2026-2027

Public Safety and Law Enforcement, Undergraduate Certificate

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Certificate in Public Safety and Law Enforcement provides the professional credentials needed to pursue a career in federal parks service and state of Arizona law enforcement. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safeguard the public communities and public lands.

  • A certificate focuses on practical training and workforce skill development in a particular field.

    To receive an undergraduate certificate of 12 or more units at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Approximately 75 percent of the credits must be earned through coursework at NAU (specific unit requirements may be found in the Details Tab).

    Federal financial aid may not be available for certain certificates when they are completed as standalone programs (i.e., not pursued at the same time as a degree). Refer to the 'Details' tab for more information.

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.

Minimum Units for Completion 15
Major GPA 2.0

Purpose Statement

The Public Safety and Law Enforcement Certificate 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, to include title 13 Criminal Law and title 28 Motor Vehicle Law.
  • Apply concepts as they relate to Arizona criminal case law in law enforcement actions.
  • Demonstrate effective and ineffective courtroom testimony in state court proceedings.

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 15 units:


    A minimum of 9 units of coursework must be taken at Northern Arizona University.

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

  • Students enrolled in this certificate 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.