Earn Free JSU Credit

Police Car with lights

Officers graduating from a pre-approved APOSTC regional academy session beginning in Fall 2022 may receive twenty-one (21) credit hours from Jacksonville State University at no cost.

Student Instructions for Law Enforcement Academy Students

1. Attend a pre-approved APOSTC basic academy session.

  • Currently, this program is only available to regional students attending the 14-week basic law enforcement certification course at Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy, Law Enforcement Academy – Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center (Selma), or the APOSTC Law Enforcement Academy Baldwin-Wiregrass (Dothan).

2. Register with Jacksonville State University at the beginning of the session

  • Registration should be completed within 48 hours of beginning an academy session. Students may not register with JSU for this credit before attending an academy.

    Register Online

  • Complete and Submit the electronic JSU application after academy orientation
    • Select the appropriate term
    • Provide all personal information requested
    • Answer all questions concerning academic and criminal history
    • Electronically sign and date
    • Click ‘SUBMIT’

3. Successfully graduate from the basic academy.

  • Students must complete all graduation requirements and receive their APOSTC certification to receive JSU credit.
  • College course grades will mirror the student’s academic average from the basic session.

4. Credits Awarded

  • Upon graduation, student’s should allow at least four (4) weeks for the credit to process.
  • JSU awards college credit for predesignated courses. These courses are subject to change. 
  • As of Fall 2022, the courses are:

    • CJ 101: Intro to Criminal Justice, 3 credit hours

    • CJ 201: Criminal Law, 3 credit hours

    • CJ 202: Intro to Law Enforcement, 3 credit hours

    • CJ 320: Criminal Investigations, 3 credit hours 

    • CJ 472: Senior Internship in CJ, 3 credit hours

    • HPE 115: Beginning Fitness, 1 credit hour

    • MSC 112: Basic Marksmanship, 2 credit hours

    • MSC 115: First Aid, 3 credit hours

  • Any questions regarding earned college credit should be directed to the JSU Registrar’s Office (256-782-5400). Law Enforcement Academies do not manage the college credit and cannot answer program questions.

Ready to Use Your Credits Towards an Undergraduate Degree?

Apply to JSU

  • Using the free readmission application, select the student type that best describes you.
  • Send in all required materials. View Admissions Requirements
  • Want to learn how your credits can be applied toward an undergraduate degree? Contact the Senior Lead Advisor for the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • First Responders may qualify for a 20% tuition scholarship at JSU.
  • If pursuing a degree at an institution other than Jax State, you can request transcripts to be sent from the National Student Clearinghouse. Please wait four weeks after graduation before placing a transcript order. Students intending to use the credits at JSU do not need to order transcripts from JSU.

*Students who attended a JSU-affiliated law enforcement academy prior to Fall 2022 may have been awarded up to 15 credits.