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Partnership allows Students to pursue a Career in Criminal Justice; Students will save Time and Money

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center have entered into an agreement that takes up to 12 credits from Johnstown Regional Police Academy graduates and applies them toward a Criminal Justice degree at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. This partnership allows Police Academy graduates to earn an associate degree in Criminal Justice in as little as three semesters, resulting in substantial savings and expanded career opportunities.

Upon acceptance into the Criminal Justice associate degree program at Pennsylvania Highlands, the agreement provides for up to 12 transfer credits toward the completion of the 63-credit Criminal Justice degree program. This partnership is the result of good, cooperative efforts by individuals from both organizations. Both institutions believe this partnership will benefit the community by:

• increasing access and opportunity for students;
• providing the ability for students to coordinate scheduling that allows for classes to be taken concurrently at Pennsylvania Highlands and the Police Academy;
• reducing the time and cost for students to complete a degree; and,
• minimizing student debt for many community members.

This partnership will result in an approximate savings of $2,200.00 for in-county students and $3,000 for out-of-county students entering into Criminal Justice at Pennsylvania Highlands. Both institutions reviewed learning outcomes, agreed upon general education and program competencies, and facilitated program changes where necessary to ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the academic and professional rigors of a career in law enforcement.

The Johnstown Regional Police Academy is accredited by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Training Commission. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

For more additional information on this opportunity or many others, contact the Pennsylvania Highlands Admissions Office at 814.262.6446 or admissions@pennhighlands.edu.