Criminal Justice Major: Law Enforcement Track

Our law enforcement track is designed to provide you with a well-rounded education in the field of criminal justice and to ultimately prepare you to serve as a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer. With its rigorous curriculum, the track not only meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Peace Officer, but upon graduation you’ll be eligible to take the MN Peace Officer Standards and Training Licensure Exam. Successfully passing the exam will allow you to obtain POST licensure in Minnesota.

In today’s complex and dynamic world, a multidisciplinary perspective is crucial for tackling the challenges of crime and criminal justice. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, you’ll explore these issues from various angles, drawing from social, economic, political science, and historical viewpoints. This holistic approach helps you gain a deeper understanding of the root causes and consequences of criminal behavior, preparing you to make informed decisions in your career.

Our major is built around a core set of criminal justice courses that provide a strong foundation in the field. The law enforcement track, however, goes even deeper by focusing on criminal investigation techniques, cultural diversity in criminal justice, American Constitutional Law, and field methods. 

As a graduate, you’ll be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer. Saint Mary’s prepress you with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical values to meet the demands of this vital profession. You’ll be ready to protect, serve, and lead in a world that increasingly requires compassionate and competent officers. Because of you, the world will be a safer place.