Law Enforcement and Police Science
http://mncis.intocareers.org/info2.aspx?FileID=Prog&FileNum=420500&TopicNum=0
Overview
Law enforcement and police science programs prepare people to work as police and other security officers. Students
learn how to prevent crime and practice crowd control. They also learn to handle evidence and talk to witnesses.
Unfortunately, crime is a part of our lives. Since the events of September 11, 2001, an even greater focus has been
placed on preventing crime of a much larger scale - terrorism. As a result, more responsibility has been placed on
local police and security forces. This makes the job of law enforcement both risky and rewarding.
In law enforcement and police science programs, your courses teach you about the criminal justice system. You learn
how courts and prisons work. You learn about the police system as well as the parole and probation systems. In
addition, you learn about different ways to deal with criminals besides imprisonment, including rehabilitation,
counseling, and education. You also learn about human behavior by taking courses in sociology and psychology. You
learn theories about why people commit crimes. Furthermore, you learn how to handle crime scenes and how to
interview and interrogate suspects and witnesses.
Most law enforcement and police science programs are offered through community colleges. Typically you receive a
two-year degree in preparation for entry into a police training academy. You are also prepared for entry-level work as
public or private security or as entry-level corrections officers. However, you cannot become a police officer until you
go through state-mandated policy academy training. This is where you gain hands-on experience with police dogs,
weapons, and police vehicles.
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes
four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also
require two years of a second language. For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer
and the Internet.
Most programs require you to pass a background criminal check. In addition, you usually have to pass a physical
exam and be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
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English Composition
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Typical Course Work
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
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Command Spanish
Correctional Institutions
Counseling
Crime Scene Procedures
Criminal Law and Justice
Criminology
Crisis Intervention
Cultural Diversity
Firearms Training
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Ground Fighting
Hazardous Materials Handling
Interview and Interrogation
Introduction to Law Enforcement
Juvenile Delinquency and Justice System
Narcotics and Drugs
Parole and Probation
Physical Fitness
Police Responsibilities, Ethics, and Rights
Public Safety
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Things to Know
Law enforcement and police science programs are different from policy academy training. Many people get an
associate degree in law enforcement first before entering a police academy. This gives them a head start on gaining
entry-level police or security work.
Furthermore, more states are requiring police officers to have at least an associate degree. In the future, it will be
common for many entry-level law enforcement jobs to require a bachelor's degree in addition to police academy
training.
Many programs require you to maintain a high level of physical fitness. Often this means that you take courses in
health and exercise.
Many law enforcement and police science programs are offered part time, with day and evening classes.
Law Enforcement Careers
http://www.police-officer.net/
This site offers a list of different careers available to people interested in law enforcement. It also contains a limited
listing of schools with law enforcement and police science programs.
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
o Alexandria Technical and Community College - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science, Diploma, AS
Associate in Science, WIA APPROVED
o Central Lakes College - Brainerd - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science
o Century College - Certificate, AS Associate in Science
o Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science, AS Associate in
Science, WIA APPROVED
o Hennepin Technical College - Eden Prairie/Brooklyn Park - Certificate
o Hibbing Community College - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science, Diploma
o Inver Hills Community College - AS Associate in Science
o Metropolitan State University - Certificate, BS Bachelor of Science
o Minneapolis Community and Technical College - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science, AS Associate in
Science
o Minnesota State University, Mankato - BA Bachelor of Arts, BS Bachelor of Science
o Minnesota West Community and Technical College - Worthington - AAS Associate of Applied Science, AS Associate
in Science
o Normandale Community College - Certificate, AS Associate in Science
o North Hennepin Community College - AS Associate in Science
o Ridgewater College - Hutchinson - AAS Associate of Applied Science
o Ridgewater College - Willmar - AAS Associate of Applied Science
o Riverland Community College - Albert Lea - Certificate
o Riverland Community College - Austin - Certificate, AS Associate in Science
o Rochester Community and Technical College - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science, AS Associate in
Science
o Vermilion Community College - Certificate, AAS Associate of Applied Science, AS Associate in Science
Private Four-Year Colleges
o Concordia University - BA Bachelor of Arts
o National American University - Bloomington - AAS Associate of Applied Science, BS Bachelor of Science
o Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Minneapolis - BS Bachelor of Science, MA Master of Arts
o Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Winona - Bachelor's
o University of St. Thomas - Master's
Private Vocational Schools
o Rasmussen College - Certificate, Associate, WIA APPROVED
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Programs of study
The Programs of Study listed below are similar or related to the program you are currently exploring.
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Corrections
Criminal Justice
Criminology
Law
Military Studies
Protective Services
Security Studies
Occupations
The occupations or occupational cluster listed below are ones that you may be qualified to enter once you complete the program of study you
are currently exploring.
Occupations directly related to this program of study
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Bailiffs
Detectives and Investigators
Police Patrol Officers
Sheriffs
Other occupations related to this program of study
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Animal Control Workers
Corrections Officers
Fish and Game Wardens
Police and Detective Supervisors
Private Detectives and Investigators
Probation Officers
Secret Service Agents (Brief)
Security Guards
Transportation Security Agents
Occupation Cluster
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Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
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Education after High School
Education Pays
Whatever your career and salary goals are, chances are they will require some education and training after high
school. If you start a job without additional training, it may be difficult to move up to a better position.
While your career goals might not be focused on earning lots of money, consider that most college graduates earn
twice as much in their lifetime as high school graduates. You usually will earn more based on how much additional
education you have obtained beyond a high school diploma.
Workers with higher levels of education are generally less likely to be unemployed. If you have a higher level of
education and become unemployed, it will likely take less time for you to find a new job.
Additional education and training does not guarantee success. However, it will provide you with tools to move
forward in your career, open up jobs in occupations that interest you, and give you greater security. To learn more
and compare education levels, check out Education Pays.
Education Pays
Higher levels of education generally lead to higher pay and less time unemployed.
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