Introduction to Criminology
Self-paced online Introduction to Criminology course (Criminology 150). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →District of ColumbiaPublic safety
How many college credits do you need to be a police officer in District of Columbia?
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
To become an MPD officer in the District you need 45 semester hours of college credit from an accredited college or university, or two years of active-duty military service, or three years of full-duty police work. Federal and other agencies in the District set their own rules. Count the credits you already have before you take any new course.
MPD's three routes in one table
You need one of these, plus the age, citizenship and licence rules.
| Route | What you need |
|---|---|
| Education | 45 semester hours from an accredited college or university |
| Military | Two years of active duty, Reserves or National Guard included |
| Police experience | Three years full-duty with a full-service US police department |
Other agencies in the District
MPD is the city's police department, but many other forces work in the District, from federal agencies to university and transit police. Each sets its own hiring rules, and some ask for more or less education.
If you are applying to more than one, list each one's education line side by side before you plan any courses.
MPD's rule is also different from many state police rules. Some agencies ask for 60 credits or a degree; MPD's application bar is 45 credits, with two other routes for veterans and experienced officers. Read the current recruiting page of each agency rather than relying on what a friend was told.
Count the credits you already have
Ask every college you attended for an unofficial transcript and add up the semester hours. MPD says you can bring official or unofficial transcripts to Prospect Day.
If you studied outside the United States, MPD asks for an evaluation from a member of NACES or AICE. Order it early.
- Community college or university courses
- Dual enrollment from high school
- Military training already posted by a college
- Foreign study, once evaluated
Closing a gap
If you are short of 45, work out how many credits you need. At UDC Community College, DC residents pay $117 per credit hour plus $430 in fees each term on the schedule labelled Summer 2025, so 15 credits come to about $2,185.
Another route is ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses that a college then posts on its transcript. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. Ask MPD recruiting in writing whether it would count credits posted that way before you enrol.
Plan the gap backwards from the Prospect Day you want to attend. Allow time to finish each course and, for outside credit, for the college to review and post it.
After you are hired
The UDC partnership gives officers 15 additional credits for completing the Academy, which takes 45 credits to 60. MPD also lists tuition reimbursement of up to $4,800 a year. Choosing courses that fit a degree plan now makes later study easier.
Criminology, Psychology, Sociology and English Composition fit most criminal justice and general studies degrees.
A checklist before Prospect Day
Bring what proves each requirement, and keep copies.
- Transcripts from every college you attended
- Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence
- Valid driver's license
- DD-214 if you are using the military route
- Any written answer from MPD recruiting on credits you were unsure of
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask MPD recruiting in writing whether credits posted on a partner college's transcript would count toward its 45-credit requirement before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Do you need a degree to be a police officer in DC?
Not for MPD. It asks for 45 semester hours of college credit from an accredited college or university, or two years of active-duty military service, or three years of full-duty police work. Other agencies in the District set their own rules.
Can I join MPD with prior police experience instead of college?
Yes, with at least three years in full-duty status with a full-service US police department, in good standing. Lateral officers with less than three years need 45 credits or two years of active duty, plus at least one year of police service.
Do I need official transcripts for MPD Prospect Day?
MPD's FAQ says applicants may bring either official or unofficial transcripts to Prospect Day. Ask recruiting when official transcripts will be needed later in the process, and order them early so they arrive in time.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
Introduction to Psychology
Self-paced online Introduction to Psychology course (Psychology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Ask MPD recruiting in writing first, then start with Criminology, Psychology and English Composition.
Sources
- Join MPD: Police Officer (official)One of: 45 semester hours of college credit from an accredited college or university; two years of active duty (Reserves or National Guard included), honorable discharge if separated; three years full-duty with a full-service US police department. US citizen or permanent resident; 20 years 6 months to apply; valid driver's license. UDC partnership: 15 credits for completing the Academy, toward 60. Foreign credentials evaluated by a NACES or AICE member. Tuition reimbursement up to $4,800 a year. Starting salary $75,433. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- Join MPD: FAQs (official)45 college credits to apply; 21 to be appointed; official or unofficial transcripts at Prospect Day; lateral officers with under three years need 45 credits or two years of active duty plus one year of police service; UDC partnership adds 15 Academy credits with one no-cost UDC course. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.