New agreement offers PSP cadets chance to earn college credits for training

Bloomsburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State Police have made an agreement with Commonwealth University (CU) that will allow cadets to receive CU college credits for their training.

Cadets can receive 20 CU credits after graduating from the PSP academy if they are enrolled in a criminal justice degree program at any CU campus.

CU campuses are located in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Clearfield.

"This agreement, coupled with the department's elimination of the college credit requirement to become a Pennsylvania state trooper, expands opportunities for a rewarding career in law enforcement and public service," commented Colonel Christoper Paris, PSP commissioner. "The cost of a higher education is often a barrier to earning a degree, and we hope to remove that barrier by assisting women and men who take the alternate route of completing college after starting their career."

Academy training is approximately 28 weeks of rigorous physical activities and educational coursework in Pennsylvania's crime and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms, and special equipment training.

"As more working learners look for programs that will help them realize their career ambitions, we have an opportunity to steward that attainment," said Hope Lineman, CU executive director of workforce development. "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. We are excited to enter into this agreement to allow for recognition of the State Police Academy training that places state troopers that much closer to degree attainment and upward career mobility."

In addition to earning credits, after graduating from the PSP academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

"Innovative agreements like this are crucial as we continue to foster the growth of workforce development initiatives that will benefit all learners in Pennsylvania. Thank you to all involved for making this agreement possible and for putting the success of students first," added CU president Bashar W. Hanna.