2026-2027

Public Safety and Law Enforcement, Minor

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Public Safety and Law Enforcement Minor is designed for students interested in pursuing law enforcement careers with federal or state agencies such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, municipalities, sheriff's office, Department of Public Safety, state parks, or state environmental quality departments.

  • A minor is a secondary field of academic study that allows students to broaden their knowledge, enhance their major field of study, or pursue a personal interest without committing to another major, while still obtaining a credential on their transcript.

    To receive a minor (15 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses in a specific discipline or interdisciplinary area with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 that is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA 2.0
Highest Mathematics Required STA 270

Purpose Statement

The Public Safety and Law Enforcement Minor offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and practical competencies essential to contemporary policing. Students engage in an academically grounded program that integrates classroom instruction with applied training. Coursework emphasizes criminal law, constitutional principles, procedural justice, communication strategies, and the evolving role of law enforcement in a diverse society. Through scenario-based training, evidence-based techniques, and structured skill development, students cultivate proficiency in areas such as defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, emergency response, crisis intervention, and community engagement. 

Upon completion of the minor, students are certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZ POST) Board to be law enforcement officers throughout the state of Arizona and by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) to be law enforcement rangers in US National Parks. This parallel training uniquely prepares students to excel in public safety and legal roles from urban to wilderness environments. These certifications do not make a student a peace officer until an agency hires the student.

The minor fosters a culture of professionalism, reflection, and lifelong learning. Students emerge well prepared to enter the law enforcement profession with a strong academic foundation, practical readiness, and a commitment to integrity and public trust.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Understand crime prevention methodology and the functions of state law enforcement
  • Identify core concepts of community policing and problem-solving.
  • Acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities in law enforcement tactics (e.g., firearms, physical control techniques, emergency vehicle operations).
  • Identify general rules pertaining to civil litigation.
  • Analyze and evaluate Federal regulations protecting America's natural resources.
  • Apply the basic precepts of criminal law, authority, and jurisdiction in the protection of state and national parks.
  • Articulate the functions of park operations, management, and protecting the United States in terms of its historical roots, structure, and contemporary issues.
  • Demonstrate understanding of specific Arizona Revised Statutes, including title 13 Criminal Law and title 28 Motor Vehicle Law.
  • Apply concepts as it relates to Arizona criminal case law in law enforcement actions.
  • Demonstrate effective and ineffective courtroom testimony in state court proceedings.
  • Extend core disciplinary competencies by completing an elective course that deepens, contextualizes, or broadens understanding of law enforcement.

Minor Requirements

  • Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following:

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.