Peace Officers Training Academy - Undergraduate Certificate

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.

After successful completion of the certificate and the academy, students are eligible to take the state certification examination for law enforcement. Graduates of the certificate are able to matriculate into the A.A.S. degree in Criminology and Justice at Kent State.

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.

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 the following:

• Valid driver's license
• High school diploma or GED
• Age 20 or turning age 20 at time of enrollment
• Good physical condition
• No felony or drug convictions or arrests for domestic violence

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.

Submitting your English test score

When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

• Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
• An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

Proficiency Waivers

Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

¹ Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

² Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

³ Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge.  Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee.  The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

Submit an Online Application and Fee

Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply

• Passport biographical page.
• English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
• College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language). 
• College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language). 
• GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
• Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
  • Assistantship application.
  • Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines. 
• Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
• Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
• Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
  • *Financial documents are only required after acceptance. 

Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Application Status

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.