational experience. It serves to synthesize the knowledge, skills and abilities gained from this course, and other courses taken in the Criminal Justice Program. Learners examine and apply basic patrol response. Learners integrate key skills and concepts learned over the past 3 semesters around evidence-based practices, professionalism, ethics, proper verbal and written communication, interviewing and policing strategies. Learners participate in practice scenarios of common police calls, practice decision making, justify legal and policy decisions and write practice reports. They observe and participate in demos on how to conduct a basic traffic stop, OWI and SFST procedures and traffic crash investigations. Learners complete a final program portfolio to demonstrate they meet the WTCS Technical Skills outlined for the Criminal Justice Studies Program outcomes.

504-904Juvenile Law and Justice3504-900 and 504-901 and 504-902; Corequisite: 504-107, 504-121, 504-909You will analyze the history of juvenile justice and specific issues relating to juveniles, such as juvenile risk and protective factors contributing to delinquency and prevention and intervention of delinquency. You will explore how law enforcement and others working with juveniles handle various juvenile cases using proactive measures through community policing, collaboration and problem-solving concepts. You will also identify the legal parameters surrounding juveniles by gaining a basic understanding of legal terminology, process, procedure and application of Wisconsin juvenile laws under the CH 48 Children’s Code, CH 938 Juvenile Justice Code and U.S. Constitutional Law. The course also includes an examination of the types, dynamics and statutes around child maltreatment.

504-909Criminal Investigations II3504-901 and 504-902 and 504-903 and 504-905 and 504-906; Corequisite: 504-107, 504-121, 504-904In this hands-on course, the student will learn about and develop investigative techniques specifically for physical evidence collection, online crime investigations and current technological advances in evidence collection for all kinds of criminal investigations. Learners will examine child maltreatment dynamics, crimes against children and investigative techniques for child maltreatment and missing children.

504-166Criminal Justice Internship3Summer only (after second semester) | Program student; 504-900 and 504-901 and 504-902 and 504-903 and 504-170Firsthand observation within a criminal justice agency of the student's choice; learning activities provided on-site with participating agencies. Students must be in the Criminal Justice Program and in good standing to apply for internship sites. The student seeks out their own internship site and applies to the internship position for selection with the specific agency.

504-910Law Enforcement Academy Prep3Program student; 504-900 and 504-901 and 504-902 and 504-903 and 504-170The course is meant to further prepare students seeking law enforcement certification and entrance into the recruit academy in areas of fitness, wellness and emotional survival on and off duty. The student will become a stronger candidate for the LE academy physically and emotionally. The students will be better prepared for the academy by learning about, assessing and improving their physical readiness, nutrition and overall emotional health for entrance/exit requirements, as well as begin lifelong wellness habits for the LE career.

806-170Intro to Forensic Science3This introduction to forensic science course will look at the analysis techniques of trace evidence. How are samples of fiber, hair, paint, glass, body fluids, powder residue, prints, etc. analyzed and verified to link to a particular suspect? Some discussion topics will include: The CSI Effect, Frye and Daubert Standard, Rule 702, and junk science.

TOTAL CREDITS:15