Law Enforcement Technology Major (A.A.S.)

Major code AA5503*

University College
Ohio University
140 Chubb Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1935
university.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/university-college/

Dr. James McKean, contact person
mckean@ohio.edu

Available at the following locations:

Chillicothe
Lancaster
Southern

Program Overview

Ohio University Chillicothe, Ohio University Lancaster, and Ohio University Southern offer a two-year program leading to an Associate of Applied Science in law enforcement technology. This program prepares you for entry-level employment in law enforcement or it enhances the opportunity for promotion by providing academic preparation for the contemporary officer. Upon completion of this program, if interested, you may continue in Criminal Justice bachelor’s program on one of the regional campuses or on the Athens campus. Law Enforcement courses are also available online. You may also work toward the Athens-based baccalaureate degree in forensic chemistry. Additional information is available from the law enforcement technology program director or Regional Higher Education student services offices.

*The code for this program was previously AA5505 and it awarded the Associate in Applied Science. As part of a recent degree reconciliation process with the State of Ohio, the program code and degree will be changing to AA5503 and Associate of Applied Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the law enforcement technology major, students will:

Demonstrate foundational skills in the administration of justice by differentiating the role of police, corrections, courts and community in contemporary America.
Assess the evolution of policing in America through a core recognition of law enforcement history, organization, subculture and criminological theory.
Recognize the legal elements of a Constitutional case study in order to assess criminal law, rules of evidence and the role of the courts in the adjudication of the law in America.
Integrate knowledge from discipline specific courses in criminalistics, rules of evidence, narcotics, homeland security, and patrol operations to effectively conduct a criminal investigation.
Demonstrate an analytical ability to make proactive decisions through knowledge of contemporary criminal justice information systems, computer technology and effective deployment of technology in collaboration with the community to reduce criminal opportunities.
Analyze criminal justice research in order to develop evidence-based practices.
Develop a criminal justice ethical perspective consistent with 21st century America in order to effectively and ethically perform a criminal justice role in law enforcement, corrections or the courts.
Use the LET degree as a platform to complete an advanced degree in criminal justice.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Career opportunities after graduation may be available in such areas as state highway patrol, local and county law enforcement agencies, corrections, juvenile authorities, and as probation or parole officers. Students can articulate into the Criminal Justice bachelor’s program.

Requirements

Technical Associate Degree Requirements

The minimum requirement for the Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.) or the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is the completion of 60 credits with a 2.0 accumulative GPA in both the major area of study and all course work attempted at Ohio University. A maximum of 15 credits earned through prior learning assessment may be applied to any technical associate degree. You must earn a minimum of 18 semester credit hours while enrolled at Ohio University, and you must earn a minimum of 50 percent of coursework taken to fulfill your major concentration in residence with resident credit as defined in the Graduation Requirements – University-wide section. You also must meet Ohio University BRICKS requirements for associate degrees.

To earn a technical associate degree, you must complete an Application for Update of Program(s), available from any college office or regional campus student services office.