Turn Your Law Enforcement Training Into College Credit
If you've completed a recognized police academy, corrections, or law enforcement training program, Rhode Island College may award you up to 10 elective college credits toward your degree — real credit for the training you've already earned in the field. That can mean less time in the classroom, lower tuition costs, and a faster path to your degree.
Who This is For
This credit pathway is designed for working and former law enforcement professionals — police officers, correctional officers, state marshals, and more — who are ready to turn their field experience into a college degree. Many students on this path go on to pursue a degree in Justice Studies or a related field at RIC, building directly on the training they already have.
How it Works
- Gather official documentation of your completed training.
- Email the documentation to our Registrar's Office.
- Once you're officially enrolled at RIC, your credits are posted to your record
- After declaring a major you can request a review from your department chair — your law enforcement credit may apply toward major or minor requirements, not just electives.
Credits You Can Earn
Here we provide a list of law enforcement training experiences and the number of elective credits which will be awarded for them.
| Training Experience | # Elective Credits |
|---|---|
| MA Criminal Justice Training Council | 10 |
| Municipal Police Training Academy | 10 |
| Providence Police Academy | 10 |
| RI State Marshal Training | 6 |
| RI Capitol Police | 6 |
| Police officer who has served FT for 3 or more years | 3 |
| Central Falls Detention Facility Corporation | 3 |
| Donald W Wyatt Detention Facility | 3 |
| State of RI Dept. of Corrections Training Academy | 3 |
| MA Dept. of Corrections, Division of Staff Development | 3 |
