Careers in Law Enforcement and Corrections start at Centralia College
Classes are offered year-round, in-person and online.
For adults interested in careers in law enforcement or corrections, Centralia College
offers two different associate degree options.
“All of our Criminal Justice programs are designed with two goals in mind - to serve students and to produce highly qualified, professional graduates,” said Tim Wright, dean of Arts and Sciences.
The Associate in Applied Science for students who intend to go directly into the workforce without earning a four-year degree, and the Associate in Arts with an emphasis in Criminal Justice is for students who intend to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher. Centralia College also offers a one-year certificate in Criminal Investigation.
For adults already working as police officers, deputy sheriffs, or state troopers, Centralia College is the only college or university in Washington to award 45 credits for that work experience in the Criminal Justice Crosswalk Degree program. The Crosswalk program allows law enforcement officers to fast-track their way to an associate degree by aligning the Centralia College curriculum with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy and the Washington State Patrol Academy training programs.
“Officers who have already completed their academy training and at least a year of field work can receive college credits for that prior work,” explained Wright. “The other required courses can be completed online throughout the year. Most officers who have used the Crosswalk option at Centralia College have been able to earn their associate degree in four academic quarters.”
For more information on careers in Criminal Justice, visit the Welcome Center inside the TransAlta Commons building on the Centralia College campus or follow the Steps to Get Started.