Police Science: Career Associate

The Police Science: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in law enforcement and related fields. This comprehensive program provides a strong foundation in criminal justice principles, police procedures, and law enforcement policies, equipping students with the essential skills needed to succeed in a dynamic and demanding environment. Throughout the program, students engage in coursework covering topics such as criminal law, ethics in policing, investigation techniques, community policing, and crisis intervention. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical training, including scenario-based exercises and hands-on experience, to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, which are vital attributes for effective law enforcement professionals. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships and ride-along programs with local police agencies, gaining valuable insights and professional connections that can enhance their career prospects. Graduates of the program are qualified to pursue careers as police officers, crime scene technicians, and other public safety roles. The program is designed to be accessible and flexible, accommodating students with diverse backgrounds and schedules. Whether you are starting your career in law enforcement or seeking to advance your knowledge in criminal justice, the Police Science: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College provides a solid stepping stone towards a rewarding career dedicated to public service and community safety.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing (or)  (3)
  ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3)
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Electives  6 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements     
CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice  3   
CJ 104 Police Operations  3   
CJ 108 Criminology  3   
CJ 109 Instrumentation and Technologies  3   
CJ 201 Criminal Investigation  3   
CJ 203 Criminal Evidence  3   
CJ 206 Criminalistics  4   
CJ 208 Intermediate Criminalistics  4   
CJ 212 Criminal Law and Procedure  3   
CJ 240 Ethics and Diverse Cultures (D)  3   
Criminal Justice Program Electives  6   

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Discuss the history, philosophy, and organization of law enforcement and criminal justice systems

Apply principles of police management and operations

Demonstrate the proper methods of collection, documentation, and preservation of evidence

Identify the technologies commonly operated by police agencies

Practice the management and techniques of patrol operations

Distinguish between the various theories that identify the causes of criminal behavior

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Police Science: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in law enforcement and related fields. This program provides foundational knowledge in criminal justice, law enforcement procedures, ethics, and community policing. Students gain practical skills through classroom instruction and hands-on training, which include topics such as criminal law, investigation techniques, patrol operations, and report writing. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of community engagement, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for successful law enforcement careers. The program aims to equip students with the necessary competencies to pursue employment as police officers, patrol officers, or other criminal justice roles upon graduation. It also offers pathways for further education, potentially enabling graduates to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement at partnering institutions. The faculty comprises experienced professionals in law enforcement and criminal justice who bring real-world insights into the teaching process. Alumni of the program often secure positions with local police departments, sheriff's offices, or private security firms. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and the importance of serving and protecting communities. Upon completion, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice systems, law enforcement operations, and the rights and responsibilities of officers. This program is aligned with current standards and practices in criminal justice education, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the demands of modern policing. The associate degree can serve as a stepping stone to higher education and advanced career opportunities, with connections to internships and job placement services that facilitate employment in the field. Overall, the Police Science: Career Associate program offers a solid foundation for individuals aspiring to serve as law enforcement professionals, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to succeed in a dynamic and challenging industry.