IMMACULATA, PA — Immaculata University has forged a strategic partnership with the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), delivering substantial tuition discounts to both active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as first responders in Chester County. This initiative is poised to provide significant educational opportunities for those dedicated to public safety and service, with immediate effect.
The collaboration offers members of the Chester County FOP a 25% tuition discount on Immaculata’s fully online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. This discount extends to the full standard tuition for other master’s and select doctoral programs. For undergraduate pursuits, officers can benefit from a reduced rate of $405 per credit. Furthermore, the university is waiving application fees for these FOP members, underscoring its commitment to supporting law enforcement in their educational endeavors.
Bob McCarron, president of the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #11, expressed the FOP’s enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the chance for their members to enhance their leadership capabilities within the law enforcement community.
Integral to this initiative is the work of Joseph Sorgini, DPA, an assistant professor of criminology at Immaculata, who has updated the master’s curriculum to align with the evolving needs of law enforcement professionals. Recognizing the FOP’s focus on officer well-being and leadership, Sorgini has integrated four leadership courses into the program. These are complemented by essential courses in ethics, criminal law, and cybersecurity, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that addresses current challenges in the field. Graduates will not only receive a master’s degree in criminal justice but also a certificate in strategic leadership.
Immaculata University’s partnership with the Chester County FOP exemplifies its enduring commitment to supporting law enforcement through educational advancement. “We want to have a connection between academia and practitioners so that they can use this degree to advance in their careers,” Sorgini explained. The tuition discounts reflect the university’s recognition of the vital role that law enforcement and first responders play in society.
In addition to this partnership, Immaculata continues to extend similar educational benefits to first responders in the City of Philadelphia. Looking to the future, Sorgini is optimistic about expanding these collaborations to include FOP members from Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, as well as from neighboring states such as New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and New York.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering educational growth and leadership development among law enforcement professionals, reinforcing the crucial link between academia and real-world practice.
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