A picturesque view of University Hal featuring a clock tower and green spire, surrounded by lush trees with autumn foliage. The campus is set against the backdrop of rolling hills covered in dry grass and patches of forest, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Law Enforcement Training and Experience

UM recognizes that law enforcement officers may complete substantial college-level learning through academy training, POST-approved instruction, and professional service. The following CPL credit options are available to eligible students with verified law enforcement training and experience.

Law Enforcement CPL Credit Options
Law enforcement background	UM credit	Documentation required	Notes
Graduate of the Montana Law Enforcement Academy	18 elective credits	Documentation of MLEA completion	Credit is awarded as elective credit. Applicability to a specific degree depends on the student’s program requirements.
Graduate of any POST-approved law enforcement academy with at least 3 years of law enforcement experience	SOCI 221: Criminal Justice System and SOCI 225: Careers in Criminal Justice	Documentation of academy completion, POST approval/licensure, and employment verification showing at least 3 years as a law enforcement officer	Credit is subject to student eligibility, documentation review, degree applicability, and confirmation that credit does not duplicate prior coursework.

These credit options recognize documented law enforcement training and professional learning. Credit is not awarded for employment alone. Students must provide documentation showing qualifying academy training and, where required, verified law enforcement employment.