Associate in Law Enforcement Technology

Prepare for a career in law enforcement with the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Law Enforcement Technology (LET) from Ohio University. Whether you are looking to enter the field of law enforcement or are already working in the field and working to advance in your career, Ohio University's associate degree in Law Enforcement Technology can help you reach your goals.

The Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology offers students a broad academic background in the traditional liberal arts, supplemented by critical technical training. Students who seek a bachelor’s degree may apply the professional training and credit hours from the LET program toward the Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree, available through all Ohio University campuses, and OHIO Online.

Career Opportunities

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Law Enforcement Technology offers opportunities for careers in many levels of government and the private sector including:

Federal: CIA, US Secret Service, IRS, Military Police, Border Patrol
State: State police, highway patrol, fish and wildlife agencies, crime laboratories, narcotics bureaus
Local: Local police and sheriff’s departments
Corrections: probation officer, parole officer, prison security officer, juvenile court officer
Private: plant/industrial security, insurance investigator, retail store security, private security, private investigation

Work Experience Credit

Opportunities exist for students interested in the LET program to apply their previous, relevant work experiences and completed certifications towards college credit.

Online option

The LET program is available in an online format for individuals already in a career, or other students desiring schedule flexibility. Students complete their LET core courses as well as the courses required for the LET Management or Corrections Management specialty areas fully online. General education support courses are also available in an online delivery. Online students should contact the LET Program Coordinator for further information on the online option.

Course of study

The LET program curriculum may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis with day and evening classes available. Students typically start fall semester, but may enter the program at any point during the academic calendar. Full-time students should take 15 or more credit hours per semester. Part-time students may pursue a specialty degree track in Law Enforcement Management or Corrections Management at a rate they desire, however, a minimum of seven credit hours of course work each semester is recommended. Students completing the degree requirements will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement Technology.

Financial Resources

Students are eligible for many different financial aid resources including:

Federal Grants and Loans
Ohio University Scholarships
State Grants and Loans

To begin the process, apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

General Education

OHIO believes that, as an educated person, you need certain intellectual skills in order to participate effectively in society. These include: the ability to communicate through the written word, the ability to use quantitative or symbolic reasoning, and broad knowledge of the major fields of learning. Therefore, students must take general education courses to complete a degree.

More information

Complete program information is available in the University Catalog.

Program Details

Admissions Information

There are no requirements beyond University admission requirements for first-year admission. To qualify for admission, a student must be a high school graduate or GED recipient.

Declaring this Degree

Contact the University College office at 740.593.1935 or visit Chubb Hall 140 to update your degree program.

Alumni Testimonials

My associate degree from the Law Enforcement Technology program at Ohio University allowed me to work in corrections for two years and it has led me to this position (as a licensed practical nurse) at the Franklin County Corrections Center.

—Mary Gibson, Associate in Applied Science, Law Enforcement Technology, 2014

“The Law Enforcement Technology program sticks with me to this day. It was more than the education; it was the conversations, and words of wisdom. If you want to be a police officer, you’ll make great connections. You are going to be able to help people. You have an opportunity to make a big impact on people at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.”

—Justin Cox, Police Officer, Reynoldsburg Division of Police, Law Enforcement Technology, 2020

What are the minimum criteria to graduate with any associate degree?

Complete at least 60 credits with a minimum 2.0 accumulative GPA.
Apply no more than 15 credits earned through the Experiential Learning Program to the degree.
Earn at least 20 semester hours of residence credit at Ohio University.

If you plan to pursue an associate degree, consult with a member of the University College staff or a student services staff member at one of the regional campuses.

What is the policy on earning a second associate degree?

You cannot earn the same associate degree twice, nor can you earn both the AA and AS degrees.

If you have already earned the AIS degree, you are not permitted to earn either the AA or AS degree.

Can my associate degree coursework be applied to a bachelor's degree eventually?

Credit earned while enrolled in an Ohio University associate degree program will be applied toward an Ohio University baccalaureate program; however, this shift may involve more than two additional years to complete the four-year requirements because prerequisite courses may not have been completed, and technical courses apply only as elective courses in most four-year degree programs.

If you expect to eventually complete a baccalaureate degree, or you are completing a bachelor's degree concurrently, where possible you should complete Ohio University General Education Requirements while working toward your associate degree. Speak with an adviser to stay on track.

How do I declare intent to complete an associate degree, or add it to my declared bachelor's degree major?

If you plan to earn an associate degree, you must complete an Application for Update of Program(s) form, available from any college office or regional campus student services office.

If you plan to earn a baccalaureate degree after earning the associate degree, you must complete an Application for Update of Program(s) form to add the associate degree program as a secondary code. Your records will remain in University College if that is your current college; if not, your records will remain in the college responsible for your baccalaureate program.

Can I earn an associate degree after I earn a baccalaureate degree?

It is permissible for you to pursue an Associate in Individualized Studies degree after earning a baccalaureate degree depending on the rationale for doing so and the desired area of concentration.

On the other hand, generally, the Ohio Department of Higher Education considers the associate degree to be the first two years of college, so the degree can only be earned prior to or concurrently with a bachelor's degree. The Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science degree is not an appropriate degree objective for you if you have already earned a baccalaureate degree. A student is ineligible for the AAS, AA, or AS degree if they already have a four-year degree.

What associate degrees are available?

Ohio University offers two-year degree programs in applied studies (AAS), arts (AA), science (AS), and individual studies (AIS).

Associate in Applied Studies (Law Enforcement Technology)