Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer

Recommended Course of Study

A.S.

Note: Not all courses will be available every semester. For a complete list of Goal Area course choices, please visit the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) page.

2023-2024 Required Courses

Semester 1

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CJS 1150
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Footnote¹
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Describes the American system of criminal justice, including theories of crime and justice, criminal law, policing, courts, associated pre- and post-trial legal processes, corrections, juvenile justice, and special issues in criminal justice. This course will also explore criminal justice careers, changes to the system, and the future of criminal justice. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.?

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  ENG 1108
Writing And Research Skills
Footnote¹
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites:
  • ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills

Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  SOC 1127
Social Inequalities: Race, Class, & Gender
Footnote¹
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 07
Describes and analyzes selected inequality relationships in the United States. Topic areas will include economic inequality-poverty; ethnic inequality-racism; and gender inequality-sexism. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.3200, Subp. 3, Standard 12a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  PSYC 1101
Introduction to Psychology
Footnote¹
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 05
Presents a survey of the science of psychology including theoretical and experimental findings and applications. Topics include research methodology, the nervous system, perception, cognition, learning, memory, human development, emotions, motivation, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, attitudes, social influence and growth processes. This course may not be taken for credit if you have already earned credit for Introduction to Psychology with Lab (PSYC 1201). Prereq: Placement into ENG 1108 or successful completion (grade of C or above) of ENG 99/Read 93

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Semester 1 14

Semester 2

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CJS 1152
Peace Officer and Community
Footnote¹
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Studies the historical and contemporary roles of policing in society, strategies for positive peace officer-community relations and career-related issues for peace officers. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

Prerequisites:

  • CJS 1150 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  INTS 1150
Public Service in Diverse Communities
Footnote¹
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
MNTC Goal Areas: 09
Prepares students for meaningful careers in public service in an increasingly multicultural American society. This course will examine preconceptions, unconscious bias, and foster understanding of historically disadvantaged populations. Through assigned materials, class meetings, and completion of a comprehensive portfolio, students will critically examine their values, experiences, and behaviors to better understand and compassionately serve diverse communities. This course is recommended to be taken after completing one semester of coursework. It is also recommended to take concurrently with or after completing SOC 1127.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  POLS 1161
  POLS 1121
Introduction to Constitutional Law    OR

State and Local Government
Footnote³
3

Introduction to Constitutional Law
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
Provides students with an overview of the nature and scope of American Constitutional rights and liberties based upon the United States Constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. In your exploration of contemporary U.S. Constitutional issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

State and Local Government
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
Examines state and local government political institutions, behavior, public policies, tax and spending issues. The course will also analyze structure and behavior of state legislatures, governors, courts, and political parties, including the nomination and election process of state and local officials. The course emphasis will be on the Minnesota political system. In your exploration of contemporary Minnesota policy issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  SJS 1100
  COMM 2240
Introduction to Social Justice    OR

Intercultural Communication
3

Introduction to Social Justice
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 07
Explores the concepts of justice, oppression, and social change and examines the ways in which political, economic, legal, education, and other institutions create challenges for justice. In this course, students will explore, critique, and apply the fundamental concepts of justice, oppression and social change. Through course activities, students will begin integrating ideas and perspectives, formulating personal ideologies, and developing an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. They will also examine the broad concept of social change through explorations of different social movements, profiles of human rights activists, and various policies. The course seeks to broaden student understanding of contemporary justice issues and to enhance their knowledge of how they can become positive social change agents.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Intercultural Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08
Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  COMM 1100
Interpersonal Communication
Footnote¹
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07
Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Semester 2 14

Semester 3

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CJS 1154
Juvenile Justice
Footnote¹
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Examines the historical foundations, current philosophies, procedures and characteristics of the juvenile justice system. This course explores theories of delinquency, evaluation methods to assess behaviors and develop strategies while working with juveniles, as well as, Minnesota statutes and community corrections systems that apply specifically to juveniles. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

Prerequisites:

  • CJS 1150 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1100
Emergency Medical Responder
Footnote²
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
This course meets the National EMS Education Standards for Emergency Medical Responders. It includes the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for individuals first on scene to initially assess and provide care for sick or injured emergency patients. Successful completion qualifies the student to apply for certification in MN as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  ENG 1111
  ENG 1114
  ENG 1130
Research Writing    OR

The Research Paper    OR

Writing and Research For the Professions
2-3

Research Writing
Course Outline
Credits: 2
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

The Research Paper
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical analysis of fiction or nonfiction texts, at least one book-length, resulting in a research paper that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in ENG 1108.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Writing and Research For the Professions
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical audience analysis of professional texts across the disciplines, at least one book length, resulting in a professional research proposal, feasibility study, or report that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources, persuasion, and students' mastery of professional and audience analysis, business writing, researching, and evaluative skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4)
MATH 1101 or PHIL 1115 Recommended
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  SJS 1100
  COMM 2240
Introduction to Social Justice    OR

Intercultural Communication
3

Introduction to Social Justice
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 07
Explores the concepts of justice, oppression, and social change and examines the ways in which political, economic, legal, education, and other institutions create challenges for justice. In this course, students will explore, critique, and apply the fundamental concepts of justice, oppression and social change. Through course activities, students will begin integrating ideas and perspectives, formulating personal ideologies, and developing an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. They will also examine the broad concept of social change through explorations of different social movements, profiles of human rights activists, and various policies. The course seeks to broaden student understanding of contemporary justice issues and to enhance their knowledge of how they can become positive social change agents.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Intercultural Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08
Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Semester 3 14

Semester 4

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CJS 2225
Theory and Practice of Criminal Investigations
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Examines the documentation, evidence handling procedures and preservation needed in crime scene investigations. This course also explores the legal, procedural and ethical considerations in interviewing and interrogations along with balancing the constitutional rights and protection of suspects, witnesses and victims. Investigative preparation, documentation and report writing will be explored. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CJS 2230
Legal Issues and Procedures in Policing
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Explores the principles of criminal procedure and the rules established by the U.S. Supreme Court relating to suspect identification, search and seizure, arrest procedures, interrogation of suspects, and the legal processes applicable to policing. Students will study the legal concepts involved in the application of various amendments to policing as well as the Minnesota State Constitution, the U.S. Constitution and their procedural requirements. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.??

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CJS 2231
Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Code
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Prepares professional peace officers with contemporary policing options and practices to identify, analyze and apply Minnesota criminal statutes and traffic code. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CJS 2235
Professional Police Report Writing and Employment Preparation
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Prepares students in the construction of professional police reports using the Minnesota POST Board approved format. Professional police report writing includes peace officer terminology, effective grammar, sentence structure and syntax. This course also includes career preparation skills such as resume development, cover letter writing, background check preparation, and interviewing for the policing field. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.??

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  CJS 2240
Peace Officer and Human Behavior
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Integrates the academic knowledge, skills, and abilities of the basic patrol function of professional peace officers. These include, but are not limited to, vehicle stops, traffic enforcement, pedestrian checks, officer safety issues, and other duties as they relate to the basic patrol functions. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.??

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Semester 4 14

Semester 5

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CJS 2261
In Progress
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Instructs students in the areas of crimes in-progress.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2275
Traffic & Driving School
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Familiarizes students in the areas of Low Risk Traffic Stops, High Risk/Felony Stops, DWI enforcement, Crash Scene Management, Additionally, introduction to basic defensive and emergency driving techniques.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2280
Defensive Tactics
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Examines defensive tactics and active shooter response.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2285
Crime Scene and Evidence
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Examines search and seizure, booking and fingerprinting, crime scene investigations, latent prints, courtroom testimony, evidence collection and preservation.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2290
Firearms
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Integrates instruction and practical application in the use of deadly force, simunitions, firearms, and judgmental shootings.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in Semester 5 12
Total Credits: 68
‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.

Footnotes:
1 Required for admission to the Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of C and a cumulative GPA of 2.50.

2 EMR students will be required to receive certification through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

3Students intending to transfer to MN State University Mankato should choose POLS 1121 State & Local Government.