Please carefully read all of the instructions on this page that match your situation.

Different steps apply to cadets wanting to earn college credit vs. cadets only earning a POST.

I want to get my POST only

  1. Apply to Missouri Western as a non-degree seeking student.
  2. This means you will not be eligible for federal financial aid.
  3. Apply to the Law Enforcement Academy. A complete checklist of documents needed is included in the application packet. Please contact us at (816) 271-5843 if you have any questions. The full-time application packet may be downloaded below. Please bring the application to: Law Enforcement Academy, Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, Wilson Hall 202, St. Joseph, MO 64507.
  4. For the full-time academy, you will earn a total of 18 credits that can be applied toward a criminal justice degree.
Missouri Western Application For Admission
Full-time and part-time applications

I want to get my POST and work toward an associate or bachelor’s degree

  1. Register at Missouri Western as a degree seeking student.
  2. This means you MAY be eligible for federal financial aid.
  3. Submit ACT scores or take placement tests to determine if you need to enroll in developmental coursework.
  4. Determine if you can simultaneously take developmental work and the Law Enforcement Academy curriculum.
  5. If you cannot successfully complete both developmental work and the academy curriculum (which is most likely to be the case), complete required developmental coursework before attempting the academy curriculum.
  6. Apply to the Law Enforcement Academy. A complete checklist of documents needed is included in the application packet. Please contact us at (816) 271-5843 if you have any questions. The full-time application packet may be downloaded below. Please bring the application to: Law Enforcement Academy, Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, Wilson Hall 202, St. Joseph, MO 64507.
  7. For the full-time academy, you will earn a total of 18 credits that can be applied toward a criminal justice degree.
Missouri Western Application For Admission
Full-time and part-time applications

Admission Requirements

The MWSU Law Enforcement Academy derives its authority under the Missouri Code of State Regulations and complies with applicant eligibility requirements established therein:
11 CSR 75-14.060 Eligibility for Entrance into a Basic Training Course
PURPOSE: This rule identifies the qualifications for entrance into a basic training course.
(1) No person shall be admitted into a certified basic training course unless such person:
  • (A) Is eighteen (18) years of age or older;
  • (B) Is a United States citizen;
  • (C) Is the holder of a valid high school diploma or its equivalent pursuant to 11 CSR 75-2.010;
  • (D) Has been fingerprinted pursuant to 11 CSR 75-13.020 within one hundred twenty (120) days of, and no later than fifteen (15) days before, the start of the basic training course; and
  • (E) Has submitted a Missouri Peace Officer License Legal Questionnaire to the basic training center director.
Applicants for the Law Enforcement Academy will be reviewed and selection made without consideration of age, marital status, sex, national origin, color, creed, financial status, and/or religion to the extent required by law. The Department of Public Safety determines if the Applicant meets other requirements under the Code of Statute Regulations as related to conduct and character evidenced by criminal history and related documentation.