Police Science - Police Academy, AAS (PSPA-AAS)

CIP Code: 430100

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science in Police Science-Police Academy program combines basic peace officer training (Police Academy) with foundational studies of crime and criminal justice in the United States, specifically crime causation, crime trends and measurement, criminal law, victimization, the administration of justice, and criminal justice ethics. Graduates of this program have the basic knowledge required for entry-level law enforcement positions and the specialized knowledge required for advancement in rank.

The Associate of Science in Police Science-Police Academy program is a stackable credentialing pathway that includes both the Police Academy and the Fundamentals of Crime and Justice Studies certificates. This two-year degree can be a standalone degree or an intermediate credential en route to a Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Justice Studies.

Admission Requirements

Students must be admitted to Wright State University and:

Be 21 years of age at the conclusion of the Police Academy.
Be in good physical condition.
Have a valid Ohio driver’s license.
Cannot have any convictions for felony, drug, or crimes of violence. (Sealed or expunged felony convictions as an adult will exclude a prospective cadet from admission to the Police Academy.)
Pass a physical fitness and drug test.

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in this program will learn to:

demonstrate physical fitness and conditioning required of basic law enforcement
understand basic law enforcement functions and practice the psychomotor skills to perform basic law enforcement
articulate the fundamental components of the criminal justice system in the United States as well as the fundamental practices of criminal law
understand how crime is caused and measured
understand the principles of ethical conduct in the administration of justice

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:

demonstrate Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Requirements
demonstrate understanding of and competency in the psychomotor skills required to perform basic law enforcement functions
demonstrate a basic understanding of crime and criminal justice in the United States.

For More Information

Program Requirements

I. Wright State Core: 15 Credit Hours

Specific Core classes in some of the Elements may be required by some majors. When this occurs, the specific Core courses required will be listed below. In Elements where a specific course is not required, students can choose any course from the Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element A - English Composition: 3 Credit Hours

First-Year Writing Course (3 credit hours)

All students must successfully complete ENG 1100.  Based on Writing Placement level, some students may be required to enroll in a corequisite course (DEV 0100). 
ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3

Element B - Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic: 3 Credit Hours

Based on Math Placement Level, students may need additional prerequisite or corequisite coursework in mathematics prior to enrollment in the required course below.

Required:

MTH 1450 - Mathematics and the Modern World Credit Hour(s): 3

Element C - Arts and Humanities: 3 Credit Hours

Students will select an Arts and Humanities course from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Element D - Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 Credit Hours

Students will select a Social and Behavioral Sciences course from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements.

Required:

SOC 2000 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hour(s): 3 (IE, IW)

Element E - Natural Sciences: 3 Credit Hours

Students will select a Natural Science course from the approved Wright State Core Program Requirements. The course must contain a laboratory.

II. Major Requirements: 45 Credit Hours

LE 1100 - Police Academy 1 Credit Hour(s): 6
LE 1110 - Police Academy 2 Credit Hour(s): 9
LE 1120 - Police Academy 3 Credit Hour(s): 9
LE 1130 - Police Academy 4 Credit Hour(s): 6
PLS 4180 - Politics and Ethics Credit Hour(s): 3 (IW)
PLS 4370 - Criminal Procedure Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3000 - Internship in Criminal Justice and Family Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3220 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3700 - Criminology Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 60 Credit Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

A Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS), also known as a two-year guide, is an academic tool showing one example of how a program can be completed in a certain amount of time. All Wright State associate programs can be completed in two years with careful planning. Time to degree is dependent on many factors including student placement in mathematics and writing courses, CCP and AP coursework, transfer coursework, and other variables.

This GPS is valid for this year’s Academic Catalog only and is subject to change. This GPS is a recommendation only and your actual program may vary. Students should consult with their academic advisor on a regular basis and create a personalized plan to degree completion.

Police Science - Police Academy, AAS (GPS)