Pennsylvania State Police Academy graduates can receive academic credit toward any PennWest University criminal justice program through a new cooperative agreement between PennWest and the Pennsylvania State Police. 

The credit applies to criminal justice programs offered at PennWest’s California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses and through PennWest Global Online. Current and prospective PennWest students who complete the academy are eligible to receive credit for prior learning, as are academy graduates who later enroll at the university. 

“This agreement recognizes the rigor of Pennsylvania State Police Academy training and the significant knowledge and skills cadets develop through that experience,” said Dr. Kristy Bishop, PennWest provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “By translating that learning into college credit, PennWest can help those serving the commonwealth continue their education and advance their personal and professional goals.” 

“We are excited to add PennWest to the growing number of educational institutions that are partnering with PSP for our internship program. This innovative agreement recognizes the value of the training provided at the PSP Academy and reflects our continued commitment to invest in the future of our Troopers,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.  

“Troopers who successfully complete Academy training will receive college credits that can be applied toward a degree, providing a head start for those who choose to continue their education now or later in their PSP careers. This is another way we can support our members’ continued education and professional growth.” 

Under the agreement, the Pennsylvania State Police will verify students’ acceptance into and completion of the academy and provide transcripts to PennWest upon request. PennWest will evaluate the academy experience and determine the applicable academic credit. Students must meet the separate admission requirements established by PennWest and the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. 

“State Police Academy graduates bring extensive training, discipline, and practical experience to the classroom,” said Dr. Christopher Wydra, professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Politics.  

“Recognizing that experience as academic credit gives them a meaningful head start toward completing a PennWest degree, with flexible on-campus and online options that can accommodate the demands of a career in public service.” 

The agreement reflects PennWest’s commitment to serving working adults and public-service professionals by recognizing relevant workforce training as academic credit. 

For more information about PennWest’s criminal justice programs, visit pennwest.edu/academics. 

Photo caption: Dr. Christoper Wydra, professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Politics, and Trooper Kalee Barnhart '16, community service and public information officer with Pennsylvania State Police Troop B.