Columbia Southern University has developed more than 10 learning partnerships with police departments across the nation.  The Hemet (Calif.) Police Department most recently joined this online university’s growing list of partners to offer their staff of 192 easier access to distance learning opportunities.

“We are committed to helping our nation’s law enforcement accomplish their dreams of higher education,” says Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University president.  “Our partnerships offer law enforcement the unique benefits that make achieving a quality, online education more affordable.”

Hemet Police Department staff will receive a 10 percent tuition discount to encourage them to earn their degree and help them advance through the ranks.  This benefit will also be extended to spouses and children of employees.

“Many Hemet Police Department employees are currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University,” says Corp. Dustin Murray of the Hemet Police Department.  “We also have quite a few Columbia Southern University graduates who have used their degrees to advance to supervisory and management positions within our agency.”
Columbia Southern University offers completely online associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for criminal justice professionals interested in taking their careers to the next level.  All Columbia Southern University degree programs are accredited through the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency with the U.S. Department of Education.

Police departments in Franklin Township, New  Jersey, Aberdeen, Maryland and Carrollton, Georgia are among the other 12 police departments that have partnered with Columbia Southern University.  Organizations such as the International Union of Police Associations and National Sheriffs’ Association are also learning partners.

For more information about this partnership or to request information about registering your agency as a Columbia Southern University learning partner, please contact Chantell Cooley, vice president of Partnership Development, at chantell@columbiasouthern.edu or visit www.columbiasouthern.edu.