Associate of Applied Science in Police Science
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Police Science helps Maryland State Trooper candidates build the skills needed for modern law enforcement. The program combines police training with college coursework focused on communication, problem-solving, human behavior, and criminal justice.
Program overview
This degree program is offered through a partnership between Frederick Community College and Maryland State Police. It is designed for trooper candidates enrolled in the Maryland State Police Academy.
Students complete:
- General education courses
- Criminal justice and police science courses
- Academy training
- Online coursework after field training
Courses are offered through a mix of in-person evening classes and online learning.
Career benefits
Graduates are prepared to work as entry-level Maryland State Troopers and may have opportunities for career advancement. Credits earned in the program may also transfer to many four-year colleges and universities in Maryland toward a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Tuition and financial support
The Maryland State Police pays for:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Books
Veterans may also qualify for VA education benefits while enrolled in the program.
What students learn
Students complete coursework in areas such as:
- Criminal law
- Police-community relations
- Criminal evidence and procedure
- Emergency vehicle operations
- Forensic biology
- Stress management
- Fitness and wellness
- Criminology
The following curriculum is specific to MSP trooper candidates enrolled in the Police Science degree program through the MSP Academy. General Education Course Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Amount Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Total | 60 | |
| EN 101 | English Composition | 3 |
| Math | Developmental Math | Pass / Fail |
| MA 103 | Fundamentals of Math | 3 |
| CMSP 103 | Speech Fundamentals | 3 |
| BI 130 | Forensic Biology with Lab Course | 4 |
| *SO 102 | Social Problems | 3 |
| HE 201 | Stress Management | 3 |
| PE 154 | Fitness for Living | 3 |
| CJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 106 | Police-Community Relations | 3 |
| CJ 110 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ 204 | Police Operational Services | 3 |
| CJ 212 | Criminalistics | 4 |
| CJ 214 | The Correctional Process | 3 |
| CJ 220 | Criminal Evidence and Procedure | 3 |
| CJ 221 | Police Defense Tactics | 5 |
| CJ 222 | Police Arsenal and Procedures | 5 |
| CJ 223 | Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) | 3 |
| SO 201 | Criminology | 3 |
The program requires 60 total credits.
* Cultural Competence
All degree-seeking students must complete a Cultural Competency course in order to graduate. This course may satisfy another requirement in your program.
Faculty and instruction
Police science courses taught during the Academy are led by Maryland State Police instructors. General education courses are taught by Frederick Community College faculty with advanced degrees and experience in their fields.
Hybrid instruction
A hybrid instruction option has been created for trooper candidates (i.e. face-to-face and on-line classes) who complete this program.
- Three general education courses and 12 police science courses are completed during the six-month Academy training. The general education courses are taught in the evenings during the Academy by FCC instructors.
- Approximately eight weeks after graduation from the MSP Academy and upon completion of Field Training, troopers continue their FCC coursework by taking four (4) on-line classes (i.e. 12 credits) sequentially with each class session consisting of 15 weeks. All of these on-line classes are taught by FCC instructors.
Questions?
The College prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, religion, gender, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, martial status, physical or mental disability of otherwise qualified individuals and any other category protected by Federal, State or local law. Frederick Community College subscribes to full access to all college facilities as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and as amended. The designated coordinator for the college's compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and for Americans with Disabilities Act is Kate Kramer-Jefferson, 301.846.2409.