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Law Enforcement BS: Major for Licensed Peace Officers Track 3

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs
Undergraduate major / Bachelor of Science

The degree in law enforcement helps individuals develop the knowledge, perspective and skills necessary for successful law enforcement careers. The law enforcement major provides both academic and hands-on skills course work. Students graduate with a competitive advantage for job placement in the field by having their bachelor’s degree in law enforcement.

Highlights of the law enforcement program at Metropolitan State University:

  • A history of successful agency placements, including over 40 police chiefs who are graduates of our program
  • Faculty who are experienced law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners and researchers
  • Opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom through service learning classes and internships
  • Hands-on advisors who help students navigate course and career planning
  • Classes offered in multiple formats: online, on campus and hybrid
  • Leadership and networking opportunities for students with the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Club

There are three possible tracks for law enforcement students:

Track 1: A POST certified program designed for students who wish to become eligible to be licensed as police officers in the state of Minnesota, preparing them to take the POST exam at the end of their studies.

Track 2: Transfer pathway for “licensed eligible” students, part of the Transfer Pathways program, designed for students who have already earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement, and wish to complete their Bachelor’s degree.

Track 3: Designed for Minnesota licensed police officers who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree through online or on-campus course offerings.

Options to Peace Officer Licensure: https://dps.mn.gov/entity/post/becoming-a-peace-officer/Pages/Routes-to-Peace-Officer-Licensure.aspx

Student outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • apply key ethical and legal principles associated with policing in the 21st Century
  • articulate and apply leadership principles associated with policing in the 21st Century
  • apply criminological theories to practical situations law enforcement officers encounter
  • analyze, evaluate and apply concepts of diversity to personal, professional and community interactions

Related minors

Metro State connects you to your future. Receive information from Admissions about taking your first step toward a degree!

Already admitted? Find your advisor.

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 Law Enforcement BS: Major for Licensed Peace Officers Track 3 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 Law Enforcement BS: Major for Licensed Peace Officers Track 3

Program eligibility requirements

To be eligible for acceptance to the law enforcement major, students must submit a School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Undergraduate Program Declaration Form when the following is completed:

  • 30 credits
  • GELS/MNTC writing requirements
  • Cumulative Metropolitan State GPA of 2.25
  • SLC Pre-major Advising Workshop (PAW)         

All law enforcement pre-majors should work closely with an advisor from the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (SLC)

  • All Metropolitan State students must complete at least 30 credits in residency at Metropolitan State.
  • All law enforcement students must complete 24 major credits at Metropolitan State, which can be applied toward the 30 credit university residency requirement.
  • Students must complete at least 40 upper division credits and 120 credits total in order to graduate.
  • All major courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Major Electives

Major electives are selected in consultation with the student's academic 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.

Course requirements

Requirements (50 credits)

Required (31 credits)

CJS 201 Foundations in Criminal Justice

3 credits

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

CJS 320 Criminology and Public Policy

4 credits

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

CJS 360 Diversity in Criminal Justice

4 credits

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

CJS 375 Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice

4 credits

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

LAWE 431 Police Culture

4 credits

This course will explore the complex interactions between police culture and issues relating to integrity and ethics for the police. It will examine the underlying values of the police culture and how those affect police behavior. Loyalty, racism, and use of force issues will be examined.

Full course description for Police Culture

Choose one

CJS 489 Criminal Justice Capstone Internship

4 credits

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

Electives (19-22 credits minimum)

Elective credits will vary by student. Students should work with their academic advisors to determine electives.