Program Overview

LEAD: Law Enforcement Advancement Degree

The LEAD program is a collaborative effort between Lake Area Technical College and South Dakota State University, designed to provide students with a seamless transition from an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in law enforcement to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in criminology.

Program Overview

The program recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and provides students with a "what's next" approach to education. Students who graduate from Lake Area Technical College have the opportunity to advance their degrees and further develop their professional exploration at South Dakota State University.

Admission Criteria

• Students transferring from Lake Area Technical College must have a cumulative GPA of "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).
• At least 33 credits for the degree must be upper-division (300 or higher) courses.

Program Requirements

• SDSU will accept 60 technical course credits from the A.A.S. degree in law enforcement.
• Students will have a variety of courses to choose from to meet the other 60 credits of coursework completed through SDSU to obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in criminology.
• The minor, teaching certification, and specialization requirement will be waived for transfer students from Lake Area Technical College.

Tuition Fees

The estimated tuition fee for this program is under $7,000 per semester. This is an estimate and does not include costs associated with books, a meal plan, or room and board.

Program Structure

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to set their own pace. Whether students need to finish their degree as soon as possible or take their time, there is a path for them. An advisor will help students choose the courses that work best for their schedule, guiding them through course options every semester until they reach their goals.

Sample Two-Year Plan

A sample two-year plan is available to help students plan their coursework and ensure they are on track to complete their degree in a timely manner.