Program Overview
The Policing Studies BS program at Minnesota State University, Mankato prepares students for careers in law enforcement and related agencies. The program emphasizes criminal justice, peace officer training, and community relations, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to serve diverse communities effectively. Graduates are eligible for licensure in Minnesota and can pursue careers as peace officers, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, and more.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Policing Studies BS program at Minnesota State University, Mankato is designed to prepare students for careers as peace officers in law enforcement or related agencies who serve multicultural and diverse communities at the individual, local, state, federal, and global levels. The program meets the academic requirements to be eligible for licensure in the State of Minnesota. The program's curriculum includes coursework in criminal justice, peace officer training, and community relations. Students will gain knowledge and skills in areas such as:
- Criminal law and procedures
- Criminal investigation
- Victimology
- Peace officer stress and wellness
- Peace officer communication techniques
- Advanced crime theory and prevention
- Criminal justice ethics and leadership The program also includes a strong emphasis on community engagement. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of community service and outreach programs, and they will be required to complete a senior capstone project that focuses on a real-world problem in the field of criminal justice. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Probation and parole departments
Careers:
Graduates of the Policing Studies BS program will be prepared for a variety of careers in law enforcement and related fields. Some of the potential career paths include:
- Peace officer
- Police officer
- Sheriff's deputy
- State trooper
- Correctional officer
- Probation and parole officer
- Victim advocate
- Crime scene investigator
- Forensic scientist
- Homeland security agent The program's graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive contribution to their communities. They will have the knowledge and skills to effectively serve and protect the public, and they will be committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.
