Enrolling in this program
Program eligibility requirements
Note: Students must submit an application to the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice before applying for admission to the university. A bachelor's degree (or higher) in any discipline from a regionally accredited college/university must be completed in order to be eligible for this certificate program.
Application instructions
The Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate Program is geared toward individuals with a baccalaureate degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university who intend to complete the licensing requirements of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Only individuals who will have completed a baccalaureate (four-year) degree prior to June 2018 should apply to the program.
Those interested in becoming a licensed peace officer in Minnesota should also be aware of the minimum selection standards established by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. The Minimum Selection Standards for Peace Officer Licensure Advisory Form is included for your review and signature as part of the application materials.
There are two prerequisite courses for this program: Introduction to Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice. Applicants must provide verification of current enrollment or completion of both courses with a grade of C- or better as part of their application. These courses are offered online during the summer for individuals accepted into the program who have not yet completed these requirements.
The estimated program cost for 2019-20 is approximately $9,700. This includes tuition and fees for the theory, lab and skills practicum courses. Not included in this estimate are the costs associated with the prerequisite courses, emergency medical responder certification, textbooks, physical and psychological exams, uniforms and equipment (skills practicum), etc.
This program is offered in a cohort format in which accepted students will start together as a group fall semester and normally finish together the following summer semester. The curriculum includes the same professional peace officer education courses required for degree seeking students majoring in law enforcement. This overlap allows more options and flexibility while reducing the probability of the certificate program being cancelled due to low enrollment.
The required courses are normally offered sequentially on Saturdays during fall and spring semesters. If a Saturday course does not meet minimum enrollment, it will likely be offered as part of the traditional academic schedule in which each of the required courses are generally held once a week in the evening (Monday - Thursday). The skills practicums are offered summer semester. Students in the certificate program have traditionally defaulted to the skills practicum held evenings during the week and all-day Saturday, but can petition to be in the skills practicum held on weekdays. This practice will likely be continued for this cohort group, but is subject to change.
Application deadline
Applications will be accepted through the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice starting in January and ending in April of each year. Accepted students will start the program as a group that same year beginning fall semester. Please note this program is subject to cancellation or modification if minimum enrollment numbers are not reached.
Completing the application packet
More applications from qualified individuals may be received than there are spaces available. Qualified students who are not admitted will be placed on a waiting list.
Review the instructions below carefully and submit applications only when all materials are complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All forms are attached below.
- Application checklist: Fill this form out completely.
- Application cover sheet: Fill this form out completely.
- Cover letter: Submit a cover letter outlining your career objectives. Explain why you want to be come a Minnesota peace officer and why you are interested in this particular program. This letter provides an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate strong written communication skills.
- Transcript/verification of bachelor's degree:
- Applicants must obtain an official transcript from the academic institution that awarded the baccalaureate degree and submit it in the original sealed envelope. Transcripts must be sent directly to P.O.S.T. Coordinator/Academic Advisor Bryan Litsey at the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice by the academic institution or they may be enclosed with the application materials.
- Applicants who will be graduating in the spring need to submit a current transcript and will need to submit an additional official transcript after their degree is awarded. Verification of bachelor's degree must be received before official acceptance to the program will be granted. Graduates of Metropolitan State University do not need to send an official transcript.
- Personal resume: Resumes should be clear and easy to understand. Be certain to include experiences that are relevant to the peace officer profession, such as employment or volunteer work. These experiences should demonstrate your ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and highlight your community commitment. Your resume should include the following information: career objectives, education, community involvement, work experience (past and/or current), any additional law enforcement/criminal justice experience, special talent or skills (for example, language, EMT/paramedic training, computer)
- Peace officer minimum selection standards (.pdf): Read the form carefully and indicate in the appropriate check box whether or not you meet the minimum selection standards for licensure as a peace officer in Minnesota. Once doing so, sign and date the form. Any questions concerning the minimum selection standards should be directed to P.O.S.T. Coordinator Bryan Litsey at bryan.litsey@metrostate.edu or 763-657- 3752.
- Admission Preference Certification (.pdf): This form is to be used only by those who have received a contingent offer of employment from a law enforcement agency. The chief law enforcement officer of the agency (i.e., chief of police, county sheriff, etc.) must sign the form. Application evaluators may contact the chief law enforcement officer directly to verify that the contingent offer of employment is bona fide . Current employment by a law enforcement agency does not constitute a bona fide offer of employment.
- Submitting application: Send completed application materials directly to the program coordinator before the deadline.
Application forms
Bryan Litsey, P.O.S.T. Coordinator/Academic Advisor
Metropolitan State University
School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
9110 Brooklyn Blvd.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Contact Information: (bryan.litsey@metrostate.edu) or 763-657-3752
All completed application materials must be received in the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice no later than 4 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2019.
Applications from qualified individuals received after this deadline will be considered on a space available basis and/or wait list admission.
Notification of admission to program
The School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice will notify applicants of provisional admission in April 2019. Upon receipt of an admission offer to the program, students will be required to:
- sign a letter of acceptance to reserve a seat in the program
- be formally admitted to Metropolitan State
Instructions will be provided to those individuals admitted to the program.
Physical conditioning
Physical conditioning is an important aspect of law enforcement. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin and/or continue an exercise program to address physical conditioning. Key components of physical fitness are flexibility, cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance.
