Administrative Officers Management Program

The Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) is a unique educational program for public safety professionals seeking career advancement. Three times a year (Spring, Summer and Fall), a class of 25 participants lives in residence at the NC State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Raleigh, NC, for an intensive 12-week academic program during which they earn 15 college credits (9 undergraduate and 6 graduate) and a certificate of completion. Participants, who come from across the U.S., must be nominated by their department or agency.

AOMP is a partnership that brings together the theoretical perspective of the faculty and the practical experience of police officers in an effort to produce the effective and efficient public management techniques required in these increasingly complex times. In this partnership, the most up-to-date research in management and leadership is exemplified in the context faced by law enforcement administrators. This "theory into practice" perspective gives participants the opportunity to make meaningful change in their organizations.

Eligibility

Departments and agencies are invited to nominate candidates for admission. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of prior academic work, demonstrated ability to work at the academic level required by the program, and the candidate's assignment within his or her organization indicating management responsibilities or expectations.

Applications must include:

• Recommendation/endorsement by the candidate's agency or department
• Written statement by the candidate
• College/university transcripts of the candidate

Application deadlines: Three groups per year (Summer, Fall and Spring) are admitted, with deadlines of May (Summer), mid-August (Fall), and early January (Spring).

Plan of Study

All AOMP participants must take the full load of 15 credits during the 12-week program; there is no provision for part-time participation. Participants will receive credit for their coursework on a North Carolina State University transcript, which will also state that they have earned a certificate of completion.

Career Prospects

Approximately 50% of professionals working in administrative officer positions (police chiefs, wardens and security supervisors) have an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, business, public administration or sociology. For those who do not have a degree, the AOMP is a time-efficient, concentrated and specialized alternative to the traditional education path of an associate or a bachelor’s degree.

Those who already have a degree and yet seek additional specialized expertise find this program provides training, knowledge and best practices necessary for career advancement in security and law enforcement administrator positions. Challenges in the field have changed over the past decade as administrative officers face new social, political and cultural demands. Even experienced police chiefs, wardens and security supervisors may feel the need to sharpen their skills.

The curriculum covered by the AOMP is highly specific to the field and is taught by seasoned law enforcement professionals and professors who are in touch with current on-the-ground challenges and practices. The AOMP delivers the strategic solutions, knowledge and credentials required for continued success in today’s security and law enforcement careers.

The AOMP of the School of Public and International Affairs has provided management and leadership education for law enforcement careers since 1989.