York College of Pennsylvania Partners with Pennsylvania State Police to Award College Credit for Academy Completion
York College of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have formalized a landmark Academy Internship Cooperative Agreement.
This partnership establishes a direct pipeline for enrolled students and incoming cadets, allowing those who successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy curriculum to receive academic credit toward their undergraduate degrees at York College.
Under the agreement, York College will award credit for a student who completes the comprehensive training program conducted at the PSP Academy in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This partnership connects top-tier police training with college academics, making it much faster and cheaper for active Troopers to get their degrees.
"This agreement with York College of Pennsylvania reflects our unwavering commitment to higher education and professional development for our members," said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "By building upon the foundation established through our Academy curriculum and aligning it with the academic eminence of York College of Pennsylvania, this partnership allows us to support students as they prepare for the demands of service as Pennsylvania State Troopers."
York College leadership is equally excited to welcome these dedicated public servants into their academic community.
"York College is honored to partner with the Pennsylvania State Police in a shared mission toward leadership and public service," said Dr. Thomas D. Burns, President of York College of Pennsylvania. "By recognizing the elite, demanding training of the PSP Academy with challenging academics, we are welcoming dedicated Cadets and Troopers into our educational community, expanding their career horizons while enriching our own classrooms."
On the academic side, the focus is entirely on creating smooth, practical pathways that value the intensive field training cadets undergo.
"This partnership creates a flexible, highly advantageous degree pathway tailored specifically for law enforcement professionals," said Dr. Josh Landau, Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. "For students looking to maximize their real-world experience, this operational alignment allows them to seamlessly transform intensive academy field training into tangible college credit, building momentum directly toward long-term career advancement."
Both organizations are excited to see this partnership grow and look forward to helping the next generation of law enforcement officers achieve their academic goals. By working together, York College and the Pennsylvania State Police are proud to support those who serve our communities both in the field and in the classroom.
