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Receive foundational training for a future in Law Enforcement and Public Safety.
C.A.S. in Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Academy at Gallatin College MSU trains students to become skilled police and law enforcement officers. Students learn how to patrol neighborhoods, investigate crimes, control traffic, communicate with witnesses, collect and handle evidence, and prevent crime. They also learn how to safely use and manage weapons and equipment, write reports, and complete other daily law enforcement tasks. Students who finish the program will have the opportunity to pursue Public Officer Safety Training (POST) certification through the State of Montana.
This program takes place in-person over 14 weeks during the Summer with three additional online courses in the Fall semester. Graduates will earn an accredited Certificate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement. They will also be eligible for a state-recognized Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic certification upon being hired by a Montana law enforcement agency within five years of program completion and fulfillment of additional employment and training requirements outlined in Montana A.R.M. 23.13.205 and 23.13.206.
Scheduled to begin in Summer 2026
15 Years of Excellence
Gallatin College MSU has been providing an accessible, student-centered education that supports individuals’ personal and professional goals since 2009.
Unique Opportunities
At Gallatin College MSU, students are offered hands-on experiences in labs, studios, and internship opportunities.
Personalized Experience
At Gallatin College MSU, a combination of small class sizes, hands-on education and training and highly qualified instructors with relevant industry experience makes for a student-centered approach focused on success and goal fulfillment.
Courses and Job Skills
Through courses including Police Patrol Procedures, Communications for Public Safety, Criminal Investigation, Firearms, and Life Saving Skills, you will gain these valuable job skills:
- Summarize the development and content of Federal, Montana, and Tribal laws and the basics of criminal procedure.
- Follow the basic structure of patrol operations, respond to various patrol-related scenarios using best practices, and translate events through verbal or written reports.
- Practice impartial and fair policing when interacting with diverse populations and apply best practices to foster healthy outcomes for officers and citizens.
- Apply the investigative training appropriate to the circumstances of a particular encounter (ranging from active crime scene management to interview and interrogation).
- Demonstrate appropriate lifesaving skills called on by a situation, including defensive tactics, officer use of force, and basic medical attention.
- Use appropriate communication strategies called on by a situation including constructive questioning, de-escalation, report writing, and use of inclusive language and legal terminology.
Careers
Law Enforcement Academy program graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol officers
- Tribal law enforcement officers
- Criminal investigators and detectives
- Fish, wildlife and parks game wardens