Olive-Harvey College and the Chicago Police Department Partner to Offer No-Cost Associate Degree in Criminal Justice In One Year with CPD Academy Entrance Exam Waived

 

Olive-Harvey College and the Chicago Police Department Partner to Offer No-Cost Associate Degree in Criminal Justice In One Year with CPD Academy Entrance Exam Waived

CHICAGO —The “One Year and Out” City Colleges of Chicago Criminal Justice program offers Chicago residents the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree with a focus in Criminal Justice, at no cost, in as little as 12 months, and then apply to the Chicago Police Academy (CPD) with the ability to waive the Department's entrance exam (*see acceptance criteria below).

“Diversity in our criminal justice system is essential for building trust and legitimacy in our communities and for ensuring that all members of society are treated with dignity and respect. That is why we are so proud to partner with the Chicago Police Department to offer a pathway that will help more Black and Latinx students consider a career in law enforcement,” said City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado.

The Criminal Justice degree program is offered through Olive-Harvey College this fall, beginning on August 24th.  The course is a 60-credit hour program that places a high emphasis on ethics, diversity, inclusion, and critical thinking. This program will include a mix of in-person and online classes. All classes will be three (3) credit hours and each term will be eight weeks. Students can earn 48 credit hours over four (4), eight-week periods and 12 credit hours in the summer.  Students must test into English 101 for admission into the pathway program.

"This is a great opportunity for those interested in getting a head start in a career of service," said CPD Chief Yolanda Talley, who oversees the Department's expansive recruitment efforts. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of this degree program and take the first step toward becoming a Chicago Police officer."

Olive-Harvey College will offer additional support with laptops and book vouchers, as well as help preparing for police exams and power tests. Students who earn a degree in criminal justice are also prepared for careers including air marshal, forensic science technician, fraud investigator, state trooper, crime scene investigator, computer forensics specialists, U.S. postal inspector, victims advocate, police dispatcher, and more.

“In this line of work, Chicagoans have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people right where they live and work,” said President Kimberly Hollingsworth, Olive-Harvey College. “We are offering this pathway because much of law enforcement work is related to reaching out to the community and strengthening relationships so that crimes and harm to people and property can be prevented—vital work.”

Students can apply here. For more information and assistance with filling out the application, call 773-College, or email: OHC-CrimJustice@ccc.edu with questions. You can also stop by Olive-Harvey campus anytime to ask questions or start your application.

*Acceptance into the no cost Criminal Justice Degree program may depend on current students earning less than 12 credits at City Colleges or transferring into City Colleges with 12 credits or less, and other terms may apply. In addition, other exams apply for entrance into the Chicago Police Academy and applicants must be 20 years of age. Candidates must be 21 years old to enter the Chicago Police Academy. For more information on the qualifications, visit https://home.chicagopolice.org/bethechange/chicago-police-officer-recruitment/.

City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity – empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. Learn more about City Colleges of Chicago at www.ccc.edu, and to read more about City Colleges of Chicago 2021-2025 Strategic Plan Framework, visit www.ccc.edu/strategicplan.

Individuals who are hired to work at the Chicago Police Department receive a competitive starting salary of $56,040 and receive an increase to $84,522 annually after 18 months on the job. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, holidays, tuition reimbursement, and retirement savings and pension plans. CPD is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and looks for candidates that reflect the city's broad cross-sections. The Department is seeking effective problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and good communicators with the ability to interact with all members of the community and perform the role safely, effectively, and following local, state, and federal law as well as CPD policy and procedures.

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