Central Penn College launches Criminal Justice Certificate

• Central Penn College introduces 18-credit Criminal Justice Certificate

• Program addresses workforce shortages in policing and corrections

• Credits transfer to associate or bachelor’s degrees at Central Penn

Seeking to give students a competitive edge and help meet the demand for correctional officers, law enforcement workers, and staff in related criminal justice fields, Central Penn College has launched a Criminal Justice Certificate program.

According to a release, this initiative by the Cumberland County college builds upon a formal articulation agreement with the Pennsylvania State Police that allows enlisted and retired troopers to earn college credit for their academy training toward a Criminal Justice degree at Central Penn. The certificate program comes at a time when recruiting and retaining qualified professionals in criminal justice, particularly corrections officers and state troopers, remains a significant challenge across Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to launch the Criminal Justice Certificate program, which is a direct response to the current workforce needs in Pennsylvania and complements our ongoing support for criminal justice professionals,” Central Penn College President Linda Fedrizzi-Williams said in a statement. “This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about criminal justice and are looking to gain essential knowledge and a competitive advantage. The recent changes in hiring requirements by the state reinforce the value of targeted education and demonstrated skills, which this certificate provides.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently established a dedicated Recruitment and Retention Division, implementing measures such that include lowering the minimum hiring age to 18, allowing out-of-state applicants, and streamlining the hiring process to attract candidates. Recent policy changes underscore an increasing emphasis on skills and experience in state hiring practices. Governor Josh Shapiro has highlighted the importance of these attributes, notably by eliminating the 60-college-credits requirement for Pennsylvania State Police.

Based in Enola, Central Penn College’s Criminal Justice Certificate aligns with this shift, offering a focused curriculum that provides foundational knowledge sought after by employers. This 18-credit program comprises six courses and credits earned in this certificate program transfer directly into Central Penn College’s associate or bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.