Program Overview

Peace Officers Training Academy - Undergraduate Certificate

Overview

Join the ranks of law enforcement with Kent State's Peace Officer Training Academy certificate. Our comprehensive program provides the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified peace officer and serve your community with honor and integrity.

About This Program

The Peace Officers Training Academy undergraduate certificate prepares students to become law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio. Students pursuing the certificate must be accepted to Kent State’s Basic Peace Officer Academy. The certificate’s curriculum covers the basics of defensive tactics, firearms, driving, traffic, patrol, civil disorders, and first aid. Students learn investigative methods and the fundamentals of policing, the criminal justice system, constitutional law, and homeland security.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the certificate is selective. Applicants to the certificate must meet all admission criteria for acceptance into Kent State’s Basic Peace Officer Academy. Criteria includes:

• Valid driver’s license
• High school diploma or GED
• Good physical condition
• No felony or drug convictions or arrests for domestic violence

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

• POTA 11001: PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY I (6 credit hours)
• POTA 11002: PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY II (5 credit hours)
• POTA 11003: PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY III (6 credit hours)
• POTA 11004: PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY IV (5 credit hours)

Minimum Total Credit Hours: 22

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of the Kent State University Basic Peace Officer Academy
• Minimum Certificate GPA: 2.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.000

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify the components and legal processes of the criminal justice system, and apply basic criminal laws to various situations.
2. Explain the different types of police procedures and their effective uses in law enforcement.
3. Use ethical, analytical, and critical-thinking skills toward situations typical to criminal justice settings.
4. Safely and properly conduct a traffic stop and respond to a domestic disturbance, dispatched call, or crime in progress.
5. Properly carry out comprehensive criminal investigations and write various reports.
6. Proficiently provide first aid at the level of a first responder.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.