Ridgewater College MENU ×
  • Logins
    • COVID-19 Self-Screening
    • D2L – Brightspace
    • Email & Office 365
    • Employee Portal
    • e-Services
    • StarID
  • COVID-19
    • COVID-19
    • Daily Self-Screening
    • Exposure Reporting
    • MN State Dashboard
  • Bookstore
  • Library
    • Find What You Need
    • Library Services
    • Research Assistance
    • Contact Us
  • Events Calendar
    • Academic Calendars
    • Current Events
  • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Staff Directory
  • About
    • About
    • Academic Calendars
    • Accreditation
    • College Governance and Policies
    • Employment
    • In the News
    • Mission, Vision & Guiding Principles
    • RC Fast Facts
    • RC Viewbook
    • Student Rights & Responsibilities
  • Academics
    • A to Z Listing of Programs Offered
    • Academic Calendars
    • Areas of Study
    • Course Descriptions and Outlines
    • Course Catalog
    • Course Schedule
    • Customized Training & Continuing Education
    • Instructors & Credentials
    • Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
    • Online Programs and Options
    • Study Abroad
    • Transfer Pathways
    • Types of Degrees
    • Undecided?

    Areas of Study

    • Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology
    • Agriculture & Veterinary Technology
    • Art & Design
    • Automotive Trades
    • Business & Marketing
    • Construction Trades
    • Cosmetology & Massage Therapy
    • Education
    • Health Care
    • Information Technology
    • Law Enforcement & Public Safety
    • Liberal Arts
    • Mathematics, Science & Engineering
    • Occupational Skills Program
  • Admissions & Aid

    Admissions

    • Admissions & Aid
    • Admissions Checklist - Spring 2021
    • Apply Now
    • How to Apply
    • Orientation, Advising and Registration
    • PSEO - Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
    • Visit
    • Why Ridgewater

    Cost & Financial Aid

    • Cost: Tuition & Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Paying for College
    • Pay Your Tuition
    • Scholarships

    Information for Students

    • College in the Schools - Concurrent Enrollment
    • Incoming Transfer Students
    • International Students
    • Nontraditional Students
    • Online Students
    • Returning Students
    • Senior Citizens
    • Veterans
  • Student Services & Activities

    Student Services

    • Academic Support Center (Tutoring)
    • Advising and Support
    • Bookstore
    • Career Services
    • Counseling
    • Disability Services
    • Food Services
    • Housing & Community
    • Library
    • Multicultural Outreach
    • Student Records & Registration
    • Technology Services
    • Test Centers
    • TRIO Student Support Services
    • Veterans Resource Center

    Student Resources

    • Campus Maps & Parking - Hutchinson
    • Campus Maps & Parking - Willmar
    • Class Cancellations
    • Final Exam Schedule
    • Graduation
    • Star Alert
    • Student Emergency Resources
    • Student Forms
    • Student Health Resources
    • Student Rights & Responsibilities
    • Transcript Requests
    • Warrior Card Discounts
    • Watch Warrior Sports Live
    • Workshops

    Student Activities

    • Athletics
    • Student Life (Campus Activities)
    • Fitness Center
    • Performing & Visual Arts
    • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
    • Student Clubs
    • Student Senate
  • Alumni & Foundation
    • Alumni Services
    • Alumni: Share your Story
    • Give Now
    • Ridgewater College Foundation
    • Scholarships
    • Student Emergency Resources
    • Transcript Requests
    • Ways to Give
  • Athletics
    • Athletics
    • Athletics Inquiry Form
    • Athletic Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Watch Games Live

    Men's Sports

    • Baseball
    • Basketball
    • Clay Target
    • Wrestling

    Women's Sports

    • Basketball
    • Clay Target
    • Softball
    • Volleyball
  • Customized Training & Continuing Ed

    Customized Training Solutions

    • Agriculture
    • Construction
    • Emergency Medical Services
    • Fire
    • Government/Public Works
    • Healthcare
    • Manufacturing/Trades
    • Professional Services
    • Transportation/Distribution

    Training Programs

    • Agriculture
    • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training
    • Cosmetology/Massage Therapy/Spa Services
    • CPR & First Aid
    • Crane Operator and Rigger-Signaler Training Programs
    • Fire Service Training
    • Healthcare & Emergency Medical Services
    • Human Resources
    • Manufacturing
    • Motorcycle Rider Safety
    • Motorcycle Safety Classes
    • Nursing Assistant/TMA Training
    • Professional Development Training Programs
    • Trade & Industry
    • Workplace Safety
    • Certifications and Licensure
    • CTCE Staff
    • Schedule a Free Consultation
Show Alert Sections
Close Alert Section

COVID-19 INFORMATION: Daily self-screening and face coverings required to be on campus. Screening can be completed before or upon arrival.  Access the Screening Form

Attention Alumni: Important notice regarding disclosure of private information and the Blackbaud, Inc. data breach Read More

Home    |    Academics    |    Areas of Study    |    Law Enforcement & Public Safety    |    Law Enforcement Program

Print
Share
  • Law Enforcement & Public Safety
  • Criminal Justice Transfer Pathway
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program
    • Careers
  • Law Enforcement Program
    • Careers
    • Faculty
  • Law Enforcement Transfer Pathway
  • Paramedic Program
    • Careers
    • Faculty

Law Enforcement Program

Listen
 

Public safety and criminal justice are critical demands from today’s citizens. Police, deputies, parole officers, troopers, and other authoritative figures enforce the law and create order. Sirens, tasers, and uniforms get people’s attention, but it’s skilled professionals like Ridgewater’s Law Enforcement graduates who become peace officers who put their lives on the line to protect and to serve.

Program delivery

  • Willmar campus
  • Online – fully or blended
  • Fall and spring starts

Skills you will learn

  • Criminal law
  • Police ethics and leadership
  • Self-defense and enforcement tactics
  • Homeland security
  • Crime scene simulations
  • Criminal investigations
  • Public record reporting
  • Media communications

Choose Ridgewater

Nationally recognized as one of the top 20 online associate degree law enforcement programs, Ridgewater’s Law Enforcement is comprehensive training with a long tradition. Experienced law professionals prepare students to either take their Minnesota Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Board exam to enter the workforce or to transfer to obtain a related bachelor’s degree. A strong partnership with St. Cloud State University allows students to easily transfer. Available on campus or fully online (with exception to the 10-week skills training), Ridgewater’s established program is helping fill the increasing demand for law enforcement. Jobs are waiting for you!

Program Distinction

Certified by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training

Program attributes that help students thrive

  • On campus option for the college experience for those looking for the social interaction
  • Online option provides convenience and flexibility to working students or those with families
  • Seasoned instructors are current with the latest industry tactics and challenges
  • Students graduate with the strong foundation needed for skills training with the Minnesota Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST)

Ridgewater’s most successful Law Enforcement graduates work well independently and with a team, communicate clearly both verbally and written, and comprehend information well. They can take charge of a situation and yet follow orders, and are physically fit or willing to pursue that goal. When the difference could be between life and death in an intense situation, Ridgewater wants you to be among the most prepared. We can get you there!

Salary and Job Outlook Law Enforcement

Potential Careers for GraduatesEntry Level Annual Wage 2018Median Annual Wage 2018Projected Growth Rate 2016-2026Projected Regional Job Openings 2016-2026
Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers$37,315$55,016
14%862
Correctional Officers & Jailers$39,603$59,571-1%832
Probation Officers & Correctional Treatment​$25,064$38,75014%144
Detectives & Criminal Investigators$44,907$61,15214%101

Degrees and Certificates

2020-2021

Degrees Law Enforcement 2020-2021

TitleCreditsLocation
Law Enforcement AAS Degree67 creditsWillmar
Online
Law Enforcement AS Pathway68 creditsWillmar
2019-2020

Degrees Law Enforcement 2019-2020

TitleCreditsLocation
Law Enforcement AAS Degree67 creditsWillmar
Online
Law Enforcement AS Pathway68 creditsWillmar
three male students and one female student walking on campus

Request Information

Learn why Ridgewater is right for you!

Request Information
Two students jumping in the air on a sidewalk

Apply Today

Get started on your future!

Apply Today
  • How to Apply
  • Visit
  • Give
  • Contact Us
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Willmar, MN

320-222-5200

Get Directions

Campus Map & Parking

Hutchinson, MN

320-234-8500

Get Directions

Campus Map & Parking

  • Home
  • Ridgewater College Foundation
  • Employment
  • Message the President
  • Request Information
  • Employee Portal
© 2021 Ridgewater College | Privacy Statement

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Ridgewater College is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Minnesota State