Police Academy Internship

Effective spring 2025, criminal justice majors seeking a career with a police agency may enroll in the police academy program during their final semester of study. The police academy internship program allows students to earn fifteen (15) free elective course credits that can count toward their KU degree. The police hiring process includes a civil service exam, physical readiness test, background investigation, and interviews. Applicants must also complete police academy training prior to beginning full-time employment. The police academy internship program allows students to get a head start on this process while they are completing their undergraduate degree. Financial assistance is also available depending upon need and academic standing.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Completion of 105 credit hours
  • Completion of the following courses: CRJ 10 and CRJ 101
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Acceptance into an eligible police academy
  • Interview and approval of program coordinator
  • Successful completion of a physical readiness test

Police Academy Requirements

Students must be accepted to a police academy prior to enrolling in the police academy internship program. Academy requirements vary, but most include the following:

  • Psychological evaluation
  • Medical examination
  • Reading comprehension test
  • Criminal history check
  • Background investigation

For more information and to apply for the program, please contact the program coordinator, Dr.  Colin Bolger