Southeast Missouri State University has become the 16th university nationwide to join the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) University program, a partnership that will expand access to affordable, flexible higher education for law enforcement officers, corrections professionals and other public safety employees across the country.
The FOP University program collaborates with universities to support law enforcement career development through professional studies, degree completion programs and benefits that include insurance and networking opportunities. Membership in the FOP is open to any full-time sworn law enforcement officer employed by a government entity, with annual dues of less than $150.
“The FOP partnership reflects that SEMO and our department are in tune with workforce needs,” said Dr. Brian Donavant, chair and professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology at SEMO. “It also broadens awareness of our programs across the country, helping officers access affordable, flexible education that may not have been possible otherwise.”
Through the partnership, eligible students will receive a 10 percent tuition discount and the chance to receive credit for prior learning, including 18 credit hours toward their degree for completion of a certified state police academy, significantly reducing the time and cost required to earn a degree. A single tuition rate nationwide means officers can affordably enroll in SEMO’s fully online Master of Science in criminal justice regardless of where they live. For added flexibility, the master’s program is offered through eight-week courses and can be completed in just over a year, allowing officers who often have family or work obligations to pursue an education.
For current SEMO undergrads, the University also offers an accelerated master’s option that allows students to take up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level courses that count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
SEMO, ranked no. 1 in Missouri for online criminal justice programs by U.S. News & World Report the last two years, provides a uniquely accessible pathway to qualify for high-level administrative or specialized assignments, which increasingly require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Officers and other public safety professionals interested in learning more can visit semo.edu/cjsws.