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We are reimagining our law enforcement major and changes are forthcoming Fall 2023 to meet new Minnesota State requirements.

Students are advised to connect with the SLC Advising Center with any questions.

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Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate UCERT

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs / School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Undergraduate certificate

About The Program

Join the ranks of the 10,000 peace officers who serve the land of 10,000 lakes. This post-baccalaureate certificate program offers a pathway to policing for anyone who has obtained a bachelor's degree (or higher) in any discipline from a regionally accredited college/university and wants to become “license-eligible” in the state of Minnesota. Designed for career-changers and working adults, the Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) program can be completed in one academic year provided the designated pathway and timeline are followed.

Courses

Metro State’s Minnesota-focused peace officer standards and training program curriculum includes the same Professional Peace Officer Education courses required for degree-seeking students majoring in law enforcement. For this reason, certificate students take courses alongside our degree-seeking students.

The certificate program starts fall semester. Courses are offered online, hybrid, and/or in-person in the evenings during the fall and spring semesters. The “Skills” Practicum courses are offered during the summer semester, during the day (M-F), in-person.

Please note, Professional Peace Officer Education program students who have not yet completed (a) introduction to criminal justice and (b) juvenile justice from a Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board) certified school in their undergraduate degree program must complete these courses prior to attending the Skills Practicum.

Please see the Sample Course Sequence for 2022–2023.

Student outcomes

In accordance with Minnesota Rules 6700.0300, the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training 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; and (4) tools, techniques and tactics (also known as “skills”). This certificate covers all of them and upon degree completion, students may take the peace officer licensing exam.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Gainful employment programs are those "that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation." Public institutions are required to report this information for all undergraduate and graduate programs that are Title IV eligible and that lead to certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates or specialist awards. Degree programs at all levels are not considered to be gainful employment programs.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about Metro State’s Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate (UCERT) and Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) program, please contact PPOE Director Dr. Chuck MacLean at Chuck.MacLean@metrostate.edu.

Advance Your Education

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

This post-baccalaureate certificate program offers a pathway to policing for career-changers and people not already "license eligible" in the state. Students must have already obtained a bachelor's degree (or higher) in any discipline from a regionally accredited college/university to enter this program.

Students must submit an application to the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice before applying for admission to the university.

Application instructions

Review the instructions below carefully and submit applications only when all materials are complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  1. Complete the Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate Program application form and confirm you meet the peace officer minimum selection standards.
  2. Submit with your application a professional resume.  Your resume should be clear and concise (approx. 2 pages). Please include experience relevant to the peace officer profession, including education, employment, training, and volunteering that demonstrate your commitment to community and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. At a minimum your resume should include the following information:
    • personal statement or career objectives
    • education
    • work experience (past and present)
    • community involvement
    • other relevant experience, training, or specialist skills (e.g., foreign languages, EMT/paramedic certification, computer literacy).
  3. Obtain and submit an official transcript for verification of your bachelor's degree.
    • A sealed, official transcript from the academic institution that awarded your baccalaureate degree is required. Note: Graduates of Metro State do not need to send an official transcript because we already have it.
    • Transcripts can either be sent directly by the academic institution to our PPOE Director Dr. Chuck MacLean or enclosed with your application submission.
    • Applicants applying before officially graduating must submit a current transcript now followed by an official transcript once their degree is awarded. Verification of bachelor’s degree must be received before official acceptance to the program will be granted.

Application deadline

Completed applications to the program will be accepted until August 1, 2022. Applications after this deadline may be considered if space is available.

Questions?

Please contact PPOE Director Dr. Chuck MacLean at Chuck.MacLean@metrostate.edu

 

Apply to Metropolitan State now

Start the journey toward your Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate 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 Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate UCERT

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

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.

Course Requirements (31 credits)

+ Prerequisites (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 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

CJS 101 must be completed at a regionally accredited university. LAWE 280 must be completed at a Minnesota POST-certified college or university.

+ Professional Peace Officer Education (19 credits)

Theory and labs:

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 Law Enforcement

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

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

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

+ Law Enforcement "Skills" Practicum (6 credits)

LAWE 050 Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) is an additional Skills Practicum course.

The primary goal of this course is to provide content and scenarios related to traffic stops and investigations. 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 Traffic and Investigations

The primary goal of this course is to provide content and scenarios related to defensive tactics. 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 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