About this program
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
- Anthropology Minor
- Applied Statistics Minor
- Child Psychology Minor
- Civic Engagement Minor
- Community Organizing and Development Minor
- Computer Forensics Minor
- Criminal Justice Minor
- Cybersecurity Minor
- Disability Studies Minor
- Ethnic Studies Minor
- Family Studies Minor
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology Minor
- Mental Health Psychology Minor
- Organizational Communication Minor
- Political Science Minor
- Practical Ethics Minor
- Psychology Minor
- Research and Information Studies Minor
- Sociology Minor
- Violence Prevention and Intervention Minor