Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate UCERT

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs
Undergraduate certificate

About this program

The Minnesota Peace Officer Licensing Certificate Program is geared toward working adults with a variety of academic, work and life experiences with a desire to pursue a law enforcement career in Minnesota at the local, county or state level. It meets all the learning objectives required by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board) through a blend of academic, practical and skills based training.

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

Student outcomes

This certificate meets student learning outcomes mandated by the POST board of the State of Minnesota. 

 

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.

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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 (herein “program”) took on a new look starting fall semester 2017 as part of a broader redesign of the law enforcement curriculum for both degree seeking and certificate students. The 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 (MN POST Board). Only individuals who will have completed a baccalaureate (four-year) degree prior to June 2020 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 MN POST Board). The Minimum Selection Standards for Peace Officer Licensure Advisory Form is included for your review and signature as part of the application materials. Additional information about the peace officer licensure requirements is posted on the MN POST Board website. 

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. Metropolitan State University offers these courses online during the summer for individuals accepted into the program who have not yet completed these requirements.

The program cost for 2020-2021 is estimated to be approximately $9,850. 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 held once a week during the day or evening (Monday–Friday). Under certain circumstances, students will be allowed to take one or more of the required courses on the traditional academic schedule if approved by the Program Advisor.  

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 are now being accepted for the 2020-2021 Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate Program. Completed applications to the program will be accepted until Friday, April 17, 2020. Applications received after this time will be considered based on available space and may be put on a wait list. Please note this program is subject to cancellation or modification if minimum enrollment numbers are not reached and/or there are other significant factors.

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. Applications are evaluated based on the following information:

  1. Complete application packet
  2. Cover letter (see details below)
  3. Personal resume (see details below)
  4. Grade point average as documented in an official transcript
  5. Eligibility to be licensed as a peace officer in Minnesota (see details below)
  6. Complete Admission Preference Certification Form (if sponsored by an agency)

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

  1. Application checklist: Fill this form out completely.
  2. Application cover sheet: Fill this form out completely.
  3. 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.
  4. Transcript/verification of bachelor's degree: Applicants must obtain an official transcript from the academic institution that awarded their baccalaureate degree and submit it in the original sealed envelope. Transcripts must be sent directly to Director Bryan Litsey at the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice by the academic institution or 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.

  5. Personal Resume: 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 talents or skills (for example, language, EMT/paramedic training, computer)

  6. Peace officer minimum selection standards: 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 Director Bryan Litsey at bryan.litsey@metrostate.edu or 763-657-3752.
  7. Admission preference certification: 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.
  8. Submitting application: Mail, Courier or Hand Deliver completed application materials directly to the program director below before the deadline. Email attachments will not be accepted as a substitute.

Additional 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 17, 2020.

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 to the program after the deadline. 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, and
  • be formally admitted to Metropolitan State University. Instructions will be provided to those individuals admitted to the program.

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.

Program coordinator and academic advisor

Assistant Professor Bryan Litsey is currently both the Program Director and Advisor for the Law Enforcement Licensing Certificate Program. He first came to Metropolitan State University in December 2014 after retiring as a police officer in Minnesota with nearly 37 years of service. The final 16 of those years he served as Chief of Police and Emergency Management Director for a suburban law enforcement agency in the Twin Cities area.

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Program 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