COLUMBUS — Bowling Green State University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced a new partnership Tuesday to provide troopers and cadets with a streamlined pathway to earn college degrees.

Under the agreement, qualifying troopers and cadets starting this fall can receive up to 33 credits toward an online associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at BGSU. The credits recognize training completed at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy or the Peace Officer Basic Training Academy.

“This new partnership… is not only an investment in troopers’ professional growth but also an investment in the safety of communities across the state,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Public safety depends on the ability to recruit and retain qualified, professional officers.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari, marks the first agreement of its kind for the highway patrol. The program aims to reduce the time required for troopers to earn a degree while supporting law enforcement workforce development across Ohio.

What are the program details?

Upon admission to BGSU, participants can enroll in a fully online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program through BGSU Firelands, the university’s regional campus in Huron.

Students can then transition into the online bachelor of science in criminal justice program through the main Bowling Green campus.

Both online programs qualify for tuition reimbursement from the highway patrol.

  • Associate Degree: With transferred academy credits, troopers or cadets can earn their associate degree by taking as few as nine classes.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: The online bachelor’s program can be completed in as few as 12 months of full-time study.
  • Workplace Credit: The program’s internship requirements can be fulfilled directly through employment with the highway patrol.

BGSU president says plan expands partnerships

BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said the university already maintains partnerships with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

“This partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol expands this work and leverages our state’s robust educational ecosystem to directly benefit Ohioans,” Rogers said.

Col. Charles A. Jones, the highway patrol superintendent, emphasized the evolving nature of law enforcement.

“Education plays an important role in preparing our personnel for the challenges ahead,” Jones said. “By combining the patrol’s training with the academic excellence of Bowling Green State University, we are developing leaders who will continue serving Ohio with professionalism.”

More information is available at bgsu.edu/oshp.