The pre-employment police basic training course hosted by the Law Enforcement Training Institute at SUNY Potsdam offers students the opportunity to complete New York State police training requirements while earning significant college credit toward a bachelor's degree.
College Credit Opportunities
Students may receive up to 26 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree at SUNY Potsdam through participation in the Law Enforcement Training Institute Police Academy program.
Academic Credit Information
For matriculated and non-matriculated students participating in the Phase 1 Academy Program, 26 credits will be earned in conjunction with the academy experience. This includes:
- 6 credits of lower-division coursework
- 19 credits of upper-division coursework
- 1 physical education credit
For HIRED OFFICERS participating in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 training, 23 credit hours will be earned in conjunction with the academy experience. This includes:
- 6 credits of lower-division coursework
- 16 credits of upper-division coursework
- 1 physical education credit
Hired officers must enroll in a matriculated program at SUNY Potsdam to receive these credits. These credits may be applied to any bachelor's degree program and are eligible for transfer to other colleges and universities after one semester.
Hired officers may also choose to enroll in SOCI 475 Senior Seminar, a 3-credit course, and complete the law enforcement leadership seminar and related coursework. These credits are in addition to the cost of the academy paid by the hiring agency and are the responsibility of the individual cadet.
For additional questions regarding academic credit related to the LETI Police Academy Program, please contact:
Dr. David Bugg
Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice Studies
LETI Academic Sponsor
buggd@potsdam.edu
Enrollment Options
There are three ways to enroll in the institute's program:
- SUNY Potsdam Criminal Justice Majors
Upon acceptance into the institute, students will enroll in academy-related credits under advisement from the Experiential Education Office, their academic adviser, and the Criminal Justice program. These credits will include academic coursework and internship credits supervised by a Criminal Justice faculty adviser. The academy will satisfy degree requirements as well as the Phase 1 requirements for police training in New York State.
- SUNY Potsdam Students
Students who are not Criminal Justice majors may also apply for the Phase 1 academy. If selected, they will work with the Experiential Education Office and their academic adviser to determine the best academic plan for their degree program. This may include internship credits that can be used to satisfy degree requirements.
- Non-SUNY Potsdam Students
Non-SUNY Potsdam students may be accepted into the Phase 1 academy. These students must complete the same application requirements and must also apply for transfer admission to SUNY Potsdam.
Questions regarding the transfer application process can be directed to:
Jenica Rogers
rogersjp@potsdam.edu
For questions regarding academy enrollment options, please contact:
Sonny Duquette
Police Academy Director
duquetar@potsdam.edu
(315) 261-8223