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Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association partnership

Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership

In fall of 2026, Metro State University is relaunching its Master of Science in Criminal Justice—now with a new emphasis in Public Safety Leadership, developed in partnership with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA).

Beginning Fall 2026, students in the MCPA Executive Leadership College can earn 12 graduate credits from Metro State through an approved certificate-to-credit pathway—and apply those credits toward Metro State’s 32-credit Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership (once admitted to the degree).

This partnership is designed for working public safety professionals who want a rigorous, leadership-focused graduate education while maximizing time, credit, and value. As part of the partnership, Metro State faculty from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice reviewed and approved the Staff and Command College curriculum for graduate credit.

Students who complete the MCPA Executive Leadership College program will receive:

  • 12 graduate credits awarded to their Metro State University transcript
  • No tuition or fees for those 12 credits (through this partnership pathway)
  • The ability to request a student or official Metro State transcript
  • These credits may be applied as elective credits toward Metro State’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree, if you are later admitted as a degree-seeking student.

The process is easy:

  1. Apply as a Visiting Student (Free)

To have the credits recorded through this partnership, students will apply to Metro State as a Visiting Student using a special partnership application form. There is no application fee for this Visiting Student pathway.

  1. Appy as a Graduate Student

If you choose to pursue the full master’s degree, those credits can be used as electives toward the program (subject to degree admission). Explore Metro State’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice and learn how to apply.

Important Disclaimers (Please Read)

  • To use these credits toward a Metro State graduate degree, you must apply and be admitted as a degree-seeking student.
  • Graduate degree applicants must already have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree.
    • If you have not yet completed an undergraduate degree, Metro State offers many options to help you get started, including a wide range of majors and programs.
  • Other colleges and universities may or may not accept these credits in transfer. Transfer acceptance is determined by the receiving institution and its policies.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re planning to enroll in MCPA Executive Leadership College starting Fall 2026, Metro State is ready to help you convert that achievement into graduate credit—at no cost—and move one step closer to a master’s degree.

Apply today using the partnership application form to ensure your credits can be recorded on your Metro State transcript.