Law Enforcement

Learn more about Educational Pathways for Law Enforcement Professionals

South Texas College offers two degrees in Public Safety: Associate of Applied Science- Law Enforcement (AAS-LE) and a Certificate in Law Enforcement (Texas Peace Officer). Each degree helps students jump start their careers with federal, state, and local governmental entities.

Basic Peace Officer Certificate:
This program is designed to prepare students for a profession in law enforcement. Police academy students will learn the role and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer and become knowledgeable in Texas Criminal and Traffic law. The police academy will prepare students for peace officer certifications according to the standards from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education.

Law Enforcement AAS:
For those persons who hold a Texas Peace Officer Certification, upon successful completion of two core curriculum courses, they will be granted 23 hours of college credit upon review of their TCOLE training transcript, which they may apply toward the Associates of Applied Science- Law Enforcement degree. This degree offers the educational opportunity for working professionals already in the field to expand upon their knowledge base and professional development in a well established educational setting.

Educational Pathways for Federal Law Enforcement Professionals:
South Texas College has established educational pathways for Federal Law Enforcement professionals employed by the U.S. CBP (Border Patrol and Field Operations) and graduates of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

Upon successful completion of two required academic courses (Ethics in Criminal Justice & Intermediate Arrest, Search & Seizure) students can claim a set number of escrow credits toward the College’s Law Enforcement Associate & Bachelor Degree Programs.