Police science
Prepare for a career in law enforcement and criminal justice or increase your opportunity for advancement with a certificate or degree in police science.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
2 semester certificates
4 semester degree
CAREER COMMUNITY
Program overview
Launch your law enforcement career with Stark State’s police science program.
Stark State’s police science program combines general education, criminal justice coursework, and the Law Enforcement Academy to prepare you for entry‑level and advanced roles in law enforcement.
You’ll gain the knowledge and hands‑on training needed for careers such as municipal, township, or village police officer, deputy sheriff, wildlife officer, or other law enforcement roles. If you’re already a law enforcement officer, this program helps you increase your opportunity for promotion and strengthen your leadership skills.
Program details
You’ll complete a combination of criminal justice courses and the Law Enforcement Academy, offered in cooperation with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
The academy is an intensive program running approximately eight months, with evening and weekend classes. All instructors are OPOTC‑certified, and successful completion prepares you to take the Ohio Basic Peace Officer Certification exam. Background checks and physical fitness standards are required for admission.
Upon successful completion you earn the A.A.S. in Police Science and become eligible for the state peace officer certification exam through OPOTA.
In addition, students can earn Stark State’s police science certificate(s), taking classes that directly apply to the associate degree in police science that you can take right to the workforce. Individuals who are already sworn officers may complete the police science certificate to be certified.
Careers and outcomes
This program prepares you for entry-level law enforcement roles in Ohio, such as municipal/township/village police officer, deputy sheriff, wildlife officer, campus police and more.
FAQs
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Police Science at Stark State College (SSC) combines general education and criminal justice coursework with the OPOTA-certified law enforcement academy training.
Not exactly. It’s a full associate degree program (with many courses) plus the academy training embedded.
The academy is recognized by the Ohio Attorney General as a STAR Academy Training Center, highlighting its commitment to high-quality, professional law enforcement training.
Possibly, but since this is an applied science degree geared toward entry into law enforcement plus certification, transferability may depend on the other institution’s policies. It’s wise to check transfer agreements.
Besides normal tuition, there are fees for the academy for items such as ammunition, targets, use of cruiser vehicles, gasoline, etc. There is a lab fee as well.
Yes, financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Yes, students must meet the physical fitness standards required to be a peace officer in the State of Ohio.
If you fail to meet academy entry requirements (such as background or fitness) you will not be able to start the Academy portion of the degree. You would not be eligible for the OPOTA certification until you meet those standards.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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David Kurzinsky
Law Enforcement Academy Commander
330-494-6170 ext. 5405
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Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.