Criminal Justice Technology : Law Enforcement
Associate of Applied Science
Why study Criminal Justice Technology : Law Enforcement?
Law enforcement is a component of the criminal justice system. Its primary functions are the prevention of crime, investigation of criminal acts, and the apprehension and detention of those suspected of offenses. While law enforcement officers are concerned with enforcing criminal law, a greater part of their responsibility is the maintenance of order, responding to calls for service and the prevention and deterrence of crime. Most law enforcement is provided by uniformed officers.
Law enforcement can be dangerous and stressful, but highly rewarding for those called to serve.
This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
As a first year student, you will need to take the placement test. This test does not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete the placement test before you may register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.
(Additional requirements exist for students entering the police academy.)
Honesty, sound judgment, integrity and a sense of responsibility are especially important for those working with the law. Other important characteristics for law enforcers are cultural sensitivity and the ability to think and act quickly. You should also possess excellent communication skills. You need emotional stability and the ability to cope with high levels of stress for prolonged periods. You must also be able to pass drug tests and background checks. You must be physically fit and possess a high degree of courage, self-sacrifice and loyalty.
If you specialize in law enforcement, you may pursue many different career paths. Some of your opportunities for employment include the following:
- police officer
- parole officer
- corrections officer
- highway patrol officer
- federal air marshal
- border patrol agent
- FBI agent
- university police officer
- transit police officer
- fish and game warden
- DEA agent
- secret service agent
If you continue your education and earn a bachelor’s (or graduate) degree, you will generally enjoy a broader choice of career opportunities. These more advanced degrees in criminal justice tend to benefit you in terms of promotions and duty assignments. Most federal agencies and many state agencies require a baccalaureate degree, and many agencies (such as the FBI) also require a number of years of experience or more advanced academic preparation (such as a degree in law).
The UC Clermont College campus is on 92 wooded acres located in Batavia, Ohio, in the heart of Clermont County. We are relatively small and our faculty-to-student ratio is low. You will find small class size and personal interaction with your instructors create the ideal learning environment. Parking is convenient and at no additional charge. Plus, our tuition is the lowest of the UC colleges.
Our program meets the hiring and promotion standards for a growing number of law enforcement agencies in the eastern Cincinnati area. Our technical advisory committee, consisting of leaders in the local law enforcement community, helps assure that our curriculum meets your career needs.
The program coordinator and criminal justice faculty are available for academic advising and career counseling. You will have opportunities to interact with the heads of various justice agencies through class exercises, guest speakers and special seminars. We place extra emphasis on helping you develop the writing and testing skills necessary to assure your successful placement.
You must complete an application for degree and receive a pre-certification from your academic advisor the semester before you expect to graduate. You should see your advisor or Student Success and Retention Services (513) 732-5319 for specific information well in advance of your final semester.
You must be in good academic standing at the college or university you last attended. We accept transfer applications all year long and you may start any semester, provided your transcripts arrive in time to be evaluated before the start of the semester you wish to attend.
If you have not taken college-level mathematics or English, you will need to take the placement test.
Other UC students may transfer into Clermont College by completing the application for change in college and program form available from most UC admissions offices including ours, (513) 732-5319. You are urged to see your advisor before transferring into a different major to minimize any impact on your degree progress.
For specific deadline information, visit the Admissions webpage.
Our police academy is approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC).
4200 Clermont College Drive
Batavia, OH 45103