Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement

Serve your community and start an in-demand career. Learn how to make communities safer by enrolling in our Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement programs.

Whether you're interested in transfering to a four-year university, want to join law enforcement or learn basic law-enforcement skills, we have a variety of program options to meet you where you are. 

Why Study Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement at Front Range Community College?

Flexible program options. Supportive faculty. Real experience. At FRCC, you can complete criminal justice training in the way that works best for you. Our faculty includes current and former law-enforcement officers and supervisors.

Choose from three program options:

  • Criminal Justice Associate of Arts (AA) degree. If you are looking to transfer to a four-year university, you can complete this two-year program—offered both online and in person.
  • Law Enforcement Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. This program is designed for students who are Colorado Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Certified, have successfully completed a Colorado POST basic law enforcement academy, or are currently attending a Colorado POST basic law enforcement academy, this program can help you join the law enforcement field in just three semesters. The AAS is available in person or in a blend of online and in person. 
  • Law Enforcement Certificate. In this one-semester program, you will learn basic law enforcement skills. To enter this program, you must be sponsored or endorsed by a law enforcement agency.

 

Program Options

AA in Criminal Justice

Program Locations: Online, Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 60 credits (4 semesters)

Complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree with our AA in criminal justice. You'll be able to transfer to a four-year university to complete a BA or BS in criminal justice. Through your studies, you'll learn about:

  • The criminal justice system
  • Policing systems
  • Judicial function
  • Victimology
  • Criminal behavior

View Program Details

AAS in Law Enforcement

Program Locations: Boulder County, Larimer, Westminster, Online

Total Credits: 60 credits (3 semesters)

The AAS in Law Enforcement program is a combination of a Colorado Law Enforcement Basic Academy and a variety of general education and law enforcement elective topics.  In the AAS, you'll study:

  • Colorado basic law enforcement academy (LEA) requirements
  • Law
  • Criminology
  • Government

To enter this program, you must be Colorado POST Certified, have successfully completed a Colorado POST basic law enforcement academy, or be currently attending a Colorado POST basic law enforcement academy.

If you are currently enrolled in a Colorado POST basic academy, then you must successfully complete the academy to remain in the AAS program.

Please Note: Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) courses are only offered at the Larimer Campus.

If you've completed your LEA coursework or the approved equivalent you may complete the remaining AAS requirements online, at any listed campus or a combination.

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Law Enforcement Certificate

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 39 credits (1 semester)

Learn basic law enforcement skills with this one-semester program. You will receive POST certification and an education that prepares you for a career as a member of the law enforcement profession and meet the needs of agencies in the Colorado region. You will study:

  • Basic law
  • Arrest control
  • Driving
  • Firearms

Please note you must be sponsored or endorsed by a law enforcement agency to enter this program.

View Program Details

Transfer Options

Begin the journey of earning your bachelor's degree in criminal justice at FRCC. We'll support you every step of the way. With the AA in criminal justice degree, you can major in criminal justice and start as a junior at the following four-year schools:

  • Colorado Mesa University
  • Colorado State University-Global
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
  • University of Colorado-Denver
  • University of Northern Colorado

Be sure to talk with an advisor when selecting your courses to ensure you will complete your degree on time with the classes you need.

Careers & Outcomes

Your degree or certificate can open doors for a career law enforcement or related fields. Although some careers may require bachelor's and graduate degrees, you'll get a strong foundation with a degree from FRCC.

Additional Info

Professional Licensure Disclosure for the Peace Officers Standards & Training Certificate

Students enrolling or continuing at Front Range Community College (FRCC) have a right to certain information that the college is required by law to provide. As a student applying for or attending the Law Enforcement Academy, you have the right to know it meets the licensure or certification criteria for Colorado. It is possible that the degree/certificate may count toward licensing in states other than Colorado. If you are planning to seek work outside of Colorado, it is strongly recommended that you contact that state’s certifying or licensing entity for guidance before you begin this program. State-by-state information is available on the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training site. This program meets the applicable state prerequisites for licensure or certification in Colorado as listed below:

Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board

FRCC has determined the Law Enforcement Academy does NOT meet applicable state prerequisites for licensure or certification for the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Contact Us

Larimer Campus
Todd Schneeberger

 

Westminster Campus
Kristy Stearns

 

Law Enforcement Certificate
Mike Halloran