For students looking to start a career in law enforcement, the basic peace officer program at Lone Star College-University Park can serve as a track to a new job or a starting point toward a degree, officials said.

The LSC-University Park Law Enforcement Academy hosted an open house for the program July 6 for interested individuals. The college will offer one full-time program and two part-time day or night programs during the upcoming fall semester starting Aug. 3. Each class will be limited to 45 students, and the program consists of four classes that take one semester to complete. At the end of the program, students are prepared to take a 250-question state license exam. If students pass with a score of 70 or higher, they can apply to any law enforcement agency in the state, according to the LSCS course description.

Completing the program offers graduates a wider range of employment options, such as working in a sheriff’s office or any other public law enforcement agency, said Steven Kahla, LSC-University Park dean of instruction for workforce.

“It’s a very extensive course. The state requires 643 hours of training, [but] our curriculum requires 700 hours,” Kahla said. “Much of the course revolves around the ethics of a police officer, making decisions , and there are courses on shooting. They have to pass tests on the driving and shooting ranges.”

Through the program, students can earn 20 course credits toward a 60-credit associate of applied science degree in law enforcement to be completed over four semesters, Kahla said. The rest of the degree plan includes more advanced classes, such as traffic law investigation and crime scene investigation.

“It’s not just about being able to pass a physical training regimen or shooting a gun and taking a driving test,” Kahla said. “[Students learn about] how to confirm domestic violence, court room demeanor and report writing. It’s just as much about thinking as it is about doing.”