Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today announced a new agreement that allows students in their senior year at participating colleges and universities to earn their remaining credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree by successfully completing cadet basic training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
During his first year in office, Governor Shapiro removed the college credit requirement for state troopers — creating opportunity for Pennsylvanians who are interested in pursuing a career with the State Police. While a degree is not required, this partnership creates a streamlined pathway for students to finish their degree while simultaneously training to become a state trooper.
“This agreement enables cadets to earn college credit while they undergo academy training. This cooperative program formally acknowledges the academic rigor, discipline, and professional standards required to serve the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. “This initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to higher education and lifelong learning by incorporating accredited academic opportunities into the PSP Academy curriculum. By investing in the education and professional development of our troopers from the outset of their careers, we strengthen our workforce, enhance the quality of policing throughout the Commonwealth, and ensure that our members are well-prepared to meet the complex challenges of modern law enforcement.”
The new program awards academic credits much like a traditional internship completed during a student’s final semester. Instead of classroom time to earn their remaining credits, students will finish their training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and earn the remaining credits needed to graduate, allowing them to receive their degree and become a trooper at the same time. The program is not limited to criminal justice majors; participating colleges may apply the credits toward any degree program they choose.
The growing number of colleges and universities that have partnered with the PSP includes:
- DeSales University
- Keystone College
- Saint Vincent College
- Mercyhurst University
- Luzerne County Community College
- Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
This initiative reflects Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to investing in PSP and law enforcement across Pennsylvania fully. His 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four cadet classes. Since he took office, Governor Shapiro has secured funding for twelve cadet classes to train over 1,000 new Pennsylvania State Troopers and secured funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to help municipal police departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across the Commonwealth. To date, more than 550 PSP cadets have graduated and joined the ranks of PSP under Governor Shapiro’s leadership.
There is no cost to apply or enter the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Cadets are paid a biweekly salary with room and meals provided at no cost. Cadets must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy.
At the time of graduation, cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. No prior law enforcement experience is required. PSP announces cadet application periods on its website.
Academy training is approximately 28 weeks of rigorous physical activities and educational coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms, and special equipment training.
Upon graduation, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $71,647 annually. The average trooper after five years of service earns a salary of $95,000.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.