Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
Item Number:
Institution:
Program Title:
XXX-XXXX+XXXXX
Meeting Date:
The University of Montana
October 2011
CIP Code:
Associate of Arts—Area of Concentration in Police Science
Level I proposals are those that may be approved by the Commissioner of Higher Education or the
Commissioner’s designee. The approval of such proposals will be conveyed to the Board of Regents at the next
regular meeting of the Board. The institution must file the request with the Office of the Commissioner of
Higher Education by means of a memo to the Deputy Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs, by no
later than five weeks prior to the final posting date for the next scheduled meeting of the Board. The Deputy
Commissioner will review the proposal and respond to the proposing campus with any questions or concerns
within one week, allowing the proposing campus one week to respond before the Item is posted for the BOR
scheduled meeting.
This is a Level I proposal with Level II paperwork from The University of Montana College of Technology to
support the request for an Associate of Arts degree with an area of concentration in the Fundamentals of
Police Science.
A. Level I (place an X for all that apply):
Level I proposals include campus initiatives typically characterized by (a) minimal costs; (b) clear
adherence to approved campus mission; and (c) the absence of significant programmatic impact on
other institutions within the Montana University System and Community Colleges. For Level I actions
on degree programs or certificates, the process must begin when the proposing campus posts its intent
on the MUS academic planning web site.
1. Re-titling existing majors, minors, options and certificates
2. Adding new minors or certificates where there is a major (Submit with completed Curriculum
Proposals Form)
3. Adding new minors or certificates where there is an option in a major (Submit with completed
Curriculum Proposals Form)
4. Departmental mergers and name changes
5. Program revisions (Submit with completed Curriculum Proposals Form)
6. Distance or online delivery of previously authorized degree or certificate programs
7. Placement of program into moratorium (No Program Termination Checklist at this time –
document steps taken to notify students, faculty, and other constituents and include this
information on checklist at time of termination if not reinstated)
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
8. Filing Notice of Intent to Terminate/Withdraw existing majors, minors, options, and certificates
(No Program Termination Checklist at this time)
9. Terminate/withdraw existing majors, minors, options, and certificates (Submit with completed
Program Termination Checklist)
X B. Level I with Level II documentation:
With Level II documentation circulated to all campus chief academic officers in advance, the Deputy
Commissioner or designee may propose additional items for inclusion in the Level I process. For these
items to move forward, the Deputy Commissioner or designee must reach consensus with the chief
academic officers. When consensus is not achieved, the Deputy Commissioner or designee will move
the item to the Level II review process.
X 1. Options within an existing major or degree (Submit with completed Curriculum Proposals Form);
2. Eliminating organizational units within larger institutions such as departments, divisions and
colleges or schools with the exception of the Colleges of Technology where changes require
Board action (Submit with completed Curriculum Proposals Form)
3. Consolidating existing programs and/or degrees (Submit with completed Curriculum Proposals
Form)
C. Temporary Certificate or A.A.S. degree programs
Certificate or Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs may be submitted as Level I proposals,
with memo and backup documentation, when they are offered in cooperation with and /or at the
request of private or public sector partners and the decision point to offer the program is not
consistent with the regular Board of Regents program approval process. Level I approval for programs
under this provision will be limited to two years. Continuation of a program beyond the two years will
require the normal program approval process as Level II Proposals.
All other Level I Certificate or Associate Degree programs may be placed on submission at any Board of
Regents meeting. They will be placed on action agendas at subsequent meetings. All campuses agree to
insure that all other campuses receive program information well in advance of submission.
D. Campus Certificates
Although certificate programs of 29 credits or fewer may be implemented by the individual campuses
without approval by the board of regents, those certificates do need to be reported to the office of the
commissioner of higher education and listed on the Montana University System’s official degree and
program inventory. These Level I proposals will be listed as information items at the next regular
meeting of the board.
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
Specify Request:
The University of Montana College of Technology requests approval of an ‘area of concentration’ for an
Associates of Arts degree. The area of concentration will be identified as “Fundamentals of Police Science”.
Graduates of the proposed area of concentration will graduate from the University of Montana with an
Associate of Arts with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science as well as the Law
Enforcement Officer Basic Course Diploma from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA).
Level I Request for an AA with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science
With
Level II Request Paperwork
From The University of Montana College of Technology
Curriculum Proposal
1. Overview
The Associate of Arts with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science program is a collaborative
effort between the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA), The University of Montana College of Technology
(UM-M COT), and The University of Montana in Missoula (UM-M). While the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic
Course is a high-quality training program accredited by the Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training
(POST) Council, there is not currently a mechanism to provide the officers or pre-service trainees with college credit
or with a college level academic path to continue education and recognized higher education degrees including
associate of arts, baccalaureate, and master degrees. The proposed Associate of Arts with an area of concentration
in Fundamentals of Police Science program builds on the existing MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic curriculum
and enhances the skills and educational level of program graduates. The collaborators on this project believe that
developing this relationship between MLEA, UM-M COT, and UM-M will underscore the value of education and will
encourage officers to continue their college education. Further educational opportunities will provide access to
many divergent career paths (associate, baccalaureate, master degrees) that were not considered or recognized until
more recently as benefiting Montana law enforcement officers, the state criminal justice system, and ultimately
Montana residents.
At the direction of the Deputy Commissioner, Sylvia Moore, we are submitting this proposal as a Level I with Level II
documentation given the breadth of the program and the perceived efficacy to the community.
2. Provide a one paragraph description of the proposed program. Be specific about what degree, major,
minor or option is sought.
The University of Montana College of Technology proposes to establish an area of concentration for the Associate of
Arts degree, in order to allow for a collaborative program with a community/state institution, Montana Law
Enforcement Academy. Typically AA degrees are not named, but identifying such a pathway will provide clarity for
entering students. The area of concentration will be identified as Fundamentals of Police Science. This program is a
collaboration including the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, the University of Montana-Missoula baccalaureate
programs, and the University of Montana-Missoula College of Technology.
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
3. Need
A. To what specific need is the institution responding in developing the proposed program?
The University of Montana-Missoula College of Technology and The University of Montana-Missoula are
responding to a request from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) for collaboration toward
providing law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees the opportunity to pursue a higher education degree
using the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Basic Course as the first semester of the Associate of Arts degree.
Approximately 160 -180 new law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees attend the Law Enforcement
Officer Basic Course, an intensive 12-week course, offered three times each year at MLEA in Helena, Montana.
B. How will students and any other affected constituencies be served by the proposed program?
One semester of the Associate of Arts degree with this concentration will be delivered in collaboration with
MLEA and at their facility in Helena, Montana. Enrollment in the UM-M COT program will require law
enforcement officers or pre-service trainees also be admitted to the MLEA LEO Basic program. Admittance to
the MLEA LEO Basic program is a decision resting with MLEA. Admittance to the University of Montana College
of Technology is a decision resting with the University of Montana. Students successfully completing the entire
AA program will be awarded the Associate of Arts degree with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of
Police Science from the University of Montana. The Montana law enforcement community, Montana criminal
justice system, and Montana citizens will benefit when city, county, tribal, and state law enforcement officers
have the opportunity to augment their skill levels and educational levels and provide enhanced service to their
communities and state. The opportunity for officers to pursue additional degrees, be better prepared to
provide services, and advance in their careers is also enhanced by participation in the proposed program.
C. What is the anticipated demand for the program? How was this determined?
The anticipated demand for the Associate of Arts program is based on the historical enrollment patterns of the
MLEA LEO Basic Course. MLEA reports 160-180 law enforcement officers and pre-service officers attend the Law
Enforcement Officer Basic Course each year. MLEA expects this number will remain steady into the future.
It is not expected that all law enforcement officers and pre-service officers attending Law Enforcement Officer
Basic Course training will also want to receive university academic credit. MLEA administrators expect
enrollment in the Associate of Arts program will begin with 20 to 30 students in Academic Year 2013 and that
enrollment will increase as the program becomes more widely known across the state.
4. Institutional and System Fit
A. What is the connection between the proposed program and existing programs at the institution?
The Associate of Arts concentrating in Fundamentals of Police Science program will incorporate existing courses
from other departments at UM-M COT. The Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course courses currently exist and
are delivered through MLEA; and the core of general education classes is offered through the Departments of
Applied Arts and Science and the Department of Business Technology. Additionally, other lower division general
education courses which are appropriate for the concentration are available through baccalaureate campus
programs. Not only are courses available on site in Missoula but also available by distance delivery through
online access. A potential cost to the institution would come if a large number of students enroll in general
education courses necessitating additional sections at the College of Technology and/or at the baccalaureate
campus in Missoula. Even though, 150 students complete the existing MLEA program each year, not all of those
students will choose to pursue the Associate of Arts program. Those individuals who do pursue the AA program
would be advised that each may take the general education courses at other MUS institutions, face-to-face, or
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
online with appropriate equivalence confirmed, by taking courses with common course numbers, and with
transfer courses confirmed.
The Associate of Arts program with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science is intended to
serve also as the foundation for development of future higher education pathways such as bachelor and master
degree programs. It is anticipated that coursework for bachelor and master degree programs could be provided
by a variety of baccalaureate and master degree programs at the University of Montana-Missoula. An example
of an Associate of Arts degree program bridging to a baccalaureate program is one in which the student would
begin with the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course, would successfully complete all the requirements
for an Associate of Arts degree (general education requirements and concurrently 60 undergraduate credits) and
move to a baccalaureate degree program in Sociology with the option of Criminology offered the UM-M
Department of Sociology.
B. Will approval of the proposed program require changes to any existing programs at the institution? If so, please
describe.
The proposed program will not require any changes to any existing programs at the institution. Enrollment in
the proposed program may result in additional sections of some general education courses.
C. Describe what differentiates this program from other, closely related programs at the institution (if appropriate).
The Associate of Arts program with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science could be
identified as related to the University of Montana-Missoula’s Department of Sociology Bachelor of Arts in
Sociology: Criminology option. This Associate of Arts program is intended to provide a base (and transfer
degree) for baccalaureate degrees such as the one described for Sociology. The level of preparation and intent
differentiates this program from the baccalaureate degree in Sociology and any other baccalaureate degree
which may be identified as ‘closely related’.
D. How does the proposed program serve to advance the strategic goals of the institution?
The College of Technology is the two-year unit of The University of Montana in Missoula that provides open
access to higher education with the intent to expand opportunities for Montana residents. The College is a
gateway to comprehensive education in professional, technical, transfer, and workforce programs and courses.
UM COT students have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree (recognized as a transfer degree). An
Associate of Arts degree with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science will offer expanded
opportunities for Montana residents for education and employment.
The proposed program addresses a strategic goal of the College to be responsive to regional workforce needs.
The Fundamentals of Police Science programming was developed in response to a need identified by the
Montana Law Enforcement Academy.
E. Describe the relationship between the proposed program and any similar programs within the Montana University
System. In cases of substantial duplication, explain the need for the proposed program at an additional
institution. Describe any efforts that were made to collaborate with these similar programs; and if no efforts
were made, explain why. If articulation or transfer agreements have been developed for the substantially
duplicated programs, please include the agreement(s) as part of the documentation.
Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal
Justice Law Enforcement: Peace Officer option. Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Montana also
offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice. The University of Montana-Missoula Associate
of Arts degree in Fundamentals of Police Science widely differs from the DCC and FVCC programs because the
UM-M College of Technology program incorporates and strengthens the current MLEA LEO Basic Course (POST
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
certified) that Montana law enforcement officers are required to successfully complete within the first 12
months of employment.
There is only one law enforcement academy in Montana: MLEA in Helena. Neither programs at DCC or FVCC are
linked in to the MLEA LEO Basic Course – the course that provides the POST certificate required of law
enforcement officers by Montana law. MLEA does not recognize the criminology programs at DCC or FVCC as
meeting the state requirements for POST certification for law enforcement officers. Thus, the UM College of
Technology program does not duplicate existing MUS programs.
4. Program Details
A. Provide a detailed description of the proposed curriculum. Where possible, present the information in the
form intended to appear in the catalog or other publications. NOTE: In the case of two-year degree
programs and certificates of applied science, the curriculum should include enough detail to determine if the
characteristics set out in Regents’ Policy 301.12 have been met.
The Fundamentals of Police Science program provides entry-level career training for Montana active-duty
law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees through participation in the Law Enforcement Officer
Basic Course. MLEA is the premier law enforcement and public safety educational and training institution for
state, county, city, and tribal officers throughout the state of Montana. Montana law requires all law
enforcement officers to successfully complete the Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course within one year (12
months) of employment.
The Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) established certain physical fitness requirements for
acceptance into, and continued participation in, the Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course. The physical abilities
test used by the MLEA is the Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT). MPAT is a hybrid physical ability/job sample
physical abilities assessment process designed to evaluate law enforcement officer candidates on essential
physical capacities required to satisfactorily perform job duties that are simulated or performed in the training
environment.
All law enforcement coursework required in the Fundamentals of Police Science Curriculum is offered at the
Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) in Helena. Law Enforcement courses concentrate on concept and
skill development in law, human behavior, police function, patrol operations, investigation, traffic enforcement,
and police proficiencies. All written examinations have been developed to meet certification standards for lawenforcement set forth by Montana’s Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) in accordance
with Montana law. These courses are offered as an in-residence experience that totals 480 contact hours/18
credit hours. Students are involved in coursework at least eight hours per day, five days weekly, for 12 weeks.
This intensive academy requires students to attend courses outside traditional class times. Students must earn a
minimum of 75% in each course to complete the program satisfactorily.
A high number of contact hours is associated with several of the MLEA courses. These courses each contain
intensive amounts of lab work required of the students in addition to the lecture component. The student time
dedicated to lab/field work is comparable to programs such as those in the UM-M Industrial Technology
programs, Health Professions programs requiring clinical experiences, UM-Helena Fire and Rescue program and
programs requiring Internship experiences. Contact hours for each course have been calculated to ensure the
minimum requirements for academic credit in lecture, lab, and field experience settings are met. In addition, the
preparation time outside of classes meets the requirements described in Board of Regents Policy 309.1
(III)(A)(B)(C). These credit totals meet the Board of Regents policy pertaining to maximum credits per week for
short courses and allows the appropriate number of contact hours for 18 credits. This program distributes the 18
MLEA course credits at a rate of 1.5 credits per week (BOR recommends this rate with a maximum of 2 credits
per week for short programs).
General education coursework may be completed through the UM-Missoula College of Technology or other MUS
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
accredited colleges/universities. Students study computer literacy, psychology, math, and writing, and will take
courses equivalent to CAPP120 Introduction to Computers (3 credits); PSYX 100S Introduction to Psychology (4
credits) or PSYX 161S Organizational Psychology (3 credits); WRIT 101 College Writing I (3 credits) and WRIT 121
Introduction to Technical Writing (3 credits) [or other lower division writing course]; and M 105 Contemporary
Mathematics (3 credits) or M 115 Probability and Linear Mathematics (3 credits). Adherence to institution
requirements for percentage of courses work required to be completed at the degree granting institution will be
communicated to the students.
MLEA recognizes the need and value of augmenting the skills and educational levels of program graduates,
hence the move to collaborate with an institution of higher education. The addition of courses in mathematics,
writing, psychology, and computer literacy and other required general education requirements adds the
necessary academic course additions to develop the Fundamentals of Police Science concentration in an
Associates of Arts degree to The University of Montana in Missoula. A total of 60 credits must be completed to
earn the Associate of Arts degree.
The Associate of Arts Fundamentals of Police Science is a program of the University of Montana-Missoula College
of Technology Department of Applied Arts and Sciences. Oversight of this program is the responsibility of the
AASC Department Chair and the College of Technology Dean. The Department Chair and Dean have reviewed
the Fundamental of Police Science proposal and all associated courses, all identified teaching methods, and all
faculty credentials and have determined all University of Montana College of Technology standards met.
Within this collaboration as with others currently in place and in accordance with the current practices of the
UM College and the Applied Arts and Sciences department, MLEA representatives and the AASC department
chair are the primary contacts for any communication related to any substantive change associated with
program or course content, teaching methodology, or faculty associated with this program. As are other
program and course changes facilitated and reviewed by the department faculty and department chair and
reviewed by the College of Technology dean, so will Fundamentals of Police Science program be reviewed. As
with any course or other significant program change submitted to the University of Montana ASCRC, so will the
process be implemented with the Fundamentals of Police Science program. All appropriate review processes will
be implemented in the same way and using the same schedule as is identified for all course and program
changes in the University of Montana-Missoula. All decisions will be made in the same way and by the same
bodies and individuals at the University of Montana-Missoula.
In order to enroll in the MLEA programming, a student must apply to and be accepted by the MLEA and pay the
required tuition and fees. In addition, to receive University of Montana credit for programming taught at the
MLEA, a student must be accepted by the University of Montana and pay the tuition and fees required by the
University of Montana College of Technology.
The first degree plan developed in this collaboration embeds the MLEA coursework and identifies courses which
are delivered by the College of Technology and the Sociology Department of the baccalaureate campus at The
University of Montana in Missoula. University of Montana College of Technology Applied Arts and Sciences
chair, Cathy Corr, College of Arts and Sciences Director of Advising, Melanie Hoell and Department of Sociology
chairs- Jim Burfeind and Dan Doyle--collaborated to develop this degree plan. The degree plan detail is attached
to this proposal.
ACCREDITING UNIT
Montana law authorizes the existence of Public Safety Standards and Training Council (POST Council), a quasijudicial board vested with rulemaking (See Mont. Code Ann. § 2-15-2029 (2009)). The POST Council is
responsible for establishing basic and advanced qualifications and training standards for employment of
Montana's public safety officers (Mont. Code Ann. § 44-4-401 (2009)). The POST Council conducts and approves
training, and provides certification and recertification of Montana public safety officers. Accordingly, the POST
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
council is the accrediting organization for the MLEA LEO Basic Course program. POST certification/accreditation
is the recognized standard according to Montana law for public safety officers, thus, it can also be considered
industry recognized standard for the Fundamentals of Police Science concentration at The University of
Montana. The proposed Fundamentals of Police Science concentration meets with POST standards as well as The
University of Montana academic standards for an Associate of Arts degree.
CURRICULUM
PSS 101 Basic Program Orientation and Assessment
PSS 102 American Criminal Justice System
PSS 105 Professional Police Relations
PSS 110 Introduction to Police Field Operations
PSS 111 Patrol Operations
PSS 112 Advanced Patrol Operation
PSS 120 Criminal Investigations
PSS 121 Criminal Investigations II
PSS 130 Health and Wellness for Law Officers
PSS 150 Traffic Enforcement
PSS 170 Survival Skills I
PSS 171 Survival Skills II
15 hours
45 hours
30 hours
60 hours
60 hours
30 hours
30 hours
37.5 hours
30 hours
45 hours
60 hours
37.5 hours
1 cr.
2 cr.
1 cr.
2 cr.
2 cr.
2 cr.
2 cr.
1 cr.
1 cr.
1 cr.
2 cr.
1 cr.
(lecture)
(lecture)
(lecture)
(lecture/field)
(lecture/field)
(lecture)
(lecture)
(lecture/field)
(lecture)
(lecture/field)
(lecture/field)
(lecture/field)
480 Contact Hrs. 18 Credit Hrs.
PSS 101 Basic Program Orientation and Assessment (1 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Prerequisites:
None. The course orients students to the MLEA campus and residential facilities and provides a program
schedule. Students become acquainted with campus residential services and expectations regarding campus
behavior, firearms and dress codes/uniforms. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers and pre-service
trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 102 American Criminal Justice System (2 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Prerequisites: None.
Students develop a basic understanding of the Montana criminal justice system and the relationships between
its components. U.S. Constitution amendments and Supreme Court rulings related to law enforcement are
compared and contrasted to similar articles of the Montana Constitution. Enrollment is limited to law
enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in
Helena, Montana.
PSS 105 Professional Police Relations (1 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer.
Students learn the history of law enforcement from an early philosophy of “civilianized policing”, the passage
into law of the Metropolitan Police Act of England, and various early law enforcement efforts in the United
States and in Montana. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to
the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 110 Introduction to Police Field Operations (2 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The course
prepares students for field work. Students study theories and principles related to safe practices and procedures
for law enforcement officials in the field. Students study and demonstrate effective and efficient investigative
practices expected of all law enforcement. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers and pre-service
trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 111 Patrol Operations (2 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Prerequisites: None. Students explore
theory related to effective vehicle operation in a variety of settings. The course requires students to participate
in and complete the Police Vehicle Operations Course (PVOC), the Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator
(CEVO II), and Police Response Course. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees
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Montana Board of Regents
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admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 112, Advanced Patrol Operations—Introduction to Special Needs Populations (2 cr.) is offered Autumn,
Spring, and Summer. Prerequisites: PSS 111. Students examine theories of youth gang activity; overview of
contemporary mental health issues; and of the practice of emergency management. Enrollment is limited to law
enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in
Helena, Montana.
PSS 120 Criminal Investigations I (2 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Co-requisite: PSS 121. This
course focuses on investigations of domestic violence, dangerous drugs, and appropriate evidence collection.
Through work on major case studies, students learn to correlate procedures and processes of evidence
recognition and collection to actual crime scene applications. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers
and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 121 Criminal Investigations II: Crime Scene Investigation and Management (1 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring,
and Summer. Co-requisite: PSS 120. In this course students learn the fundamental knowledge, skills, and
abilities needed to document, collect, and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes. Students also learn
proper crime scene photography. Students identify the types of physical evidence and the analysis required of a
scene to ensure proper processes for preservation and transmittal of evidence to forensic labs. The course
teaches the knowledge and skills required to properly interview suspects and witnesses in formal settings,
including the use of recording devices for taking statements. Students learn a basic understanding of the role of
criminal intelligence in law enforcement and its importance to the criminal justice system. Enrollment is limited
to law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic
program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 130 Health and Wellness for Law Enforcement Officers (1 cr.) is offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisites: None. Introduction to principles of personal health, fitness, diet, and stress reduction that
promote optimal safety and productivity for law enforcement officers. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement
officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena,
Montana.
PSS 150 Traffic Enforcement: Accident Investigation, Traffic Radar, and DUI Detection and Processing (1 cr.) is
offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Prerequisites: None. Principles of investigation as applied to traffic
accidents. Accident investigation is taught through the Montana Highway Patrol. Enrollment is limited to law
enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law Enforcement Officer Basic program in
Helena, Montana.
PSS 170 Survival Skills I: Firearms and Deadly Encounters (2 cr.) offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisites: None. Principles of safe and effective use of firearms and use of deadly force by law enforcement
officials. Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law
Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
PSS 171 Survival Skills II: Defensive Tactics (1 cr.) offered Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Theories and principles
of self-defense against assaults from suspects and control and arrest compliant and non-compliant individuals.
Enrollment is limited to law enforcement officers and pre-service trainees admitted to the MLEA Law
Enforcement Officer Basic program in Helena, Montana.
Forty-two additional credits will be required for completion of the Associate of Arts degree. Within the 42
credits all UM-M general education requirements for the AA degree (or MUS general education core
requirements) will be completed. Courses which will be included in the Associate of Arts degree plan for this
area of concentration will include the following:
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LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
Lower Division Writing Course(s)

WRIT 101 College Writing I (3 cr.) Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or passing score on placement
test. Instruction and practice in expository writing, argumentation and research processes. Emphasis on the
use of specific writing strategies to develop style, unity, clarity, and force of ideas, and structure. Students are
expected to write without major errors in sentence structure or mechanics. Grading A-F, or NC.

WRIT 121 Introduction to Technical Writing (3 credits) Offered every term. Course assumes a basic
computer literacy. Appropriate score on placement test or consent of instructor. Introduction to technical
writing situations with appropriate formats. Emphasis on writing with document design and graphic
placement introduced. Students are expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. (This
course could include the technical writing format used by law enforcement officers, and so forth).
Lower Division Math Courses
 M 105 Contemporary Mathematics (3 credits). Offered every term. Prereq., M 090 with a grade of B- or
better or appropriate placement score. An introduction to mathematical ideas and their impact on
society. Intended for students wishing to satisfy the general education mathematics requirement.
-or M 115 Probability and Linear Mathematics (3 credits). Offered every term. Prereq., M 090 with a grade of Bor better or appropriate placement score. Systems of linear equations and matrix algebra. Introduction to
probability with emphasis on models and probabilistic reasoning. Examples of applications of the material in
many fields.
Lower Division Computer Literacy Course
 CAPP 120 Introduction to Computers (3 credits). Offered autumn and spring; intermittently offered
summer. Introduction to computer terminology, hardware, and software, including wire/wireless
communications and multimedia devices. Students utilize word processing, spreadsheet, database, and
presentation applications to create projects common to business and industry in a networked computing
environment. Internet research, email usage, and keyboarding proficiency are integrated.
 NOTE: Students may meet the requirements of CAPP 120, Intro to Computers (3 credits) by passing a
skill and knowledge level assessment prior to the beginning of the semester. Collaboration between
UM-M COT and MLEA to offer this assessment in Helena is being pursued.
Lower Division Psychology Courses
 PSYX 100S Introduction to Psychology 4 cr. Offered every term. Introduction to the scientific study of
behavior in humans and other animals. Credit not allowed for both PSYC 100S, PSY 100S and PSYX 100S.
-or PSYX 161S Fundamentals of Organizational Psychology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Foundation in the
psychological processes that influence behavior of people in work settings.
FACULTY
Credentials of all proposed faculty members will be reviewed to ensure their credentials satisfy the standards
required by The University of Montana College of Technology Faculty Association Collective Bargaining
Agreement, the University of Montana-Missoula College of Technology, the Department of Applied Arts and
Sciences faculty and department chair, and the Montana Board of Regents.
The following is a list of instructors at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) with college degrees
and/or with Public Safety Office Standards and Training (POST) credentials which are required to deliver MLEA’s
Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course coursework.
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
Montana Law Enforcement Academy Faculty
Peter Bovingdon, BA, Literature, JD
Jennifer Dewey, BA, Criminology, MS Management: Law Enforcement Administration
Richard Layng , AAS, Criminal Justice
Mike McCarthy, BS, Film and TV and Speech Communication
Roxanne Noelle Ross, BS, Business Technology, minor Community Service
Glenn Stinar – POST training credits, Park University – 64 Credit Hours (pursuing BA in Criminal Justice)
Jim Thomas – POST training credits
In summary seven MLEA instructors have college degrees, and two MLEA instructors are otherwise qualified to
teach at MLEA based on POST credentials.
B. Describe the planned implementation of the proposed program, including estimates of numbers of students at
each stage.
If this proposal is approved, the Associate of Arts with an area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police
Science degree program will be available to students admitted to the Montana Law Enforcement Academy
beginning Autumn Semester 2012. Anticipated number of individuals enrolling in the program beginning
Autumn Semester 2012 is ten students. Anticipated number of individuals enrolling in the program beginning
Spring Semester 2013 is ten students.
5. Resources
A. Will additional faculty resources be required to implement this program? If yes, please describe the need and
indicate the plan for meeting this need.
This program is proposed as a Level I program with Level II documentation. At the direction of the Deputy
Commissioner, we are submitting this proposal as a Level I with Level II documentation, given the breadth of the
program and the perceived efficacy to the community. No additional funding is anticipated to implement this
program. Courses currently exist in MLEA curriculum and the core of general education classes is already offered
at the UM-M College of Technology and baccalaureate campus. A potential cost to the institution would come if
larger than anticipated number of students enroll in general education courses necessitating additional sections.
Currently, 150 students complete the existing MLEA program each year. Not all of those students will choose to
pursue the Associate of Arts program. Those who do may take the general education courses at any MUS
institution, face-to-face, or online.
This program is a program of the UM College of Technology Department in the department of Applied Arts and
Sciences. This new program is well-placed at the College of Technology as an Associate of Arts transfer degree.
An original intent of developing this program is that the Fundamentals of Police Science concentration be a first
program in a series of Public Safety-related courses and/or programs for public safety officials in the emerging
discipline of homeland security and defense education. Additionally, there is intent to provide for students a
well-developed path toward the UM Sociology program.
To support the original intent the UM College of Technology is a member of the Center for Homeland Security
and Defense’s University and Agency Partnership Initiative housed at the Naval Postgraduate School in
Monterey, California. UM College of Technology is also a member of the Homeland Security and Defense
Education Consortium Association (HESDECA). HSDECA is the association for homeland security and homeland
defense educational program accreditation. HSDECA is also the national organization of excellence for education
in the science and art of homeland security and defense education.
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Montana Board of Regents
LEVEL I REQUEST FORM
B. Are other, additional resources required ensuring the success of the proposed program? If yes, please describe
the need and indicate the plan for meeting this need.
Admissions to the Associate of Arts and area of concentration in Fundamentals of Police Science will be limited
to officers and pre-service officers admitted to the MLEA LEO Basic program. Accordingly, Enrollment Services –
Admissions will be required to process applications for admission to UM College of Technology. Enrollment
Services – Financial Aid will be required to work with those students seeking financial aid. These offices will work
with MLEA as they do with any other distance (off-site) program offered at the UM College of Technology.
While additional resources may not be specifically identified, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy personnel
responsible for faculty recruitment and University of Montana College of Technology Department of Arts and
Sciences faculty representatives and chair and the Dean will be involved in the process of faculty recruitment and
curriculum support or change. Further, representatives from the other collaborating UM Colleges and
departments—College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Human Sciences, and Department of
Sociology—will be included in curriculum and recruitment efforts.
6. Assessment
How will the success of the program be measured?
The Associate of Arts Fundamentals of Police Science program will be facilitated by the Associate of Applied Science
department. Developed for purposes of collaboration and program review will be a program advisory committee
with membership from the University of Montana College of Technology and the AASC department, from
administrators/faculty of the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, from the Montana Board of Crime Control, from
the UM College of Arts & Sciences, from the UM Department of Sociology, and from UM College of Education and
Human Sciences. Program assessment will include review which is regularly scheduled and will further include data
reflecting enrollment numbers, student retention, completion rates [which includes the number of students receiving
P.O.S.T. certificates], placement data, and employer and student satisfaction surveys in accordance with University of
Montana processes and goals toward Student Success.
7. Process Leading to Submission
Describe the process of developing and approving the proposed program. Indicate, where appropriate,
involvement by faculty, students, community members, potential employers, accrediting agencies, etc.
The process leading to the submission of this proposal was a collaborative effort that included input from the
Montana Law Enforcement Academy, The University of Montana College of Technology and its Department of
Applied Arts and Sciences, The University of Montana College of Arts and Sciences and its Department of Sociology,
and the College of Education and Human Sciences, and Curriculum experts from the UM-M Academic Standards and
Curriculum Review Committee. The University of Montana baccalaureate Colleges and The University of Montana
College of Technology worked with the Montana Law Enforcement Academy to strengthen and convert the existing
MLEA LEO Basic curriculum to 18 credit hours of University academic credit. Upon receiving the approval of the UMM ASCRC and the UM-M Faculty Senate the proposal is submitted for review to the Montana Board of Regents.
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