Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

M State's 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.

StateState Licensing Board or DepartmentState Licensing RequirementsNotes
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 
IowaIowa Department of Public SafetyDoes not meetIowa 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 
MinnesotaMinnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)MeetsThis 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 meetNorth Carolina does not require a degree, but does require completion of their academy to learn state-specific laws.
North DakotaNorth Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training BoardMeetsThis 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 
OregonOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and TrainingNot determined 
Pennsylvania Not determined 
Puerto Rico Not determined 
Rhode Island Not determined 
South Carolina Not determined 
South Dakota Not determined 
Tennessee Not determined 
TexasTexas Commission on Law EnforcementMeetsThis 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.