Pre-Police Academy Training

Overview

The Pre-Police Academy Training (PPAT) Certificate is for individuals who seek to become employed as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina and become Class-1 Certified Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) and the Law Enforcement Training Council (LETC) pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws Chapter 23.

PPAT Certificate students will meet the admission and graduation requirements set by the SCCJA and will include the following:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • High school graduate/equivalency
  • Minimum of 20 years of age upon entrance to the program
  • Successful passing of criminal background check (cannot have been convicted of any criminal offense that carries a sentence of one year or more or of any criminal offense that involves moral turpitude), and cannot have received a suspended license for DUI in the last 5 years.

Program Type

Academic Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(12 Credit Hours)
CRJ-281 Police Science I

Police Science I

ID: CRJ-281

Credit Hours: 3

Course topics include but are not limited to: Intro to Criminal Law, Courts, Crimes, and Procedures, First Amend., Basic Patrol Operations, and Traffic Law. After successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to complete the SCCJA certification exam for these instructional blocks.

3
CRJ-282 Police Science II

Police Science II

ID: CRJ-282

Credit Hours: 3

Course topics include but are not limited to: Domestic Violence, Juv. Procedures, and Victimology. After successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to complete the SCCJA certification exam for these instructional blocks.

3
CRJ-283 Police Science III

Police Science III

ID: CRJ-283

Credit Hours: 3

Course topics include but are not limited to: Report Writing, Interviewing, Officer Survival, Drug Enforcement, and Crime Scene and Physical Evidence. After successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to complete the SCCJA certification exam for these instructional blocks.

3
CRJ-284 Police Science IV

Police Science IV

ID: CRJ-284

Credit Hours: 3

Course topics include but are not limited to: Basic Collision Investigation, Uniform Traffic Ticket, Vehicle Tactics, and Mind Armor. After successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to complete the SCCJA certification exam for these instructional blocks.

3
  Total Credit Hours 12
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$2,400.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Law Enforcement Officer

A certified Peace Officer responsible for general law enforcement duties.

Projected Job Growth

+3.4%

Average Annual Salary

$48,830
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • County Sheriff's Department
  • City Police Department
  • Department of Public Safety

Careers

Highway Patrol/State Transport Officer

A certified Peace Officer responsible for specialized law enforcement duties.

Projected Job Growth

+3.4%

Average Annual Salary

$48,830
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • State Highway Patrol
  • State Transport Police

What’s next after I complete this program?

Become employed in the field of homeland security or criminal justice.

Graduates from the Pre-Police Academy Certificate program at MTC are qualified for entry-level positions in law enforcement.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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