Pennsylvania State Police and Commonwealth University Forge Pathway to Higher Education for Cadets

Pennsylvania State PoliceCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and Commonwealth University have formalized an agreement granting college credits to state troopers who successfully complete cadet basic training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. This initiative is poised to enhance career trajectories for state troopers by integrating their rigorous training into academic achievement.

Under this new agreement, Commonwealth University will award academic credits towards an Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice for cadets who fulfill their training requirements. This development arrives on the heels of PSP’s decision to suspend the 60-college credit prerequisite for becoming a state trooper, a move aimed at broadening access to the law enforcement profession.

Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This agreement, coupled with the department’s suspension of the college credit requirement to become a Pennsylvania state trooper, expands opportunities for a rewarding career in law enforcement and public service.” The initiative addresses financial barriers that previously deterred potential candidates from pursuing higher education concurrently with their law enforcement careers.

Hope Lineman, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Commonwealth University, highlighted the university’s commitment to accessible education, saying, “Commonwealth University is focused on improving equitable access, removing financial barriers and meeting learners where they are at, allowing them to step in and out of education as they need to.” By recognizing the State Police Academy training, the university facilitates cadets’ progress towards degree attainment and promotes career advancement.

Neil Weaver, Secretary of Administration, lauded the initiative, noting, “The PSP Academy is one of the top law enforcement training programs in the nation. The opportunity to receive college credits recognizes the exceptional quality of this program and the caliber of individuals who graduate to become state troopers.”

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Reflecting Governor Shapiro’s directive, this collaborative effort underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the public sector. The 2024-25 Commonwealth budget allocates $16 million for four cadet classes, reinforcing the state’s investment in developing a highly skilled law enforcement workforce.

Prospective cadets must meet specific criteria, including possessing a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid driver’s license, and being within the age range of 20 to 40 at the time of academy entry. The academy’s 28-week training program encompasses physical conditioning, legal education, and skills development in firearms and law enforcement techniques. Successful graduation elevates cadets to the rank of trooper, accompanied by a salary increase to $66,911 annually.

This initiative represents a pivotal step in aligning law enforcement training with academic credentials, thereby enhancing career pathways and fortifying the professional development of Pennsylvania’s state troopers. For more information on joining the Pennsylvania State Police, interested individuals are encouraged to visit patrooper.com.

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