Law Enforcement BS: Major for Licensed Peace Officers Track 3

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

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: 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 and become license eligible.

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

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

Enrolling in this program

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)

    Current students: Declare your program

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

    Application instructions

    • Prior to applying to the program, apply for undergraduate admission to Metropolitan State University and complete other admissions requirements such as requesting official transcripts.
    • After being accepted to the University, you may apply to the program through the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.
      • Application for the Law Enforcement Major Completion Program (PDF) 
    • After receipt of your application and your acceptance into the University, we will send you a conditional letter of acceptance.
    • Submit unofficial copies of your transcripts to the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from prior colleges that you have attended, and copies of your most current continuing education record.  After we have received copies of your transcripts and continuing education record, we will contact you to discuss courses that you may need to take in addition to the eight courses in the major.
      • If you have completed an AA degree, you will have met all lower division general education requirements. However, the University requires 120 credits to graduate and 40 credits must be at upper division level (300 or above). The eight courses in the major completion program represent 24 credits of upper division (3 credits are lower division). The remaining credits necessary to meet graduation requirements would be determined by the official evaluation of your prior transcripts by our admissions office. These credits may include general education courses, law enforcement or criminal justice electives, other courses selected for professional development, and/or evaluation of prior learning (this could include training that relates to your job, such as the BCA management series, investigation courses, DARE training, intoxilyzer training, etc).
      • Students and instructors in this program will have one orientation meeting on campus prior to the beginning of the program. At that time, you will be introduced to the web-based courses and have a chance to meet with fellow students and instructors. Your degree plan will be finalized at that time, and it is at this point that you will be formally admitted to the program. 

    Show/hide application instructions

    Program requirements

    • 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 faculty 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.

    Student licensure

    Licensure Exam Pass Rates

    Source:  Minnesota State Board of Trustees Accountability Dashboard

    • 2015 - 54 taking exam, pass rate of 93%
    • 2014 - 73 taking exam, pass rate of 93%
    • 2013 - 65 taking exam, pass rate of 88%

    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 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 begin 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 context. Special emphasis is placed on the role 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 providing criminal justice services in a multicultural society. The course provides students with a knowledge of the diversity that exists in communities and criminal 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 relationships with the community. Significant focus is given to issues of race and 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 which criminal justice practitioners are likely to face in their duties. 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 to resolving 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

    Electives (19-22 credits minimum)

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