Law Enforcement Academic

Graduates of this program know the history and development of the criminal justice system and the role of law enforcement in the system. They understand the legal process from arrest to the courts and through the corrections system. They can apply critical thinking to issues including policing, criminal law and procedure, documentation, and legal code for law enforcement. Graduates value the ability to effectively communicate in a variety of situations in the workplace and in their communities. Upon completing this program, passing a physical fitness test, and completing additional required practical skills coursework, graduates will be eligible to take the Minnesota Peace Officer licensing exam.

• Police Officer
• Deputy Sheriff
• State Trooper
• Transportation Security Screener
• Security Officer
• Conservation Officer

The Law Enforcement Academic Certificate is only offered in Minnesota.

This program is not designed to prepare graduates for any state-issued professional license or certification.

The Law Enforcement Academic Certificate provides academic coursework required by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (MN POST) for persons who seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer. Additional coursework may be necessary before becoming eligible to sit for the MN Peace Officer Licensing Exam. Graduates of this program will need to successfully complete additional training, practical/skills, and fitness standards before becoming eligible to sit for the MN Peace Officer Licensing Exam. Graduates of this program have NOT met all MN POST requirements for employment in Minnesota as a peace officer. Graduates will need to complete skills training as part of another Rasmussen Law Enforcement program or at another institution to be eligible to sit for the MN Peace Officer Licensing Exam.

Admission into the Law Enforcement Academic Certificate program requires applicants to have earned an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (including General Education courses equivalent to those in the Law Enforcement AAS) from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are also required to interview with an Admissions Representative and complete a Rasmussen University placement test as part of the admissions process.

Eligibility for admission to the Law Enforcement programs requires completion of the following steps:

1. Applicants must achieve a score on the University Entrance Placement examination acceptable for admission into the University at a level that does not require Developmental Education coursework. Alternatively, the applicant must provide a college transcript indicating a grade of C- or higher in college-level English and/or Mathematics.
2. Applicant and Admissions Representative to complete the following:
   1. Information session
   2. Certified driving record documentation
   3. Criminal history record documentation
   4. Two-page written autobiography
   5. Health physical
   6. Psychological evaluation
3. Once the applicant file is complete, the Admissions Representative may schedule a face-to-face interview between the applicant and Program Coordinator/Director. Applicants must then:
   1. Complete an application.
   2. Provide official college transcripts. Official transcripts must be received by the University no later than the sixth business day of the first quarter of enrollment in a Law Enforcement program.
   3. Successfully pass a criminal background check through Rasmussen University’s chosen third-party vender and also submit to a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension background check.
   4. Complete any additional program-specific requirements specified at the time of enrollment.

Upon completing the application process, the completed files will be reviewed by the acceptance committee. Students accepted into their program will receive written communication from the University. Applicants must also attend programmatic orientation as well as general orientation or risk being removed from the cohort.