9 Things You Didn't Know About the Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies

The Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies is home to three academic programs — Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Paralegal Studies.

These programs all have stand-out features of their own, but they are unified in their mission to provide students with a hands-on education from knowledgeable, experienced instructors. The faculty and staff — from your first instructor to your last — are dedicated to helping prepare students for challenging and rewarding careers.

So what makes these programs so great? We took a deep dive into some of the important facts and figures that make the School of Justice Studies a smart choice for future professionals. Take a look!

9 fast facts about the School of Justice Studies at Rasmussen University

1. Leadership and faculty have experience at the local, state and federal levels

Rasmussen University students benefit from leaders and instructors who have years of professional experience in the court system, corrections and law enforcement. School leadership and instructors have served in a wide variety of roles within the legal system — from corrections officers to criminal prosecutors and even judges. These folks have walked the walk and are eager to pass on their years of experience to the next generation of professionals in the legal system.

2. Law enforcement students complete 340 hours of specialized training

Students in the Rasmussen University Minnesota law enforcement program must complete 340 hours of specialized training. The training hours comprise the following:

• 80 hours of firearms safety training
• 80 hours of use-of-force training
• 80 hours of patrol practicals
• 60 hours of crime scene investigation
• 40 hours of traffic stops

This extensive training provides students with ample opportunity to refine their skills before applying them in their careers. Students receive thorough and comprehensive training to adequately prepare them for life on the job.

3. Paralegal studies instructors have years of professional experience

For students in the paralegal program at Rasmussen University, you will learn from working professionals who take time from their legal work to invest in your future. Instructors have diverse experience as attorneys in law offices, public defender agencies and the courts.

This means your instructors have their fingers on the pulse of current legal issues and principles, and will cater each class to what is happening in your career field in real time. When you graduate, your knowledge will be up-to-date with what employers seek in a broad spectrum of legal settings.

4. All programs implement field work or offer internship opportunities

Whether students are observing a courtroom trial, visiting a fully operational correctional facility, participating in a police ride-along or working in an attorney’s office, students in the School of Justice Studies programs get to observe and learn from real life scenarios. There’s no better way to prepare for your future career than to get a close look at the day-to-day life of someone already working in your chosen profession. You may be surprised by what the average day of a law enforcement officer, attorney or corrections professional really looks like.

5. Many students already work in the field

A number of students in the Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies program are already working within criminal justice agencies, law enforcement precincts and law offices while attending school to help advance their careers. These students with professional experience provide their classmates with additional insight when it comes to class discussions and other activities. Having this added layer of experience in the classroom can help you understand how the concept you’re learning about is applied in a practical setting.

6. Experts from the field teach a variety of courses

Who better to teach a class on constitutional law than an attorney, a class on criminal procedure than a prosecutor, a class on policing than a law enforcement officer, a class on prisons than a corrections officer or a class on courts and due process than a judge? The Rasmussen University Justice Studies program places a premium on hiring instructors who are experienced professionals with advanced degrees in the fields they teach.

7. Law enforcement instructors have hundreds of years of police experience

This means your instructor comes from not only a graduate-level education, but from an actual career in criminal justice and law enforcement. With this breadth of experience, Rasmussen University instructors have what it takes to provide you with a wealth of knowledge while applying it to real-world situations.

8. The Eagan, Minn. campus features a state-of-the-art skills training facility

Rasmussen University is home to an 8,000-square-foot Law Enforcement Skills Training facility at the Eagan, Minn. campus. The facility includes seven scenario rooms designed to train students how to respond to different types of calls and secure different facilities. The rooms include mock scenes such as a bar, a bank, an apartment, a convenience store and a crime lab. Firearms simulation training and padded use-of-force training rooms are also available onsite.

This facility allows students to safely practice real scenarios while also providing opportunities to review and critique their actions, as each room is equipped with video cameras. This provides instructors with a great teaching tool for when mistakes happen during training. It’s always better to have it happen on a training site than in a real life situation in which someone could get hurt.

9. Students will get a firsthand look at criminal justice work environments

Justice studies students are regularly offered opportunities to tour local facilities. This includes police stations, corrections facilities, forensic science labs, county jails, coroners’ offices and courtrooms. These tours serve as not only a great opportunity to view the work environment, but also to facilitate introductions to local criminal justice and legal officials.

A great first impression could help you make valuable connections and help in your future job search. Of course, that’s not the only factor employers weigh when making hiring decisions, but it certainly doesn’t hurt!

Take the next step

You’re now aware of some features that make the Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies unique among others. The practical knowledge and hands-on training you’ll receive from your program of choice can help prepare you for a rewarding career in the field.

If you’re ready to learn more information about enrolling, check out the Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies program page!

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in January 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2017.