Law Enforcement Major B.S.

There are two tracks in the Law Enforcement Major.  Track 1 is designed for students interested in becoming licensed peace officers in Minnesota.  Track 2 is designed for students who want to major in law enforcement, but are not seeking licensure in Minnesota.

Track 1:  Minnesota Peace Officer Licensure Track

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 B.S. 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.

1. 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 finger printed 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 at http://www.dps.state.mn.us/newpost/posthome.asp and through the SLC Advising Center.

   To earn a B.S. in law enforcement, students must complete the minimum bachelor's degree requirements, including 60 semester credits of law enforcement course work.

2. Required Core Courses (60 credits)
   • CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (prerequisite for all criminal justice courses)
   • CJS 200 Literature in Criminal Justice (prerequisite for all criminal justice courses)
   • LAWE 220 Legal Issues in Law Enforcement (a, b)
   • LAWE 230 Patrol Operations (a, b)
   • LAWE 240 Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Codes (a, b)
   • LAWE 301 Community-oriented Policing (a, b)
   • CJS 302 Juvenile Justice (a, b)
   • CJS 320 Applied Criminology (a, b)
   • LAWE 325 Criminal Procedure and Investigation (a, b)
   • CJS 350 Citizenship: Community Involvement (a, b)
   • CJS 360 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice (a, b)
   • LAWE 370 Assisting Families in Crisis (a, b)
   • CJS 375 Criminal Justice Ethics (a, b)
   • CJS 483 Research Seminar in Criminal Justice (a, b)
   • CJS 490 Criminal Justice Capstone (a, b, c)
   • Law Enforcement Skills (9 lower-division credits; registration by permission only)
     
3. Prerequisites:
   1. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
   2. CJS 200 Literature in Criminal Justice
   3. CJS 483 Research Seminar in Criminal Justice

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

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.

1. Required Core Courses (45 credits)
   • CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
   • CJS 200 Literature in Criminal Justice
   • CJS 210 Constitutional Law (a, b)
   • LAWE 301 Community-oriented Policing (a, b)
   • LAWE 330 Critical Issues in Law Enforcement (a, b)
   • CJS 302 Juvenile Justice (a, b)
   • CJS 320 Applied Criminology (a, b)
   • LAWE 325 Criminal Procedure and Investigation (a, b)
   • CJS 350 Citizenship: Community Involvement (a, b)
   • CJS 360 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice (a, b)
   • CJS 375 Criminal Justice Ethics (a, b)
   • CJS 483 Research Seminar in Criminal Justice (a, b)
   • CJS 490 Criminal Justice Capstone (a, b, c)
     
2. Directed Electives (9 credits)
   • 3 LE/CJS Electives (minimum 9 credits)
     
3. Prerequisites:
   1. CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
   2. CJS 200 Literature in Criminal Justice
   3. CJS 483 Research Seminar in Criminal Justice

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. 

To contact the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice please call 651-999-5880.