SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois state troopers and officers graduating from the ISP academy in Springfield will now be able to earn credit hours toward a bachelor's degree.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly and Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during a press conference alongside ISP cadets on January 30, 2025.
The Pritzker administration said Thursday that partnerships with four public universities will provide graduates with even more opportunities to succeed.
The Illinois State Police continuously work to grow and improve to meet the needs of communities. Director Brendan Kelly said education is a key avenue for that work.
"The curriculum taught at the academy covers many of the same subjects required for a degree in criminal justice, including criminal law and criminal procedure, human trafficking, juvenile justice, constitutional law, and more," Kelly said.
Kelly believes the governor's new opportunity for troopers will allow ISP to continue to evolve with the changing law enforcement landscape and interactions in the community. Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, Governors State University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will participate in the continuing education program.
"This program is above all an opportunity for Illinois State Police to develop their skills and advance their careers," Pritzker said. "Whether they're out on patrol or in the field investigating, this provides an opportunity to gain an advantage and prepare them for all the challenges they will face in the future."
Cadets could earn 12 credit hours toward the EIU interdisciplinary program and an annual $1,000 scholarship for two years of college after completing their training. WIU will award cadets 12 credit hours toward an internship for field experience and SIUE plans to give 8 hours toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or liberal studies.
Meanwhile, cadets could earn 33 hours towards a bachelor's degree in criminal justice through Governors State University. The south suburban college is also offering 48 hours toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or 42 hours toward an associate degree in criminal justice with four years of service and completion of the sergeant exam.
State Police also have an agreement with the American Public University System, which offers offers 39 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
"From law to medical and everywhere in between, there is not a degree that would not have a place here at the Illinois State Police," said Cadet Danielle Pondel. "The program would aid me greatly financially as well as fulfill my dream of working in the division of investigation at the Illinois State Police."
The Pritzker administration is working with additional universities to implement similar programs. ISP also provides tuition reimbursement for troopers with at least one year of service who complete work-related courses.
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