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Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies UCERT

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Undergraduate major / Bachelor of Arts

About The Program

Welcome to our program for aspiring police officers! At the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, we are dedicated to preparing our students to become skilled, ethical, and effective law enforcement officers.

Our Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies Certificate is a Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) program designed for students who wish to become “license-eligible” in Minnesota. Certified by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board), our program provides you with a comprehensive education in criminal justice, with a focus on the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of law enforcement. Our experienced faculty includes current and former law enforcement professionals who bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.

Throughout your studies, you will gain an understanding of the criminal justice system, the principles of evidence-based policing, and the challenges facing peace officers today. Our program is structured to help you develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse communities.

We offer a range of hands-on learning opportunities, including coursework in mental illness crisis intervention, simulated exercises, and mock crime scenes, all of which will give you a taste of what it's like to work in law enforcement.

Our program also provides opportunities for internships, which can provide you with valuable experience and networking opportunities in the field. We have connections with numerous police departments and criminal justice organizations, and we'll help you find the right internship for your interests and career goals.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement, our program is the perfect place to start. With a degree from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you'll be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities and duties of a police officer, making a difference in your community and helping to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Program Mission   

We are committed to providing peace officer education programs designed to eliminate systemic and structural inequities; developed using community and stakeholder input; and focused on equity-minded, evidenced-based, and data-informed practices. Our programs deliver, monitor, and assess the education and training of culturally competent peace officers who are prepared to deliver justice and serve all people and communities with dignity and respect. 

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with Police Studies Certificate Student Outcomes 

In accordance with Minnesota Rules 6700.0300, the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board) has established learning objectives for professional peace officer education in four categories:

  1. core competencies;
  2. foundational knowledge;
  3. the performance of peace officer duties and tasks;
  4. tools, techniques, and tactics (also known as “skills”).

Our Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies Certificate covers them all and upon degree and certificate completion, students may take the peace officer licensing exam. 

In addition, Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies Certificate graduates will gain:

  • Understanding of the history and contemporary practices of policing, including the role and function of law enforcement in society.
  • Knowledge of the legal and ethical issues related to policing, including human rights, diversity and inclusion, and community-oriented policing.
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of policing policies and practices.
  • Knowledge of the various methods of law enforcement, including crime prevention, investigation, and emergency response.
  • Understanding of the psychological and sociological factors that influence criminal behavior and how they relate to the development of effective policing strategies.
  • Apply theory and research to effectively serve citizens, protect individual freedoms, promote peace, and justly enforce the law.
  • Knowledge of the various research methods and data analysis techniques used in the study of policing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, and to work collaboratively with others.
  • Understanding of the role of police professionals in promoting public safety, reducing crime, and building trust and positive relationships with communities.
  • Ability to think critically, creatively, and analytically about issues related to policing, and to develop innovative solutions to complex problems in the field.

Interested in a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with Police Studies Certificate? 

If you want to join the ranks of the 10,000 peace officers who protect and serve this land of 10,000 lakes, our Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies Certificate is a fast and affordable way to become license-eligible in Minnesota. All prospective policing students should work closely with an advisor. Please contact: Criminology.Advising@metrostate.edu

Advance Your Education

How to enroll

Current students: Declare this program

Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

Future students: Apply now

Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies UCERT now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

Get started on your Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies UCERT

Program eligibility requirements

Students must submit a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Undergraduate Program Declaration Form when they have completed the following:

  • 30 credits
  • GELS/MNTC writing requirements
  • Cumulative Metropolitan State GPA of 2.25
  • School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Pre-major Advising Workshop (PAW)

All criminal justice pre-majors should work closely with a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice advisor.

Minnesota Rules 6700.0700 sets “minimum standards for peace officer license eligibility” and these standards go beyond those required for entry into our program. Minnesota Rules 6700.1500 further sets “standards of conduct for licensed peace officers.” Students interested in becoming a licensed peace officer in Minnesota shall adhere to these standards and rules, including:

  • be a citizen of the United States;
  • possess a valid Minnesota driver’s license;
  • complete a comprehensive written application;
  • not be required to register as a predatory offender;
  • never have been convicted of a felony in this state or in any other state or federal jurisdiction;
  • submit to a thorough background investigation;
  • be fingerprinted for a background check;
  • be medically examined by a licensed physician or surgeon;
  • be psychologically examined by a licensed psychologist;
  • pass job-related physical strength and agility exams;
  • successfully complete an oral exam demonstrating communication skills.

Emergency Medical Responder certification also is required to take the peace officer licensing exam and must be approved by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB). Please check the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) website for up-to-date information on standards and rules.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

For every undergraduate degree at Metro State:

  • 120 total credits
  • 40 upper-division credits
  • 30 credits completed at Metro State
  • 40 general education credits in 10 goal areas (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, typically met by a community college A.A. degree)
  • 8 upper-division liberal studies credits
  • 3 Racial Issues Graduation Requirement (RIGR) credits
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0

For the Criminal Justice BA with Police Studies UCERT:

  • 55 total credits:
    • 31 credits for the "Police Studies UCERT", including CJS 101 (3 credits), CJS 375 (4 credits), 12 "theory" credits, and 12 "skills" credits
      • Admission to the Police Studies UCERT is by application only. Please contact PPOE Coordinator Dr. James Densley with questions: james.densley@metrostate.edu
  • 24 major credits must be taken at Metro State (i.e., courses with a CJS or LAWE prefix)
  • All major courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Notes:

  • The 24 major credits count toward the 30 credits completed at Metro State
  • CJS 101 counts toward MTC Goal 5
  • CJS 340 counts toward MTC Goals 5 and 8 and upper-division liberal studies
  • CJS 350 counts toward MTC Goal 5 and upper-division liberal studies
  • CJS 354 counts toward MTC Goal 5 and upper-division liberal studies
  • CJS 360 counts toward MTC Goals 5 and 7, upper-division liberal studies, and RIGR
  • CJS 375 counts toward MTC Goals 6 and 9, and upper-division liberal studies

Course Requirements (55 credits)

+ Foundation (6 credits)

This course provides an overview of the American criminal justice system with an emphasis on the roles and duties of police, courts, and corrections. Students examine current and future issues of the system such as due process, administration of justice, ethics, community policing, technology, and rehabilitation efforts. The course illustrates the criminal justice process from the initial violation of the criminal law, to the punishment and release of convicted persons, including juveniles.

Full course description for Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of academic research, critical thinking and professional development related to the discipline of criminal justice and law enforcement. Students learn to search, locate, retrieve, evaluate, and document research sources as well as prepare research papers using writing and citations styles expected in criminal justice and law enforcement courses. The course will also broaden students' understanding of the direct and indirect criminal justice professional opportunities and equip students with the tools to pursue careers in the field.

Full course description for Foundations in Criminal Justice

Note: CJS 101 and CJS 201 are prerequisites for most required CJS and CRIM classes and some directed electives.

+ Core (21 credits)

Theory and methods:

This course introduces the scientific research process and the data sources and methods used in criminology and criminal justice. It trains future professionals in policing, courts, and corrections to be critical consumers of data, statistics, and research with the goal of achieving "research literacy" - the ability to access, interpret, and evaluate empirical information and apply it to policy and practice decisions. Students explore research design, including the selection and specification of a research problem, and qualitative and quantitative methods. They also learn how to identify quality research for their work within the criminal justice system and how to judge if something is "evidence-based" or not.

Full course description for Research Methods in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on theories, concepts, narratives, and myths of crime and delinquent behavior. Contemporary issues and controversies within the criminal justice field are explored in social, political, and economic contexts. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of race, class, gender, and culture in relation to the etiology, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency. This course is committed to general theoretical debate, examination of the interrelation between criminological theory and research, and empirical analyses of policy and practice.

Full course description for Criminology and Public Policy

In this applied writing course, students learn how to choose the ideal modality for message delivery considering the purpose, location, and audience, and how to effectively present technical information orally and in writing. Students will practice writing reports in a style and format that best communicates the actions and behavior of others and allows the reader to determine the facts of a specific case. They prepare multiple incident-based reports, interview summaries, memos, executive summaries and management correspondence to a professional standard. Students also become familiar with courtroom personnel, procedures, and protocols; rules of evidence, discovery, and admissibility; how to present legal testimony and evidence; and basic techniques for handling hostile attorneys.

Full course description for Police Communication, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony

Diversity, inclusion, and ethical decision-making:

This course provides an in-depth examination of the opportunities and challenges of delivering criminal and juvenile justice services in a multicultural society. The course provides students with a knowledge of the diversity that exists in communities, as well as criminal and juvenile justice agencies. It provides both theoretical and practical information to respond effectively to diversity issues. Examples of community issues include conflict resolution, crime prevention, victimization, and strategies to improve community relationships. Significant focus is given to issues of race, racism, and systemic racism.

Full course description for Diversity in Criminal Justice

Examines a range of moral dilemmas criminal justice practitioners are likely to face in their careers. Using both moral theory and detailed case examples, students learn to apply moral principles and concepts to a given situation, recognize the relevance of moral principles and concepts, and apply their individual moral philosophy and ethical principles to resolve these situations in a satisfactory manner. This course meets corresponding learning objectives of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Full course description for Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on justice system responses to victim and offender special populations, including women, children, elderly people, LGBTQ+ people, immigrant populations, and people with physical, developmental, behavioral, and sensory disabilities. This course teaches critical incident stress management for first responders and crisis intervention, de-escalation, and other skills for responding to mental illness and substance use signs.

Full course description for Crisis Response, Mental Illness, and Working with Special Populations

+ Capstone (4 credits)

Pick one:

With an emphasis on experiential learning, the capstone course allows students to combine an internship experience in a criminal justice setting with academic work to support career pathways, synthesize undergraduate experiences, and develop deeper understanding of criminal justice issues. During the semester, students must complete at least 160 hours of service at an internship field site. Note: With support from their academic advisors, students are responsible for securing their own internship opportunities and must do so one month prior to registering for CJS-489.

Full course description for Criminal Justice Capstone Internship

Note: Students typically take Capstone in their last semester before "skills". CJS 301, CJS 320, CJS 360, and CJS 375 are prerequisites for CJS 489 and CJS 490.

+ Police Studies UCERT (24 credits)

The full UCERT is 31 credits including CJS 101 and CJS 375 listed above. Admission is by application only. Please contact PPOE Coordinator Dr. James Densley with questions: james.densley@metrostate.edu

Professional Peace Officer Education "Theory"

This course meets corresponding learning objectives of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Examines law enforcement practices and applications from both constitutional and legal perspectives in these topic areas: constitutional considerations; legal processes pertaining to warrants, subpoenas, orders and summons; contacts, detentions and arrests; knowledge and application of the Minnesota criminal and traffic codes, statutes and regulations; legal foundation for peace officer use of force; and peace officer rights and liabilities.

Full course description for Legal Studies in Policing

This course presents a juvenile justice system overview, with emphasis on Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure. The historical and philosophical development of the juvenile justice system is discussed, along with a comparative analysis of U.S. juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. Students learn about resources available to criminal justice practitioners and addresses the specific needs of juveniles in crisis.

Full course description for Juvenile Justice

This course meets corresponding learning objectives of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Examines the police response and investigation of missing persons and crimes of violence, including child and vulnerable adult abuse and neglect, domestic violence and sexual assault. Other topics addressed include victims and victims' rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act and special communications situations, crisis intervention and mental illness, community notification and conflict and management.

Full course description for Law and Human Behavior

This course meets corresponding learning objectives of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Examines the application of a guardian versus warrior mindset within law enforcement to build trust and legitimacy between agencies and the public. Implicit bias, procedural justice, and reconciliation are explored in the context of conflict management/resolution. Emphasis on the patrol function along with both contemporary issues and future trends including de-escalation strategies, intelligence led policing, data practices and interaction with the media, computer forensics and cyber-crime, homeland security and terrorism, criminal gangs, organized crime, and vice crimes.

Full course description for Policing in the 21st Century

Professional Peace Officer Education "Skills"

Coursework is taken at Hennepin Technical College and transferred back to Metro State, typically during the summer semester. Students first apply to Hennepin Technical College and then complete their skills program application.

This course meets Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) learning objectives pertaining to the performance of peace officer duties and tasks, and the tools, tactics, and techniques of professional peace officer education. This course is part of the ¿skills¿ curriculum with instruction focused on crime scene and evidence.

Full course description for Crime Scene and Evidence

This course meets Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) learning objectives pertaining to the performance of peace officer duties and tasks, and the tools, tactics, and techniques of professional peace officer education. This course is part of the ¿skills¿ curriculum with instruction focused on effectively and safely responding to crimes in progress.

Full course description for In Progress Response

This course meets Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) learning objectives pertaining to the performance of peace officer duties and tasks, and the tools, tactics, and techniques of professional peace officer education. This course is part of the ¿skills¿ curriculum with instruction focused on traffic law and making vehicle stops.

Full course description for Traffic

This course meets Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) learning objectives pertaining to the performance of peace officer duties and tasks, and the tools, tactics, and techniques of professional peace officer education. This course is part of the ¿skills¿ curriculum with instruction focused on defensive and control tactics.

Full course description for Defensive Tactics

The primary goal of this course is to provide content and scenarios related to firearms. This course is designed to give students an understanding of the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of a police officer. This course is one of 5 that make up the Skills curriculum required to prepare students to successfully complete the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training peace officer licensing examination.

Full course description for Firearms