Certificate of Completion - Program Map - 2025-2026
Public Service

Program Description

The Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement provides a curriculum suitable for students seeking the credentials needed to apply to specific law enforcement agencies. It also provides a clear pathway for high school students interested in Criminal Justice, but have not yet decided whether they will move on to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree. This Certificate of Completion is fully embedded in the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice so that every class found in this certificate will apply to those students opting to move on to the two-year AAS Degree. Students who wish to pursue a career in Texas law enforcement should meet the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for minimum standards for employment in the law enforcement field as per Commission Licensing Rule 217.1. Students must be able to successfully pass a background investigation and psychological, drug, and physical exams. The capstone course for this Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement is HMSY 2337, Managing a Unified Incident Command.

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Federal/State/Local Law Enforcement Officers • Forensics Science• Victim Services Specialists • Court Marshalls/Bailiffs • Correctional Officers • Private Security Officers • Private Investigators.

Potential Salary: $28,530 to $63,380/year nationally, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov

Law Enforcement

Certificate of Completion

First Semester

Credit Hours

Humanities or Fine Arts Elective (C)

3

3

Second Semester

Credit Hours

CRIJ

1301

Introduction to Criminal Justice (C)

3

CRIJ

2328

Police Systems & Practices (F)

3

ENGL

1301

Composition I (C)

3

SPCH

1315

Public Speaking (C) or

SPCH

1321

Business & Professional Communication1 (C)

3

12

Third Semester

Credit Hours

CRIJ

1306

Court Systems & Practices (F)

3

CRIJ

2314

Criminal Investigation (F)

3

CRIJ

2323

Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement

3

GOVT

2306

Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) (C)

3

HMSY

2337

Managing a Unified Incident Command

3

15

Total Credit Hours

30

(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • Students who complete the identified Field of Study in Criminal Justice courses (F) in the degree plan are able to transfer said courses for full credit to any Texas public university/institution.
  • For students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's Degree, EPCC also offers an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.
  • CRIJ courses accepted at UTEP include: CRIJ 1301, 1306, 1310, 2313, 2314, and 2328.
  • Some courses in this degree plan may count towards the following: Criminal Justice AA, Criminal Justice AAS, and Homeland Security Option AAS and Certificate. Visit the above degree plans to see which courses count.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Law Enforcement Certificate of Completion, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Adaptability: Students are able to flexibly and effectively adapt to changing environments and needs.
  • Communication: Students are effective oral and written communicators and display the ability to listen to comprehend.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections.
  • Empathy: Students approach their co-workers and the public with patience and understanding in delicate situations to create a trusting and hospitable environment.
  • Teamwork: Students are effective team members and maintain respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Course Superscripts

1SPCH 1321

Check the course catalog to view all applicable courses and information and/or visit your counselor/advisor to review your options.
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