Misericordia University and Pennsylvania State Police Announce New Partnership for Criminology Students

Campus Event Highlights New Career Pathway for Criminology Students Pursuing Law Enforcement Careers

Dallas, Pa.—Misericordia University (MU) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) officially announced a new partnership designed to create a direct pathway for criminology students to pursue careers as Pennsylvania State Troopers during a special event held on campus.

The highlight of the event was the landing of a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter on the MacDowell Lawn, drawing students, faculty, and community members outside for an up-close look at PSP aviation operations. The event also featured demonstrations from the PSP K-9 Unit and a robotic device display, showcasing the specialized tools and technology used by modern law enforcement agencies.

University officials, Pennsylvania State Police representatives, students, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the partnership, which integrates academic coursework with Pennsylvania State Police Academy training for eligible criminology majors.

The partnership allows eligible Misericordia students accepted into the Pennsylvania State Police Academy to complete academy training during their final semester while fulfilling remaining academic coursework, with the opportunity to earn academic credit.

“This partnership provides our criminology students with a clear, structured pathway from the classroom to a career in public service,” said Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president of Misericordia University. “By integrating academy training into their academic experience, students gain hands-on, real-world preparation while working toward becoming state troopers.”

The Pennsylvania State Police Academy is a rigorous and highly selective training program. Students must meet all PSP requirements and successfully complete the Academy to become eligible for appointment as Pennsylvania State Troopers.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to developing highly trained, well-educated law enforcement professionals,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Partnering with Misericordia University allows us to support students as they prepare for the demands of service as Pennsylvania State Troopers.”

Through the partnership, the Pennsylvania State Police will verify student acceptance into and completion of the Academy and may assist with recruitment outreach. Misericordia University will evaluate and award academic credit and guide students through the process as part of the criminology program.

The agreement is expected to provide long-term opportunities for students to engage with one of the Commonwealth’s premier law enforcement training programs while strengthening connections between higher education and public service.

To learn more about the program, click here.