Criminal Justice
M State's Criminal Justice program is intended to prepare students to successfully pass the Minnesota Peace Office Standards and Training (POST) board examination to meet Minnesota licensure requirements.
Minnesota is unique in its licensing system for peace officers as most other states retain some form of academy training followed by certification of the individual officer. Minnesota requires those aspiring to work in law enforcement to complete an educational program and pass a state board exam. Licensing itself only occurs when eligible candidates are appointed to a peace officer position and certain selection standards are met. Licensing is a cooperative process between the POST Board, the hiring agency and the candidate. In some cases, state agencies allow people with peace officer experience from another state to meet licensure requirements by taking a reciprocity exam. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state interested in being licensed in to determine if there are reciprocity exams available.
| State | State Licensing Board or Department | State Licensing Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Not determined | ||
| Alaska | Not determined | ||
| American Samoa | Not determined | ||
| Arizona | Not determined | ||
| Arkansas | Not determined | ||
| California | Not determined | ||
| Colorado | Not determined | ||
| Connecticut | Not determined | ||
| Delaware | Not determined | ||
| District of Columbia | Not determined | ||
| Florida | Not determined | ||
| Georgia | Not determined | ||
| Guam | Not determined | ||
| Hawaii | Not determined | ||
| Idaho | Not determined | ||
| Illinois | Not determined | ||
| Indiana | Not determined | ||
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Public Safety | Does not meet | Iowa does accept M State's criminal justice degree which exceeds the required hours dedicated to criminal justice, however the state requires additional Iowa Police Academy training to learn state laws and participation in hands-on training. It is recommended students contact the Iowa Police Department for more information as there may be an option to attend a shortened academy. |
| Kansas | Not determined | ||
| Kentucky | Not determined | ||
| Louisiana | Not determined | ||
| Maine | Not determined | ||
| Maryland | Not determined | ||
| Massachusetts | Not determined | ||
| Michigan | Not determined | ||
| Minnesota | Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) | Meets | This program is specifically designed to prepare students for the Minnesota Peace Office Standards and Training (POST) board examination. Students should also check at the time of application to ask prospective employers about city requirements for employment (e.g. minimum age). |
| Mississippi | Not determined | ||
| Missouri | Not determined | ||
| Montana | Not determined | ||
| Nebraska | Not determined | ||
| Nevada | Not determined | ||
| New Hampshire | Not determined | ||
| New Jersey | Not determined | ||
| New Mexico | Not determined | ||
| New York | Not determined | ||
| North Carolina | Does not meet | North Carolina does not require a degree, but does require completion of their academy to learn state-specific laws. | |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board | Meets | This program meets state requirements, however students should also check at the time of application to ask if there are additional city requirements (e.g. minimum number of college credits needed, minimum age). |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Not determined | ||
| Ohio | Not determined | ||
| Oklahoma | Not determined | ||
| Oregon | Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training | Not determined | |
| Pennsylvania | Not determined | ||
| Puerto Rico | Not determined | ||
| Rhode Island | Not determined | ||
| South Carolina | Not determined | ||
| South Dakota | Meets | South Dakota requires a minimum of a high school diploma and age 21. There is not a state degree requirement; however, a 13-week academy may be required by the local law enforcement department to be completed after being hired. Students should contact the department they are applying to for more specific information since requirements vary by department. | |
| Tennessee | Not determined | ||
| Texas | Texas Commission on Law Enforcement | Meets | This program meets state requirements; however, students should also check at the time of application to ask if there are additional city requirements (e.g. minimum number of college credits needed, minimum age). |
| US Virgin Islands | Not determined | ||
| Utah | Not determined | ||
| Vermont | Not determined | ||
| Virginia | Not determined | ||
| Washington | Not determined | ||
| West Virginia | Not determined | ||
| Wisconsin | Not determined | ||
| Wyoming | Not determined |
Disclaimer: The college makes every effort to ensure the information above is current, but please be advised that state laws, regulations and policies may change at any time. It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or in the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements. M State shall not be held liable if a student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction or cannot obtain a practicum/internship location.
