GovState and Illinois State Police Transfer Agreement

Registration opens October 28th for Spring classes beginning January 21st. Troopers who are first-time applicants should submit their applications and official transcripts by January 4th.

Bachelor's Degree Completion

• Graduates of the Illinois State Police Academy* are guaranteed admission to Governors State University.
• Illinois State Troopers receive Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) for successful completion of the Illinois State Police Academy, both Traditional and Fast Track.
• Troopers with prior college credit and/or who are U.S. Veterans may submit their college transcripts or Joint Service Transcripts for additional transfer credit.
• Some Troopers may be eligible for supplementary CPL.
• Retired troopers are welcome to apply.
• CPL automatically transfers to the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with the option of a Minor in Forensic Psychology.
• The BA in Criminal Justice is offered both in person and online.
• The minimum number of transferable credit hours is 33 and the maximum is 90 for the 120-credit hour BA in Criminal Justice.

*This Transfer Agreement applies only to graduates of the Illinois State Police Academy. Other law enforcement should contact Admissions for a Prior Learning Assessment.

APPLY NOWHOW TO APPLYLEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

Graduate Degrees

• Illinois State Troopers who have passed the Sergeant exam are eligible for up to 9 credit hours of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) for the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and 3 credit hours of CPL for the Master of Public Administration.
• All undergraduate pre-requisites are waived for graduates of the Illinois State Police Academy for the Master of Arts in Psychology (Clinical) and the Master of Arts in Counseling (CACREP). Illinois State Troopers who have passed the Sergeant exam are also eligible for 3 credit hours of CPL for these graduate programs.

“As a Master Sergeant in the Illinois State Police, I rely on leadership skills to serve my community, and the Criminal Justice program’s emphasis on professionalism and life-long learning has strengthened these skills. It’s also an asset to the program that faculty members come from backgrounds in both academics and the Criminal Justice field. Governors State’s convenience and flexibility for full-time police officers to continue their education is amazing.”

Angela Kinstner
Criminal Justice Student

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested to know if the program is now available to ISP?

Yes, the Bachelor's Completion Program Agreement has been signed and became available in Fall 2024. The Master's degree Agreement is in progress and will be made available as of Spring 2025 term.

Is this an acceptance of our academy training transferring over for college credit and would that be applicable to a masters degree?

Yes, this is an acceptance of your ISP Academy training transferring for college credit. Graduates of the academy can transfer 33 credit hours toward the BA in Criminal Justice, in addition to prior college coursework and military experience (up to 90 credit hours in total toward the 120-credit hour Bachelor's degree). In order to receive Graduate-level credit (up to 9 credit hours), you must have also passed the Sergeant exam.

I have been with the Illinois State Police for 24 years so I have a lot of training. I believe with all my training, experience etc. I should have enough credits for a Bachelor's degree.

At GovState, we value and respect all of the training and education that you have received through the Illinois State Police Academy and work experience as a trooper. However, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) dictates that in order for us to award a degree, you must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours "in residence," i.e. as a student enrolled at GovState.

I want to get started on completing my Bachelor's degree at GovState. What is the first step?

First, you must create an account and apply: https://apply.govst.edu/apply/

You also need to provide your official transcripts (not unofficial copies).

Transcripts to: apotranscripts@govst.edu

By Mail:
ATTN: ADMISSIONS PROCESSING
GovState Office of Admissions
One University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484

It is important that you identify yourself as an Illinois State Trooper at all stages of the process in order to get the benefit of the Agreement.

I have questions about the Criminal Justice program and I would like to speak to someone. Who can I talk to?

Contact the CJUS B.A. Program Coordinator Dr. Janet Brewer at jbrewer7@govst.edu to arrange a time to talk by phone or call 708-534-4572.

How many courses am I obligated to take each semester?

You can sign up for one or more courses as your schedule permits.

I need to do the online B.A. program but I have never taken a class online. How do I learn the Learning Management System (LMS)?

We support students new to GovState with online tutorials and live support from our Center for Teaching and Learning. Our LMS is Blackboard, is very intuitive and user-friendly on a number of devices including mobile phones.

Is the cost the same for ISP or is there a specific rate per credit hour?

The tuition rate for ISP is the same as tuition for the general public. You will need to check with ISP concerning the logistics of any reimbursement scheme. You will also need to check with GovState Financial Aid concerning the current tuition rate at https://www.govst.edu/financial-aid/

Will the program be online , remote or in person?

The Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice is available both on campus and fully online. The Master's degree in Criminal Justice is an in-person program with some hybrid and online course options. An accelerated Master's degree for law enforcement with an online option is expected to be delivered in AY25/26. Register your interest by emailing Dr. Janet Brewer at jbrewer7@govst.edu

I have an Asociates degree from an Illinois community college. I am applying to the Illinois State Police Academy now (or in the near future). I would like to get started on my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and then I could continue through Governors State if I get hired by ISP. What classes should I take?

In order to properly advise you, we will need to see at least a copy of the community college transcript. We recommend that you apply and provide the official transcript. This way, you will be in the system and we can recommend the optimal degree path: https://apply.govst.edu/apply/

Transcripts to: apotranscripts@govst.edu

By Mail:
ATTN: ADMISSIONS PROCESSING
GovState Office of Admissions
One University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484

I am interested in getting my Bachelor's degree but I have several kids, my work schedule is very demanding and unstable, and my spouse also has a demanding career. Will it be possible for me to obtain this degree?

Yes. At GovState, it is our mission to make excellent education accessible. In addition, we have been educating law enforcement professionals for over 50 years, and we understand their unique needs. The entire Bachelor's program is offered online for flexibility and some credits can be earned while you are working as a trooper.

I am interested in pursuing my Graduate degree, but I work in a special unit with an unpredictable work schedule. Is it possible for me to obtain the Master's degree?

Contact the CJUS M.A. Program Coordinator Dr. Janet Brewer at jbrewer7@govst.edu to discuss the specifics of your job demands and some solutions to these obstacles., including course selection and a tailored Study Plan.

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Janet Brewer
Phone: 708-534-4572
Email: jbrewer7@govst.edu