FAQs – Police Academy Pathway

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs provide additional details about the Merrimack College Police Academy Pathway.

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Background and General Information

What are the benefits and unique aspects of the Merrimack College Police Academy Pathway?

The Merrimack College Police Academy Pathway (MCPAP) enables you to earn your police training certification and a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice in as little as one year if completed simultaneously. 

This pathway streamlines the process of obtaining a police training certification by sponsoring you through the Merrimack College Police Department to attend a state-certified training academy. On the other hand, the traditional process requires you to first be hired or sponsored by a police department to then enroll in an MPTC academy. Having an academy training certification prior to actually being hired will allow you to have preference over other candidates who may not have training. Having a graduate degree when applying to police departments may allow for an increase in salary and make you more marketable.

Can I really get a master’s degree and police training certification in just one year?

Absolutely! Our online graduate curriculum is specifically designed with evening classes to enable you to complete your master’s degree and earn your police training certification in one year. 

If the one year track isn’t right for you, students are also welcome to begin, or even finish their Master’s degree in year 1 and participate in the academy in year 2.

What police training certification will this pathway provide me?

Our Police Academy Pathway is partnered with Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC)-authorized academies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Upon successful completion, you will be certified to work full-time for any municipal law enforcement agency, as well as the MBTA Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and college and university police departments.

Program Structure and Curriculum

What are the curriculum credit and police academy hour requirements?

Students will complete 32 credit hours (8 courses) in the master’s program as well as the required 792 hours of MPTC police academy training.

Does the curriculum for the Pathway differ from the traditional CCJ program?

Yes. Your MPTC training will replace some of the elective requirements for the program, so you will be able to graduate on time with your peers.

When do the police academies operate?

The academies operate from September to May, and graduate courses run from May to the following May. You will attend the academy Monday through Friday from early morning to late afternoon.

When will I take graduate classes?

Your graduate classes are in the evening online. Each course meets once a week. As a recruit, you will attend your academy during the day and then log on to your graduate classes at night. Merrimack’s Criminology and Criminal Justice faculty will assist academy recruits in the graduate course advising process.

Can I go through the Police Academy Pathway as a part-time graduate student?

Yes, students are allowed to complete their Master’s part-time. You can earn your Master’s in two years and participate in a police academy during your second year. However, participation in an academy is a full-time commitment and attendance is required.

Will I receive help with career placement?

Yes. Our Merrimack College faculty will prepare you for the entire police hiring process in Massachusetts. Career events and advising will be available to all academy recruits. It is our goal to be able to make sure you have all the tools you need to be hired soon after finishing your academy training.

Admission and Requirements

What are the requirements to be admitted into the Police Academy Pathway?

You must be a US citizen, hold a bachelor’s degree and have a 3.0 GPA in order to be eligible for the Police Academy Pathway. All prospective pathway students must go through the normal graduate degree program admission requirements with some added components. In your application, be sure to indicate interest in the Police Academy Pathway.

If you are admitted into the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program, you must then submit to a criminal background check, comprehensive medical examination, verification of health insurance, panel interview, and successful passage of a physical fitness examination. Successful completion of all required components will result in admittance into the pathway.

What if I fail the pathway entrance requirements or get rejected from a partner police academy?

You are guided, but not guaranteed, to be accepted into a police academy. If you do not meet the pathway’s requirements or are rejected from a police academy, you are welcome to continue in the Master’s program and attempt again the following year.

Do I need to remain in the graduate program every semester to stay in the police academy?

Yes. You must remain active and in good standing in the graduate degree program every semester, or have already completed the Merrimack Master’s degree. This includes taking the required master’s degree courses while attending the academy. If you do not maintain the required grades or drop out of the master’s degree program, you will be dismissed from your academy as well. There are no exceptions.

What if I am dismissed, fail, or drop out of the police academy?

If you leave your police academy for any reason, including failing academy assessments, being dismissed due to medical or disciplinary issues, or voluntarily dropping out, you are still welcome and encouraged to remain in the master’s degree program as a graduate student.

Costs and Scholarships

How much will this cost me?

The cost of tuition for the M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice can be found here. The cost of your Police Training Certification is not included in the graduate tuition.

Are scholarships available to help with tuition costs?

Scholarships are available based on merit and need and are applied to tuition expenses. If admitted to the Merrimack College Police Academy Pathway you are automatically considered for a Dean scholarship, which significantly reduces tuition. A separate application is not required. Notification of scholarship awards is done at the time of notification of admittance.

The Double Warrior Scholarship is also available to Merrimack College alumni seeking the Police Academy Pathway.

*Please note that these scholarships apply to graduate tuition ONLY. Police Academy costs are separate and will not be covered by these specific scholarships.

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