Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
Offered At:
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- An official high school transcript, or equivalent, showing proof of graduation. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.) If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- 40 college credits at an associate's degree level or higher, or current employment with a sponsoring law enforcement agency as a law enforcement officer.
- Student packet (packets are emailed every Thursday) which includes forms and requirements as designated by the Department of Justice. Includes background check and fingerprinting at the student's expense.
- Valid driver’s license and eligible to drive college vehicles under the college’s insurance carrier.
- Students who apply to this program must be a United States citizen in accordance with the Department of Justice.
- Successful completion of the DOJ Physical Readiness Test completed within 180 days of the Academy start date. NWTC does host this test on a limited basis. Students must also pass another DOJ Physical Readiness test at the completion of the program to obtain their certifiability status. A list of fitness test events and minimum passing scores for the pre and post test can be found via the Physical Readiness Testing link on the right side of this page.
- Currently employed officers must complete the NWTC application and provide contact information for their agency training officer. For further details on the application process for employed officers, contact the NWTC Public Safety Department at (920) 498-5423.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444. For further details on the application process for employed officers, contact the NWTC Public Safety Department at (920) 498-5423.
Program Availability
A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more about program waitlists.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Academy technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Total Credits
22
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or better in all courses to complete the technical diploma.
Program Outcomes
- Think critically
- Manage emergencies
- Communicate effectively
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Conduct investigations
- Interact with others
- Demonstrate tactical skills (applies to Certification Track only)
What careers are in my future?
84%
Graduate Employment
with 53% in field
$66,000.00
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
Law Enforcement Officer
- DNR Officer
- State Trooper
- Private Investigator
- Military Law Enforcement Officer
- Security Officer
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Police or Sheriff Administrator
- Specialized Units (K-9 SWAT, etc)
- State Agent
- Federal Agent
- Jail/Correctional Officer
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- Students must provide a personal email address in their online college application. This email address is where the Academy application packet will be sent.
- Regardless of prior college credit, all courses must be completed to obtain certifiability with the Law Enforcement Standards Board of the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
- This program is Financial Aid eligible. Veterans’ Benefits may be used to cover material and program fees. A payment plan is also available.
- The credits earned through successful completion of this program do not count toward the 60-credit requirement imposed by Wisconsin Administrative Code Section LES 2.01(1)(e) for employed officers. However, academy credits may be applied toward an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice to partially satisfy the college credit requirement.
Industry Credentials
Students who successfully complete this program will receive law enforcement officer certifiability status in the state of Wisconsin.