MCPA Executive Leadership College
A premier command-level leadership program for Minnesota law enforcement
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association is launching a new, intensive leadership and management education program designed to prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for success in senior command roles. The MCPA Executive Leadership College is comparable in scope and rigor to nationally recognized programs such as the Northwestern Police Staff & Command School and the FBI National Academy.
Offered through MCPA’s Center for Police Leadership Training, this program is built for current and aspiring supervisors, commanders, chiefs, and sheriffs who are ready to strengthen their leadership capacity and strategic decision-making skills.
Participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their commitment to advanced leadership development and mastery of complex command-level topics.
In addition to the certificate, the Executive Leadership College provides a pathway toward a graduate degree. Metro State University will accept this leadership education program as 12 graduate-level college credits. For those who choose to continue, these credits may be applied toward a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice & Public Safety Leadership. The full degree typically requires 30 credits, and with the MCPA certificate applied, students would complete the remaining credits to finish the degree program.
Learn from experienced law enforcement leaders who understand the realities of policing in Minnesota. Real-world, practical instruction designed for chiefs and command staff.
Courses in the Executive Leadership College certificate program may include:
- Leadership Development, Self-Awareness, and the Use of Self for Law Enforcement Executives
- Strategic Leadership in Policing
- Community Engagement and Cultural Competency in Law Enforcement
- Evidence-Based, Data-Driven Leadership in Law Enforcement
- Applied Industrial–Organizational Psychology and Human Resources Management in Law Enforcement
- Communication, Conflict, and Decision Making for Police Executives
The following session dates are scheduled for the program:
- November 16–20, 2026
- December 14–18, 2026
- January 11–15, 2027
- February 8–12, 2027
- March 8–12, 2027
- April 19–23, 2027
Each session will be conducted Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Instruction may be delivered in person or virtually, depending on the course. Final format and scheduling details will be determined by each instructor.