Law enforcement professionals are the protectors and defenders of our society—and these rewarding jobs are on the rise. The selection standards and training needed to be a police officer in Minnesota are among the highest in the nation. Whether you are qualified to pursue our Academic Certificate in as few as 9 months, Skills Certificate in as few as 6 months or Associate’s degree in as few as 18 months, you know that you will be gaining the skills you need to pursue this challenging and rewarding field.1 Our advanced programs use state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and scenarios with experienced instructors to help prepare you for situations you may encounter as a Minnesota police officer.2
This Associate's degree is available with Flex Choice self-directed assessment offerings, which allows you to blend traditional online courses with self-directed assessments that provide optional coaching assistance. Assessments provide more flexibility, and—at $99 per attempt—this is a more affordable way to receive credit for what you already know. For additional information, visit our Flex Choice page.
Rasmussen College is one of the few Minnesota colleges with its own Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board-approved police academy that prepares you to earn the Law Enforcement Skills Certificate needed to obtain your Minnesota police officer licensure.2
Receive hands-on law enforcement training in realistic settings at our modern, on-site Law Enforcement Training Facility on nights and weekends when pursuing your Associate’s degree or Skills Certificate. Here, you’ll use the same facilities, equipment, scenarios and tactics as current law enforcement professionals.
Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Students who already have a degree from a regionally accredited school. Students who have a passion to protect and serve the communities in which they live as a police officer.
The online Academic Certificate is for those who wish to enter the field of law enforcement and meet the academic component of the Professional Peace Officer Education program approved by the MN POST Board.
The on-campus Skills Certificate incorporates realistic settings on nights and weekends for working students who wish to meet the physical skills component of the Professional Peace Officer Education program approved by the MN POST Board.
Police officer, conservation officer, alcohol law enforcement agent, deputy sheriff, state trooper, security officer
18 months1
Students without a degree who wish to enter the field of law enforcement. Students who have a passion to protect and serve the communities in which they live as a police officer. Upon graduation, students will meet the academic and physical skills components necessary to sit for the Minnesota Peace Officer Licensing Exam.
Police officer, conservation officer, alcohol law enforcement agent, deputy sheriff, state trooper, security officer
If you’re looking to dedicate your working life to something challenging that you can be proud of, then a career in law enforcement might be a perfect fit.
Read moreWe’ve made launching your law enforcement career easier by offering Law Enforcement courses and credentials that fit into a busy working schedule. Your educational history will determine which program you should pursue. If you don't have a degree and are looking to enter this challenging field, a Law Enforcement degree at the Associate's level is the place to start. If you already have a degree from a regionally accredited school in a program that is approved by the MN POST Board, you can pursue an Academic Certificate or Skills Certificate in order to gain the components and Law Enforcement studies you need for licensure. No matter what Law Enforcement program fits your educational background best—Associate’s degree, Academic Certificate or Skills Certificate—our advanced on-site and online law enforcement training is built is built to give you the required knowledge and skills you need to make a positive impact and serve your community.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a degree, regardless of the field of study, can improve income potential.3 Here are just a few examples of where a Law Enforcement degree can take you.
“The professors at Rasmussen College have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are always eager to share with students.”
Amy
Law Enforcement Graduate
The Rasmussen College Law Enforcement program is approved by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. This program is not aligned to the standards of any professional licensing body other than the MN POST, and is not intended to satisfy professional licensure requirements of any professional licensing agency in any other state.
This program meets standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (MN POST) for persons who seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer. Graduates of this program may need to successfully complete additional academic coursework, training, practical/skills and fitness standards before becoming eligible to sit for the MN Peace Officer Licensing Exam.