Skip to main content
Metropolitan State University (Home)

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 program can be completed in one academic year provided the designated pathway and timeline are followed.

Courses

Our curriculum includes the same Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) courses required for degree-seeking students majoring in law enforcement. For this reason, certificate students take courses alongside our degree-seeking students.

The certificate 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 summer semester, during the day (M-F), in-person.

Please note, students who have not yet completed (a) introduction to criminal justice and (b) juvenile justice from a 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 (POST Board) 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.

Program costs

Preliminary cost estimate 2021–2022

Questions?

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

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

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.

Minnesota Rules 6700.0700 also 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;
  • by 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 POST Boardwebsite for up-to-date information on standards and rules.

Physical conditioning

Physical conditioning is an important aspect of policing. 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.

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

Students interested in becoming a licensed peace officer in Minnesota should be aware of the following minimum selection standards established by the POST Board. An applicant must:

  • be a citizen of the United States
  • possess a valid Minnesota driver's license
  • complete a comprehensive written application
  • never have been convicted of a felony, assault, theft or other convictions as identified by the POST Board Minimum Selection Standards for Licensure
  • submit to a thorough background investigation
  • be fingerprinted for a background check
  • undergo an evaluation by a licensed psychologist
  • pass job-related physical strength and agility exams
  • successfully complete an oral exam demonstrating communication skills
  • not be required to register as a predatory offender
  • be license-eligible by completing an associate or bachelor's degree and passing the POST licensing exam

Detailed, current information regarding the POST minimum selection standards is available on the POST Board website and through the SLC Advising Center.

Note: Emergency Medical Responder is required for the POST exam and must be approved by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB).

Course requirements

Prerequisites

Prerequisites (6 credits)

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

CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 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

LAWE 280 Juvenile Justice

3 credits

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

Requirements (31 credits)

Theory and lab (19 credits)

LAWE 220 Legal Studies in Law Enforcement

4 credits

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

LAWE 301 Policing in the 21st Century

3 credits

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

LAWE 321 Law and Human Behavior

3 credits

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

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

Skills practicum (6 credits)

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

LAWE 227 Traffic and Investigations

1 credits

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

LAWE 228 Defensive Tactics

2 credits

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

LAWE 229 Firearms

2 credits

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