ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PARTNERS WITH NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY TO CONTINUE EXPANDING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2026
April 28, 2026
DeKALB – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is partnering with Northern Illinois University (NIU) to advance educational opportunities to build an even stronger law enforcement agency. Through a Credit for Prior Learning Agreement, ISP cadets who graduate from the ISP Academy will receive credit toward an advanced degree.
“The Illinois State Police’s partnership with Northern Illinois University represents our ongoing commitment to professional development and lifelong learning for our officers,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The opportunity to pursue a higher education degree upon successful completion of the ISP Academy is a testament to the value we place on education and excellence in public service.”
NIU will offer nine credit hours to ISP Academy graduates who are admitted to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service Leadership, Criminology, or General Studies.
“Through our partnership with the Illinois State Police, NIU continues to demonstrate how intentional, well-aligned collaborations can create meaningful pathways for student success,” said Alicia Schatteman, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. “By recognizing the rigorous training completed at the ISP Academy as credit for prior learning, we are not only accelerating time to degree, but also building clear, efficient pathways that honor students’ professional experience while strengthening the future of public service.”
In state, NIU joins Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Western Illinois University in offering credit hours toward an advanced degree, as well as the American Public University and the University of Maryland Global Campus.
American Public University
- 39 credit hours toward a Criminal Justice Major
Eastern Illinois University
- 12 hours awarded toward the Interdisciplinary Program
- $1,000 annual scholarship for two years
Governors State University
- 33 hours awarded toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with completion of ISP Cadet training
- 48 hours awarded toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with completion of ISP Cadet training, four years of service, and completion of Sergeant Exam
- Up to 90 hours towards a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with completion of ISP Cadet training, an associate’s degree, four years of service, and completion of Sergeant Exam
- Master’s Degree is varying credits depending on major
Illinois State University
- 6 hours toward a Criminal Justice Science Degree
Northern Illinois University
- 9 credit hours with completion of ISP Cadet training toward a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminology, Bachelor of General Studies, or Bachelor of Science in Public Service Leadership
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Up to 15 hours toward a Criminal Justice Degree
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Up to 15 hours awarded toward a Criminal Justice Major or Liberal Studies Major
- May submit materials for consideration of additional hours toward electives
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Up to 60 hours toward a Criminal Justice Degree
Western Illinois University
- 12 hours awarded toward an internship for fieldwork experience
ISP also provides tuition reimbursement for ISP officers with at least one year of service who complete work-related courses.
To learn more about joining ISP, visit https://illinoistrooper.com/.
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