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Police Administration
The Police Administration emphasis will prepare you for a management role in law enforcement.
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Program Overview
Unlike a master's degree in criminal justice, which typically focuses on theoretical knowledge, Dordt's MPA program focuses on practical skills such as hiring employees, managing budgets, evaluating programs, and shaping institutional culture. Also, as bachelor's degrees become more common in law enforcement, having a master's degree like an MPA is an important asset for those seeking to work in federal law enforcement, especially with agencies like the FBI.
Program Details
Courses are offered in 7-week terms throughout the year.
A typical plan of study takes about two years to complete, with students taking one 7-week course at a time. Some opt for a slower pace, completing the program in four years.
- Contemporary Policing: This course will focus on the development, operation, and evaluation of both evidence-based policing methods and community initiatives, including developing effective public-private partnerships in this area. Students will learn to develop effective crime prevention programs through critical analysis of case studies and current research with a goal of identifying the key factors that influence effective policies and the challenges of implementation.
- Advanced Criminal Procedure: This course will foster a nuanced understanding of the logic and caselaw which animates the guarantees of the fourth, fifth, and sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Students will study foundational cases in the field, trace their development to modern standards, and discuss the decisions both made and anticipated which sit at the cutting edge of current law.
*Students will choose two additional courses from the general administration or nonprofit administration emphases.
More infoLeading the Way
Hear from Austin McCombs ('23), a patrol sergeant who received his MPA with a specialization in Police Administration from Dordt.
Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Faculty Info
Staff
If you have any questions about Dordt or this program, please feel free to reach out or connect with us and we'll be in touch.
"The Dordt University Graduate program was exactly what I was looking for when I was researching to further my education. The virtual classes were easy to navigate, great for instruction and made for easy communication with the instructors. The instructors themselves were God-loving individuals, extremely knowledgeable, 100% fair and great to deal with. Overall, it was the perfect program for my needs and educational desires."
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"The MPA program is related to my career in law enforcement because many of the subjects directly relate to the work I have been doing for the past 20 years. From budgeting to project management, the classes I've taken have helped me gain those skills that will further help me in my career aspirations."
Shane Alexander ('24), Patrol Sergeant in Utah
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