Option I is the track within the law enforcement major that prepares students for licensure. Students contemplating becoming peace officers in Minnesota upon graduation from college should seek to enroll in Option I.
Admittance to Option I is not automatic. Students must fulfill the admission requirements for Option I and then formally apply for admittance. Students are encouraged to complete the requirements and apply for Option I no later than the end of their junior year.
The following is required for admission to Option I:
Students must complete the following courses:
Students must complete the above five LAWE courses with a grade of “C” or better. Additionally, students must have an average of 2.6 or greater in these five classes and an overall university GPA of 2.0 or greater. Students must also earn a grade of "C" or better in POLS 111.
Students must acquire a statement on letterhead from a Minnesota licensed psychologist stating that the student… “does not pose a serious threat to the health or safety to him/herself or others.”
If students need assistance in locating a Minnesota licensed psychologist to provide this statement, they can contact the Department of Political Science and Law Enforcement at 389-2721 for information.
Students must acquire a statement on letterhead from a Minnesota licensed physician (MD or DO) stating that the student… “does not have any preexisting injuries or medical restrictions which may affect his/her ability to safely participate in strenuous, but not unduly harsh, training activities.”
Students must sign an advisory form in which they affirm that they understand the requirements for POST licensure as well as what will disqualify that individual from licensure and from the Option I program. The advisory form is available for downloading on the Law Enforcement Program website.
Students seeking admittance to Option I must complete and document 24 hours of ride-along time with a law enforcement agency. This requirement can be accomplished by documenting previous ride-along time--even if it occurred prior to attending MSU.
To apply for Option I, students should hand-deliver the required documentation of the ride-along hours completed, the psychological and physical assessments, and an unofficial transcript. A P.O.S.T. Minimum Selection Standards advisory form and an application for admission may be picked up and completed in 109 Morris Hall or downloaded here: Application for Admission. All materials should be submitted together at the same time to the department office, 109 Morris Hall.
