Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement (Police Academy), AAS
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Cadets must meet the 15% to enter the academy
This program is designed for students seeking careers in entry level positions in law enforcement agencies in the State of Ohio. These agencies include city police departments, village or township police departments, or county Sheriff departments. While it is not required, it is an added benefit for those seeking careers in probation.
The Ohio Revised Code enables North Central State College to incorporate The Ohio Peace Officer's Training Academy into the Criminal Justice Associate Degree program. The academy requirements are included in nine of the required courses for an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Upon completion of the academy requirements, the student will be eligible to take the State certification examination to become a peace officer in the State of Ohio.
Day and night academies are offered. Both academies begin in the Fall Semester and end Spring Semester of each academic year. Students must complete an academy application in order to be considered for this program. The applications for both academies are available at the mandatory orientation which normally occurs the first week of July. All students must pre‐register online in order to be accepted to attend the mandatory orientation. The open registration will begin the first Monday of April and conclude the last week of June. Students must visit North Central State College's Criminal Justice webpage to locate the registration link. The academy must be completed on a full‐time basis. In addition, students will be required to pass a physical examination, a state certification exam, and be capable of being hired by a law enforcement agency.
There is also a Police Academy Certificate option available and consists of ten academic courses.
INDIVIDUALS WITH A FELONY AND/OR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVICTION OR DRUG CONVICTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENTER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE: LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM. An acceptable Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report and an FBI report is required to enter the Peace Officer Academy. This fingerprint check is part of the official application process during mandatory orientation.
Students must successfully pass a drug screening within 90 days of the start of this academy. The cost of the test is at the expense of the student. This is part of the official application process during the mandatory orientation. Students must pass a Physical Fitness Assessment Test (1.5 mile run, push‐ups, sit‐ups) at the 15% level of the OPOTA standards.
The following are the disqualifiers for entry into the police academy:
- No person can enroll or participate in a police academy if such person has any felony conviction.
- In addition to the above, those who fall under any of the below disqualifiers cannot attend:
- Any person currently registering as a sex offender, child‐victim offender, or arson offender;
- Any person under indictment or otherwise charged with an offense under ORC Chapter 2925, Drug Offenses; Chapter 3719, Controlled Substances, or Chapter 4729, Dangerous Drugs, that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse – if convicted of that offense, they are disqualified for a three year period;
- Any person under indictment or otherwise charged with a misdemeanor offense of violence – if convicted of that offense, they are disqualified for a three year period
- Any person under indictment or otherwise charged with a violation of ORC 2903.14, Negligent Assault;
- Any person convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense under ORC Chapter 2913, Theft and Fraud, or a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar is disqualified for a three year period.
Ohio Administrative Code section 109:2‐1‐03
The Police Academy program of North Central State College has a reputation for excellence. Employers across Ohio have indicated our graduates are well prepared for the challenges they face as they embark on their profession.
The Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for the completion of this program.
Program Learning Outcomes
By the end of the police academy, students will be able to:
- Apply the core criminal justice foundation concepts of juvenile justice, criminology, constitutional law, corrections, private security, and U.S. Judicial and Criminal Justice systems in solving and defending logical arguments and applications in the field.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech.
- Demonstrate well‐developed analytical and problem solving skills.
- Demonstrate proper standards of criminal justice professionalism, morals, and ethics.
Want more information?
The Academy is offered during the day, or at night.
Day academy students attend 8:00 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. Firearms will be conducted on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for eight weeks of the academy. The remaining Fridays will be reserved for make-up days.
Night Academy students attend 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday with Fridays being reserved as make-up days.
Both Day and Night students will have to attend almost all Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will attend two Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The academy calendar will be given to students prior to the start of the academy.
The academy requires full-time enrollment in North Central State College.
Police Academy Application Process
All students wishing to enter the Police Academies in Fall semester (both DAY and NIGHT Academies) must initially apply online as the first step in the application process using the link below. The Academy Commander will then notify the student of their preliminary acceptance.
A mandatory orientation will be held each July for academy participants who will begin the academy in the fall. The meetings will be held at the following times: To be determined
The orientation will consist of the following:
- Physical Fitness Assessment Test (1.5 mile run. push-ups, sit-ups): students entering the police academy must test at the 15% level of the OPOTA standards. For a video which shows the correct way to prepare for the Physical Conditioning Test, click here, opens in a new window.
- Students will receive the official O.P.O.T.C application for the police academy. This includes the form that the student must use to obtain a 5-panel drug test. Students must successfully pass a drug screening within 90 days of the start of this academy. The cost of the test is at the expense of the student. Students will also receive the BCI&I and FBI fingerprint request form. Only this form may be used to obtain a fingerprint check. Students must successfully pass the fingerprint background check.
- Students will be registered for the police academy courses
- Students will receive the rules and regulations of the NC State Police Academy Program
All students MUST apply as a student to North Central State College prior to attending the orientation.
Students Under 21
Students under the age of 21 are encouraged to read the following document prior to applying for the Police Office Academy.
Peace Office Basic Training Academy Age Issues (PDF), opens in a new window
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for the police academy for those that qualify. Students need to complete their FAFSA forms prior to attending the orientation. Students receiving military aid need to make an appointment with the financial aid office prior to the mandatory orientation. Any questions concerning financial aid need to be filtered through North Central State College’s Financial Aid Office at 419-755-4899.
$42,000 - $76,000*
These estimated earnings are for employees who have completed their associate degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement. Career advancement is available if you transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. As experience and education increase, you can expect to earn significantly more during your career.
For more information on regional jobs and pay, go to NC State’s Career Coach, opens in a new window page.
*Earnings figure is based on EMSI employment information for north central Ohio.
$15,056 - $12,690 = $2,366 in net cost*
The calculation above includes the following:
- The estimated current cost of tuition, fees and books to complete this two-year associate degree at NC State is $15,056.
- Minus the average amount of financial aid ($6,690 x 2 years) students received. NOTE: Your financial aid could be higher or lower than this average.
- Leaving just $2,366 to be funded by other sources — which may include additional scholarships, grants and loans. Many students opt for payment plans to avoid debt. Employed students should inquire with their employers about the possibility of reimbursement for educational expenses.
Three out of four NC State graduates have $0 college debt. We will work with you to explore every source of financial aid available.
*These figures were calculated using data available when this information was published.
$47,336*
Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year public institution in Ohio.
$86,064*
Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year private institution in Ohio.
*This estimate is an average of the cost including room and board for residential students.
Year One
Fall Semester
ENGL 1010 - English Composition I
This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001)
PSYC 1010 - Introduction to Psychology
STAT 1010 - Probability and Statistics
This course provides the student with an overview of probability and statistics. Probability terminology, concepts and rules are emphasized in solving probability problems. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, charts, tables and diagrams are used to summarize data. The student is introduced to the binomial, Poisson, hyper-geometric, normal and t-distributions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and linear regression are used to make conclusions concerning population parameters from sample data. This course meets the requirements for OTM Introductory Statistics TMM010.
Spring Semester
BIOL 1101 - Nutrition
BIOL 1101 is an introductory course to the principles of nutrition and its relationship to health. Included are practical applications in daily life as well as nutritional assessments of individuals. Emphasis is on essential nutrients, their supply and function, as related to an individual's well-being. Health promotion and chronic disease are explored in relation to today's society. (TAG# OHL016)
PSYC 2170 - Forensic Psychology
COMM 1010 - Speech
This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)
CRMJ 1090 - Juvenile Delinquency
This course provides an overview of the current theoretical and methodological issues concerning juvenile delinquency. This course examines the nature, extent, and causes of juvenile delinquency. The course is structured to focus on the social construction of delinquency, the development of the juvenile justice system, theoretical explanations of delinquency, and the current research on juvenile delinquency in the United States. The primary objectives of this course are to foster critical thinking about how we define, address, research, punish, and treat delinquency in America.
HUMA 1010 - Introduction to the Humanities
This course is a genre-based introduction to the humanities and the fine arts. The student will explore the six major means of artistic expression within the fine arts: painting, literature, drama, film, photography, and sculpture. The course focuses on an understanding of the genre itself as well as the various critical theories that apply to the fine arts, including but not necessarily limited to mimesis, formalism, didacticism, and postmodernism. Field trips are required in the course. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Arts and Humanities TMAH.
PHIL 1110 - Ethics
This course involves an examination of several ethical theories, including ethical relativism, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, social contract ethics, theological ethics, and rational ethics. Subjects covered may include the ethics of nuclear war, the ethics of suicide, ethical issues in abortion, the ethics of euthanasia, ethical issues in genetic engineering, sexual ethics, racism and sexism, capital punishment, ethics and the environment and so on. This course meets the requirements for OTM Arts and Humanities TMAH and slso TAG# OAH046.
SOCY 2010 - Cultural Diversity and Racism
Year Two
Fall Semester
CRMJ 1010 - Introduction to Criminal Justice & US Judicial Systems
This course introduces the student to the American System of Criminal Justice including growth and historical development. Emphasis will be placed on the criminal justice subsystems of law enforcement, corrections, courts, the Ohio court structure, and the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, this course will examine the ethical, professional, and legal issues confronting the criminal justice professional.
CRMJ 1070 - Family Violence
This course examines the characteristics of the growing number of families "on the fault line" of present day society in the United States. The causes and solutions that have been proposed to understand, control, and re-address problems of at-risk families are discussed during this course. Topics of discussion include the characteristics of social intervention, domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, exploitation and neglect, crimes against the elderly, and victim rights/issues. This course further examines the professional and criminal justice response to these issues.
CRMJ 2174 - Current Issues in the Criminal Justice Profession
This course introduces the student to the diverse ethical, professional, cultural, and legal issues and dilemmas confronting the field of the criminal justice profession. The course requires the student to create action plans to address the issues.
CRMJ 2230 - Police Skills I
This course is presented to students in three parts. Part one of this course meets OPOTC requirements for the certification of CPR and basic first aid. Part two of this course introduces the student to community diversity issues as well as the OPOTC requirements for the following topics; domestic violence, child abuse and investigations, crisis intervention, the juvenile justice system, and victims' rights. Part three of this course meets OPOTC requirements for laws of arrest, search & seizure, legal aspects of interview & interrogations, civil liability & use of force, testifying in court, criminal statutes in Title 29 of the ORC, and rules of evidence. All practical exercises related to certification are graded as P/NP. Students must pass all certification exams and practical exercises to successfully pass this course. This is course 3 of 5 to meet CTAG articulation# CTBPO
CRMJ 2250 - Peace Officer Academy Firearms
This course will introduce the student to the historical perspective of firearms, the lawful and unlawful use of weapons under current legal controls, and the restrictions concerning firearms. Thorough training is provided on precision pistol shooting and police combat shooting. All firearm discharges will be conducted in lab sessions at the state approved range site. All students will be required to successfully pass the state qualification standards in order to receive a Pass (P) for this course. This course is graded as pass (P) or no pass (NP). This is course 5 of 5 to meet CTAG articulation# CTBPO
Spring Semester
CRMJ 1110 - Criminal Investigation I
This course introduces the student to the study of investigative procedures beginning with the preliminary investigation through the follow-up phase. Additional topics covered within this course include documenting the crime scene, death investigations, interviewing techniques, evidence recognition, identification and collection. The laboratory experience will provide actual investigation situations to enhance student learning.
CRMJ 2090 - Defensive Tactics
This course provides the student with the basic principles and tactics of unarmed self-defense, and how to defend against physical attack, control aggressive behavior, and how to arrest/subdue an individual using the minimum amount of force. The course is graded pass (P) or no pass (NP). This is course 1 of 5 to meet CTAG articulation# CTBPO
CRMJ 2170 - Terrorism and Homeland Security
This course will examine the history, structure, and current trends of domestic and international terrorist organizations along with the development and structure of Homeland Security. This is course 2 of 5 to meet CTAG articulation# CTBPO
CRMJ 2210 - Introduction to Police Operations and Report Writing
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the history of policing, police operations and community policing. This course will also acquaint the student with current technology, reporting systems, report writing and various divisions within police organizational structure. This is a TAG course (OSS034).
CRMJ 2240 - Police Skills II
This course is presented to the student in three parts. Part one of this course meets OPOTC requirements for traffic enforcement technologies and SFST certification. This course also examines the fundamental concepts of traffic accident investigation; protection of the scene, recording of information, collection of evidence, and the analysis of traffic accidents. Part two of this course introduces the student to the knowledge and skills required for OPOTC requirements of defensive driving, pursuit driving, and stops and approaches. Part three of this course meets OPOTC requirements for the needs, purpose and importance of physical conditioning. All practical exercises related to certification are graded as P/NP. Students must pass all certification exams and practical exercises to successfully pass this course. This is course 4 of 5 to meet CTAG articulation# CTBPO
Total Credit Hours: 60‐62
Basic Electives
Courses
CRMJ 1050 - Criminal and Constitutional Law
This course will examine past and current legal cases and court decisions. Emphasis will be placed on the Bill of Rights and specific amendments that pertain to the criminal justice field. The basic concepts of criminal law will also be examined concerning criminal statutes and elements for selected offenses for the State of Ohio.
CRMJ 1130 - Introduction to Corrections
This course provides students with an overview of the field of corrections including courts, detention, sentencing, adult institutions, and staffing and personnel issues. This course provides the student with a basic working knowledge of the many diverse aspects of the correctional process with emphasis given to the history and development of corrections, the various types of institutions, the correctional process, correctional treatment, and the role of corrections within the field of criminal justice. This course specifically examines the Ohio Correctional System.
CRMJ 2010 - Criminology
The purpose of this course is to study crime and criminality in modern society with an emphasis on the underlying assumptions, propositions, and supporting evidence of crime theories. This course examines the multi-disciplinary science of law-making, law-breaking, and law-enforcing. A major emphasis will be placed on the evolution of criminological theories and review of data that assists in predicting where, when, by whom and against whom crimes happen.
CRMJ 2036 - Report Writing for Criminal Justice Professional
This course will examine and explore the various types of reports utilized in the Criminal Justice System/Field. This course will enable the student to develop report writing skills that are essential to the Criminal Justice Field and Criminal Justice Professionals.
CRMJ 2050 - Drug Recognition
This course studies the social and physical implications of legal and illegal drugs and substances. Drug and substance usage and its psychological and physiological impacts are also discussed for each of the various categories of substances that are seen in society today.
CRMJ 2110 - Private Security I
This course examines the historical, philosophical, and legal framework of the private security field. Security organization, policies, personnel roles, contract and proprietary security concepts are examined within this course. An emphasis of this course is placed on creating security awareness and relationships with other organizations, discovering security's place/role in the criminal justice system, and examining the practice of privatization in security.
CRMJ 2130 - Community Based Corrections
This course examines programs for convicted offenders that are used both as alternatives to incarceration and post-incarceration situations. Topics include the types of offenders, diversion, house arrest, restitution, community service, probation and parole, including both public and private participation, and other related topics. This course examines the various programs available as alternatives to incarceration from the perspective of the criminal justice professional, the offender, and the community
CRMJ 2150 - Forensic Science/Criminalistics I
This is an introductory course to criminalistics which explores the history and scope of forensic science. Criminalistics is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. The scope of this course includes discovery at a crime scene, the most important location of evidence; physical evidence; analytical techniques for organic and inorganic materials, fingerprints, unique tool marks, trace evidence and various impressions (e.g., shoe prints, tire prints, etc.)
CRMJ 2154 - Forensic Science/Criminalistics III
This is an introductory course to criminalistics which explores the scope of forensic science. The scope of this course includes; procedures and practices of questioned documents, handwriting analysis, type-writing analysis, anthropology, and odontology. The laboratory experience will provide actual lab situations and scenarios to enhance student learning.
CRMJ 2152 - Forensic Science/Criminalistics II
This is an introductory course to criminalistics which explores the scope of forensic science. The scope of this course includes procedures and practices of; Forensic Serology, Toxicology, Presumptive Drug Testing, Paint Analysis, Blood Spatter, and Ballistics. The laboratory experience will provide actual lab situations and scenarios to enhance student learning.
Social Sciences Electives
Courses
COMM 2010 - Group Communication
Group Communication explores the many facets of working and communicating in small groups. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic terms, principles, and theories of small group communication thus enabling participants to understand various types of group participation: leadership, roles, goal setting and achieving, conflict management, decision making, and problem solving. Students will analyze, adjust, and improve their own communication behaviors in groups. (This course may NOT be substituted for COMM 1010 - Speech ) Semesters available: Offered based on need.
COMM 2030 - Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication explores the development, maintenance, and termination of interpersonal (one-on-one) relationships within one's workplace, family, friendships, and love relationships. Emphasis is placed on understanding one's concept of self, perception of others, active listening, handling conflict, learning verbal and nonverbal cues, understanding power and influence, and valuing diversity. Students will analyze, adjust, and improve their communication behaviors by critically applying interpersonal theories in a variety of communication contexts. (This course may NOT be substituted for COMM 1010) TAG# OCM002
COMM 2250 - Interviewing
This course will explore the theory and practice of interviewing; interview structures, questioning techniques and formats, cover letters, resumes, and the different types of interviews. Specific practice in Selection and Workplace interviewing will be emphasized. (This course may NOT be substituted for COMM 1010 - Speech ) Semesters available: Day - S Evening - Offered based on need.
ECON 1010 - Introduction to Economics
This course covers four topic areas: a) basic economic terms in microeconomics, b) basic economic terms in macroeconomics, c) a historical overview of major economic ideas and d) an exploration of a variety of economic issues. This course is recommended for students who desire a one term survey course in economics. In this course students shall be challenged to think critically and to formulate independent and well-considered conclusions about a variety of economic issues and policies at a personal level as well as at the national level. Upon completion of this course students shall be better equipped to rationally participate in current economic policy debates by understanding the historical evolution of economic system, institutions and ideologies. (OTM for Social and Behavioral Sciences TMSBS)
POLT 1010 - American National Government
This course involves an examination of the people, values, institutions, processes, and policies associated with American government. Special emphasis is given to the way in which all of the variables interact to form the dynamic that is American politics. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS
PSYC 1070 - Introduction to Women's Studies
PSYC 1090 - Death and Dying
PSYC 2010 - Human Growth and Development
This course presents an overview of the total lifespan of human growth and development from conception through death. Major theories of human development will be studied through examination of the dynamics of human growth in relation to physical/neurological, socio/emotional, and cognitive development across the lifespan. Please note outcomes are written to ODHE standards using ODHE language. Ohio Articulation Number 0SS048. This course also meets the requirements for Ohio Transfer 36 - Social and Behavioral Sciences TMSBS.
PSYC 2030 - Child Psychology
PSYC 2050 - Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 2090 - Social Psychology
PSYC 2100 - Personality Theory
The personality theory course provides a survey of major perspectives of personality. This course will apply the scientific method as a tool in the discovery of personality description, development, and assessment. Please note outcomes are written to ODHE standards using ODHE language. Ohio Articulation Number 0SS018.
PSYC 2170 - Forensic Psychology
SOCY 1010 - Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to the theoretical foundations and methods used to gather, interpret, and evaluate data in sociology. Insight into how society is organized by focusing on the structure and function of social institutions, the impact of culture and socialization on individuals and groups, and systems of stratification among various racial and ethnic, social class, gender and sexuality groups. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS021. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS.