Skip Navigation
 
School of Security & Global Studies

Executive Law Enforcement Leadership

Online Graduate Certificate in Executive Law Enforcement Leadership

Apply Now Request Info
Program Requirements Related Programs Admission Requirements Paying for School

Save @ APU

$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Broaden your knowledge of police administration, leadership, organizational management and development, and grant writing with a graduate certificate in executive law enforcement leadership from American Public University (APU).

This online certificate program is designed to prepare chiefs of police and state law enforcement command personnel for leadership roles. Through six highly focused courses, you will examine such essential topics as executive decision making and strategic planning.

APU’s law enforcement leadership certificate is ideal for those looking to advance their learning without committing to a full degree program.

What You Will Do

  1. Compare and contrast techniques for structuring and resolving managerial problems in public and private organizations
  2. Evaluate interpersonal relations, motivation, decision making, and group behavior in organizations
  3. Interpret the role and function of leadership in terms of how it impacts individuals, organizations, and society
  4. Consider state-of-the-art practices, theories, strategies, and techniques relative to the strategic management and planning process

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Transfer up to 9 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

  • Want to Learn More?

    Contact student support if you're a current student and need assistance.

    Step One: Introduce Yourself
    Validation message here
    Validation message here
    Validation message here
    Validation message here
    Validation message here
    Validation message here
    Ready to apply? Start your application today.

    We value your privacy.

    By submitting this form by clicking “Learn More”, you are providing your signature and your express written consent, and hereby agree to receive information via electronic means, which may include a telephone system, an automated dialing system, text or media messaging, voice messages, and/or email about upcoming courses, recruitment events, newsletters, and other resources from American Public University System, Inc., which includes American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), American Public Education, Inc., and Zeta Global, a third-party contractor on behalf of American Public University System, Inc. This consent is not a condition of enrollment or purchase.

    You may withdraw your consent at any time. Please refer to our privacy policy, terms, or contact us for more details.

Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2586

|
The student will evaluate policies and procedures that are utilized in all phases of police administration. These include judicial decisions, which impact the legal status of the operation of police agencies. Additionally, administrative issues inherent in both large and small police organizations are assessed including: the history and context of police administration, police organizational tasks, leadership in the police organization, the role of the police manager, and the role of citizen oversight. Oversight committees addressing police accountability for community enforcement services are analyzed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2604

|
This course is a study in the major decisions made by law enforcement executives from a variety of levels and locales. These decisions include issues in crisis management as well as inter-relationships among community leaders with police executives. Management styles are addressed to determine the most effective methods of implementing solutions to macro social community problems. Additionally, strategic decision-making processes are assessed to evaluate fairness and the aspects of voluntary cooperation and attitudes of all parties. The intent of the course is to provide a thorough analysis of executive decision making from which the student can appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of executive decisions while reflecting on the student’s own style and approach to decision making.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2671

|
This course evaluates techniques for structuring and resolving managerial problems in organizations. The main managerial/educational tool used in the course is the business model canvas, which is a contemporary approach to identifying and creating a functional business/management plan in an organizational context. Topics include an examination of organizational theories, organizational framing, metaphorical analysis, systems theory, and organizational diagnosis.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2682

|
This course consists of a collection of classic and contemporary readings in Organizational Development covering a broad range of topics including change management, organizational culture, team development, and organizational development diagnostic models. Included are experiential exercises that give students an opportunity to practice their skills and cases that allow students to draw on their experiences to apply the concepts and theories in managerial situations.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2708

|
This course covers the elements of contemporary leadership and delineates the principles that are important in the development of a leader for the 21st century. Discussion of the role and function of leadership will include an in-depth analysis and study of needs impacting individuals, organizations and society. The course provides students with a set of leadership skills and competencies on which to build a unique model for effective leadership that can be tested over time.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2674

|
Being a strategic or visionary leader has been identified as one of the top five skills needed to be successful in the global economy. This course outlines successful Strategic Management and Planning techniques, and it addresses the fundamentals of the strategic alignment of people, resources and processes to the business vision, mission, and purpose of the organization.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jan 6
Register by Jan 3
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

  • All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®).
  • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.