Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
2015-2016 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Police Science, B.S.


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The challenges and responsibilities of the modern police officer have undergone tremendous changes. Today’s police officer must be prepared to meet the needs and expectations of an ever-changing, complex, and diverse society. The Bachelor of Science in Police Science program provides officers an opportunity to become better prepared for meeting these new challenges. Together with other working professionals, officers study the management, leadership, and communication skills and law enforcement tools necessary to continue their personal and professional development and respond to societal needs.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Police Science program are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Incorporate community involvement in the creation of a safe environment.
  2. Apply leadership and management skills to law enforcement.
  3. Develop organizational systems that foster problem solving within their local communities.
  4. Interpret the laws, rules, regulations, and policies of the criminal justice system.
  5. Assess various investigative techniques.
  6. Communicate effectively in a variety of modes.
  7. Work effectively with diverse populations.
  8. Examine the ethical implications of professional and personal actions in law enforcement.
  9. Recognize the need for lifelong learning.

Additional Specialization Program Outcomes

Management - Demonstrate comprehensive management skills needed fur upper-level roles and responsibilities in various law enforcement organizations.

Security Management - Demonstrate specialized technical and administrative skills needed for asset protection management in various business organizations.

Forensic Investigation - Demonstrate specialized technical and administrative skills needed for various forensic investigations.

Degree Requirements


A minimum of 122 semester credits are required for graduation with the bachelor of science degree from Saint Mary’s University. All students must meet the general education credit requirements. A minimum of 36 credits is needed to complete the B.S. in Police Science program.

Students may complete the general B.S. in Police Science program or choose to add an additional specialization in one of the following: Management, Security Management, or Forensic Investigation.  Students choosing to specialize take an additional 12 credits (36 core program credits + 12 specialization credits = 48 credits total).

Required Police Science Courses 15 cr.
Required Capstone Course  3 cr.
Required Communication Courses  6 cr.
Elective Courses 12 cr.
Total Credits: Police Science Program
36 cr.
Add: Specialization (if desired) 12 cr.
Total Credits: Police Science Program with Specializations
48 cr.

 

Required Capstone Course: 3 cr.


Elective Courses: 12 cr.


Management Specialization: 12 cr.


The Management specialization provides the management skills needed by leaders working in a variety of organizations.  In addition to the comprehensive law enforcement curriuclum provided by the core Police Science program courses, the Management specialization helps prepare students with additional managerial skills needed in a variety of organizations.  The specialization consists of the following four additional courses:

Security Management Specialization: 12 cr.


The Security Management specialization provides the management, investigative, and technology skills needed by practitioners seeking work in the fields of security management and asset protection.  In addition to the comprehensive law enforcement curriculum provided by the core Police Science program courses, the Security Management specialization helps prepare students to assess security threats, lead investigations, partner with law enforcement, recognize trends, create a safe environment, and become better managers and leaders in the private security sector.  The specialization consists of the following four additional courses (plus required program elective courses).

Forensic Investigation Specialization: 12 cr.


The Forensic Investigation specialization provides the investigative and technology skills needed by practitioners in either law enforcement or the private sector.  In addition to the comprehensive law enforcement curriculum provided by the core Police Science program courses, the Forensic Investigation specialization helps prepare students to lead and complete investigations in this specialized discipline. The specialization consists of the following four courses (plus 3 required program elective courses).

Faculty


The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements


Applicants may apply for admission to undergraduate certificate and degree programs at any time during the year and, if accepted, begin the program during any one of the three semesters. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful undergraduate coursework. Applicants must provide evidence of at least 30 transferable semester credits upon acceptance including completion of a basic English composition course. Applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process


Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel), and
  2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation source, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.)

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55404

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