The Lead Off
- Bowling Green State University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have announced a new partnership to help troopers and cadets earn criminal justice degrees while continuing their careers.
- The agreement allows qualifying law enforcement personnel to receive college credit for academy training completed through the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
- Officials say the program is designed to expand educational opportunities and help meet workforce needs in public safety.
COLUMBUS, OHIO (WOWO) Bowling Green State University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have announced a new agreement aimed at expanding educational and career opportunities for state troopers and cadets.
The partnership allows qualifying members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol to receive college credit for completed law enforcement training and apply those credits toward online criminal justice degree programs at BGSU.
The agreement was signed July 7 and will begin offering opportunities to eligible troopers and cadets starting this fall.
Program provides college credit for academy training
Under the agreement, qualifying troopers and cadets can receive up to 33 BGSU credits for successful completion of formal training through the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy or the Peace Officer Basic Training Academy.
Those credits can be applied toward an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree at BGSU.
The university said the partnership is the first of its kind with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and is intended to reduce the time required for troopers to complete a degree.
Officials highlight workforce development goals
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the partnership supports efforts to recruit and retain qualified law enforcement professionals.
“This new partnership between the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Bowling Green State University is not only an investment in troopers’ professional growth but also an investment in the safety of communities across the state,” DeWine said.
DeWine said increased access to higher education will allow officers to use additional training and education while serving Ohio communities.
State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari, who helped develop the initiative, said the agreement recognizes the training and experience earned by Ohio State Highway Patrol personnel.
“This partnership is exactly what government, higher education and public service should look like when we work together toward a common goal,” Ghanbari said.
Online degree options available
After admission to BGSU, eligible troopers and cadets can begin with the fully online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program through BGSU Firelands, the university’s regional campus in Huron.
Students can then continue into the online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program through BGSU’s Bowling Green campus.
Both programs are eligible for Ohio State Highway Patrol tuition reimbursement.
BGSU said students entering the associate program after completing qualifying OSHP training may be able to earn the degree after taking as few as nine additional classes.
University and patrol leaders discuss partnership
BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said the agreement expands access to the university’s criminal justice programs for law enforcement professionals.
“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is so pleased to enter this agreement with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, expanding pathways to a Bowling Green degree for our state’s troopers and cadets as they look to grow in their careers and service to Ohio,” Rogers said.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Charles A. Jones said education plays an important role as law enforcement continues to change.
“Law enforcement continues to evolve, and education plays an important role in preparing our personnel for the challenges ahead,” Jones said.
Degree programs designed for working professionals
BGSU said the online criminal justice programs are designed to allow troopers and cadets to continue working while completing their education.
The online bachelor’s program can be completed in as few as 12 months of full-time study, according to the university. Internship requirements may also be completed through the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The programs include coursework focused on:
- Government and legal systems.
- Crime policies and practices.
- Problem-solving and critical evaluation.
- Communication skills used in criminal justice careers.
BGSU said the programs follow Quality Matters standards for online education and include academic support services for students.
Next steps
Qualifying Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and cadets can begin participating in the program during the fall semester. Additional information about eligibility, applications and degree pathways is available through BGSU’s partnership program.
The Takeaway
- Bowling Green State University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have created a new pathway allowing qualifying troopers and cadets to earn criminal justice degrees while receiving credit for academy training.
- Participants can receive up to 33 college credits and pursue online associate or bachelor’s degree programs designed to fit around law enforcement careers.
- Officials say the partnership is intended to expand workforce development, improve access to higher education and support the future needs of Ohio’s law enforcement agencies.
