Program Overview
Interested in a career where you can make a difference? Consider a career in public service!
The Police Science program prepares you for a career in public service. This degree will enable you to work in law enforcement, corrections, or security; plus lay a foundation for you to work in adult or juvenile probation and parole, or legal work. Our graduates work in many different roles at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
Careers in public service need trainable people who are of good character with limited criminal history and devoted to solving problems and making communities better. An interest in law is helpful, but not required; but prepare to hone your writing, math, and speaking skills.
Next generation public service professionals are people just like you, interested in helping and protecting others, solving problems, advocating for victims, and interacting with their community. All you need to have is a willingness to build your knowledge, physical fitness, technical, and interpersonal skills.
At Hawkeye Community College our curriculum focuses on building your knowledge and skills through classes such as:
- Police operations
- Crime scene, accident, and general investigations
- Critical incident management
- Criminal and constitutional law
- Report writing and testifying
- Physical fitness conditioning
- Safe and legal use of force in defensive tactics and firearms
All Police Science instructors have law enforcement experience, academic training, and are dedicated to mentoring students. Instructors will coach you to ensure you make ethical choices, maintain a clear criminal history, and care for your physical and emotional fitness and resiliency.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
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Crime Scene Lab: Practice legal and ethical evidence collection techniques and analysis.
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Indoor and Outdoor Firing Ranges: Learn safe operation of, and care and maintenance of, firearms
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Virtual Firearms Simulator System (MILO): Learn and practice decision making skills with scenarios that require you to reason appropriate use of force.
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Internship: Gain 128 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.
Police Academy
Graduates, either newly hired or sponsored by a law enforcement agency, are eligible to attend the New Officer 9-Week Basic Level II Certification Academy. Hawkeye is designated as a Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Transfer Information
An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Police Science coursework to either the Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program at the University of Northern Iowa or the Bachelor of Applied Science program at the University of Iowa.
If you plan to transfer, work closely with the Police Science academic / college success advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.