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Undergraduate Catalog

Law Enforcement Major BS

To earn a BS in law enforcement, all students must complete the minimum bachelor's degree requirements (120 credits), including general education, liberal studies and law enforcement course work. There are three tracks in the Law Enforcement Major:

Credit and Residency Requirements

Students in all law enforcement majors must complete a minimum of 24 credits of their major requirements at Metropolitan State University. In addition, students must complete at least 30 credits at Metropolitan State University in order to graduate.

Track 1: Minnesota Peace Officer Licensure Track (61 semester credits)

Grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, this degree program helps individuals develop the knowledge, perspectives and skills for successful law enforcement careers in state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. Students who successfully complete either the BS or the Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate program are eligible to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board licensing examination, required for entry into the law enforcement profession in Minnesota.

Licensure Requirements

Students interested in becoming a licensed peace officer in Minnesota should be aware of the following minimum selection standards established by the POST Board. An applicant must:

  • be a citizen of the United States;
  • possess a valid Minnesota driver's license;
  • complete a comprehensive written application;
  • never have been convicted of a felony, assault or theft;
  • submit to a thorough background investigation;
  • be fingerprinted for a background check;
  • undergo an evaluation by a licensed psychologist;
  • pass job-related physical strength and agility exams;
  • successfully complete an oral exam demonstrating communication skills; and
  • be license-eligible by completing an associate or bachelor's degree and passing the POST licensing exam.

Detailed, current information regarding the POST minimum selection standards is available on the POST Board web site and through the SLC Advising Center.

Prerequisites (6 credits)

Required Core Courses (55 credits)

CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice and CJS 200 Literature in Criminal Justice are prerequisites for all law enforcement and criminal justice courses.

Required for POST sign-off (4 credits)

Note: CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice, CJS 340 Comparative Criminal Justice, CJS 360 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice and CJS 375 Criminal Justice Ethics may also be used to fulfill general education/liberal studies requirements.

Track 2: Non-Licensure Track (55 semester credits)

Grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, this degree program helps individuals develop the knowledge, and perspectives for understanding the law enforcement profession. This track is designed for students not intending to be a licensed Minnesota peace officer.

Prerequisites (6 credits)

Required Core Courses (40 credits)

CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice and CJS 200 Literature in Criminal Justice are prerequisites for all law enforcement and criminal justice courses.

Directed Electives (9 credits)

  • 3 LAWE/CJS Electives (minimum 9 credits)

Note: CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice, CJS 340 Comparative Criminal Justice, CJS 360 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice and CJS 375 Criminal Justice Ethics may also be used to fulfill general education/liberal studies requirements.

Track 3: Peace Officer Completion Track (48 semester credits)

This program is designed for licensed peace officers interested in completing a bachelor's degree in law enforcement on campus. Students interested in enrolling in the online program should go to http://www.metrostate.edu/msweb/explore/slc/peaceofficers/programreqs.html.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Must be a licensed peace officer (active or inactive) with a two-year degree from an accredited college or university;
  • Must have completed 30 general education semester credits, including two writing courses, with a minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale;
  • Must be admitted to Metropolitan State University.

Required Courses (26 credits)

Major Electives (22 credits)

Electives are selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor. In general, electives may include law enforcement or criminal justice courses, courses in other disciplines focusing on professional development, course requirements for a minor or certificate, and/or evaluation of prior learning.