Fire Sciences  at SAU Tech

Prepare for Careers in Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Southern Arkansas University Tech offers a comprehensive Criminal Justice degree program for current and aspiring law enforcement professionals seeking career advancement, college credentials, and a pathway to a bachelor's degree. Through partnerships with the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy (ALETA) and SAU Tech's Credit for Prior Learning program, officers can earn college credit for their training and accelerate completion of a criminal justice degree.


Graduates of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) Basic Police Training receive 11 college credit hours and are awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in Criminal Justice from SAU Tech. These credits apply directly toward the Technical Certificate in Criminal Justice.


Eligible students may qualify for the Law Enforcement Scholarship, which covers tuition costs for the required general education courses. This scholarship helps Arkansas law enforcement officers earn a criminal justice degree at a reduced cost while balancing work and educational goals. Download the application→


Degree Type: Associate of Science, Technical Certificate, Certificate of Proficiency

Transferability: Multiple transfer options available→

Format: Online

Financial Aid: Grants, Scholarships, & Loans→

What You’ll Learn In Criminal Justice

SAU Tech’s Criminal Justice courses provide a comprehensive introduction to:

  • The U.S. criminal justice system
  • Criminal law and court systems
  • Police procedures and ethics
  • Juvenile justice and corrections
  • Public policy and criminal investigation
  • Criminal behavior and societal impact

You’ll also complete core general education courses in English, history, math, and communication to support your long-term academic and career growth.

  • Program Goals

    The Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Sciences & Technology will provide students the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain entry level employment in the applicable field of study and the first two years of a university program.

  • Program Outcomes

    1. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for the appropriate field of study. 
    2. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. 
    3. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems. 
    4. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. 
    5. An ability to communicate effectively. 

Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice

Graduates of SAU Tech’s Criminal Justice program are prepared for entry-level positions or continued study leading to roles such as:

  • Police Officer or Sheriff’s Deputy (with academy training)
  • Corrections Officer or Probation Assistant
  • Security Specialist or Loss Prevention Officer
  • Court Clerk or Legal Assistant
  • Emergency Dispatcher
  • Federal or State Law Enforcement (with further training/education)
  • Social Services and Juvenile Justice roles

With additional study at SAU or another university, students may pursue careers in investigations, federal agencies, criminal law, parole, and homeland security.

Apply For Admissions

SAU Tech offers degrees and certificates aligned with AFTA coursework:



*Note: These CPs cannot be awarded for courses completed before Fall 2022 unless a student started before and completed after Fall 2022.



Credit Process & Scheduling

Students earn college credit for AFTA courses either during active course participation or via the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. Credit is applied according to a detailed process involving AFTA instructors, advisors, admissions staff, and the SAU Tech registrar’s office.


Standards School

  • Offered annually in Camden (5 sessions)
  • Covers courses like Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and EMS First Responder


Additional Credit Courses

  • Emergency Medical Technician (FS 2026) – 5 classes/year
  • Driver Operator (FS 2134) – 5 classes/year

Criminal Justice Program Overview

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Take the next step

Need help building your degree plan or understanding your transfer options? Contact us today!

Get In Touch

Criminal Justice

  • Faculty: Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy
  • Advisor: MaShira Singleton, msingleton@sautech.edu, 870-574-4492
  • Associate Vice Chancellor for Instruction: Jodi Eppinette, jeppinet@sautech.edu, 870-574-4584
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