Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Certificate in Law Enforcement

Certificate
Southwest Virginia Community College

Designed to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies in Southwest Virginia Community College's service area, the law enforcement certificate includes all the first-year courses required for the Administration of Justice associate's degree program. The credits you earn in this certificate can apply toward an associate's degree, if you choose to continue your studies. If you're seeking entry-level employment in law enforcement, our law enforcement certificate provides practical workforce training that can help you land your first job.


Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Certificate in Law Enforcement
40
Certificate in Law Enforcement
40
Plan GPA 463-01
40
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Residency Requirement 463-01
10
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 30 credits may be applied to this program.
ADJ 100 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ADJ 105 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ADJ 131 Requirement
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
ADJ 133 Requirement
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
ADJ 138 or ADJ 293 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits: Complete the following
Earn 2 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
ADJ 168 or ITE 152 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
ADJ 195 or PED 116 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits: Complete the following
Earn 2 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
CST 100 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Liteature Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HLT 100 or PED (2 credits)
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PLS/HIS ELECTIVE (3 credits)
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PSY 200 or 230 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
SDV 101 or 100 Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Link
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree This 40 hour certificate in law enforcement has been developed in accordance with the need of local law enforcement agencies and personnel. The program is designed to meet the needs of the large number of local inservice law enforcement personnel and pre-service students who at present do not possess the necessary qualifications for entrance into the associate degree program in administration of justice or for other reasons do not wish to continue their education or in the interim obtain the necessary qualifications for the associate degree program. All credits obtained in the certificate program will be transferable.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

The Department of Criminal Justice Services has the authority to deny certification to any applicant who does not meet the provisions of sections 15.2-1705 and 15.2-1706 of the Code of Virginia. Criminal Justice organizations to include law enforcement, corrections, and the State Bar Association are prohibited from hiring persons who have been convicted of certain criminal acts. Any person wishing to enter the Administration of Justice program who has committed any legal offenses including minor traffic violations should discuss these matters with the Administration of Justice Program Director prior to application. This is especially pertinent for anyone with a drug use history. Background checks for criminal history of barrier crimes (i.e. any felony, misdemeanors which restrict the ability to carry a firearm, multiple misdemeanors, drug convictions), driving history for excessive moving violations (i.e. reckless driving and DUI/DWI could be immediate disqualifiers for employment), and drug testing are required for employment with law enforcement and correctional agencies. Students with convictions and/or positive drug tests will not be eligible to sit for the state board examination which is required as a part of training academy graduation. The cost of criminal background check, driving history, and drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Southwest Virginia Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses The certificate curriculum in law enforcement has been developed in accordance with the need of local law enforcement agencies and personnel. The program is designed to meet the needs of the large number of local inservice law enforcement personnel and pre-service students who at present do not possess the necessary qualifications for entrance into the associate degree program in administration of justice or for other reasons do not wish to continue their education or in the interim obtain the necessary qualifications for the associate degree program. All credits obtained in the certificate program will be transferable.
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights The program boasts a high employment rate upon completion. Internship opportunities are available. The program is fully available online.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School No, some DE courses in certain counties
Credit for Prior Learning
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Southwest Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
268
Percent of Transfer Students
100%, AV GPA 3.136
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Annual HC 3027, Transfer in per semester 97, Av Class size 14.9, Limited Foundation Owned Housing
Transfer Student Catalog Year Summer, Fall , Spring is a catalog year
First Year Student Catalog Year Summer, Fall , Spring is a catalog year
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.
Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAAS Degree in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Central Virginia Community CollegeAAS in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science 2-YearIn-Person, Online
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Law Enforcement SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearOnline
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAdministration of Justice Associate of Applied Science DegreeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Homeland Security)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Public Law)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Police ScienceAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections ScienceAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Police ScienceAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Patrick & Henry Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of JusticeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Police ScienceAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Police ScienceAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Germanna Community CollegeGeneral Studies - Specialization in Administration of Justice Associate of Arts & Sciences DegreeAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAdministration of Justice, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAdministration of Justice: Homeland Security Specialization, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9199.11Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersPlan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.Management Occupations
11-9199.02Compliance ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.Management Occupations
25-1111.00Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
33-1012.00First-Line Supervisors of Police and DetectivesDirectly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.Protective Service Occupations
11-9199.08Loss Prevention ManagersPlan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.Management Occupations
11-9199.00Managers, All OtherAll managers not listed separately.Management Occupations
11-9199.01Regulatory Affairs ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.Management Occupations
11-9199.10Wind Energy Development ManagersLead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.Management Occupations
11-9199.09Wind Energy Operations ManagersManage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.Management Occupations