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 →IllinoisPublic safety
Criminology, psychology, sociology: the three courses officers ask about most
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
Criminology, psychology and sociology courses for police applicants cover why crime happens, how people behave under stress and how communities work. Each is 3 credits toward the 60 college credit hours the Illinois State Police asks for. They count once an accredited college posts them, so ask the college and a recruiter in writing before you enrol.
Why these three
Officers and applicants ask about these courses because they connect directly to the work. Criminology explains crime and the justice system, psychology explains behaviour, and sociology explains communities and inequality. Together they add 9 credit hours toward the State Police rule of 60 hours or an associate degree with a C average.
They are also introductory courses, so they suit applicants who have been out of education for a while. Each one builds reading, note-taking and writing habits that help later in the 30-week Academy, where classroom study sits alongside physical training.
What each course covers
A quick comparison of the three courses:
| Course | Main topics | Credit recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Criminology | Theories of crime, victims, policing, courts, corrections | NCCRS-recommended |
| Introduction to Psychology | Behaviour, memory, stress, development, mental health | ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended |
| Introduction to Sociology | Groups, culture, deviance, inequality, institutions | ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended |
How they help on the job and in the process
Psychology helps with de-escalation and understanding people in crisis. Sociology helps officers understand the communities they serve. Criminology gives the background for academy subjects on the justice system. The oral interview in the State Police process is also easier when you can talk about these ideas with confidence.
In daily work, officers meet people in conflict, in crisis and in shock. A basic grasp of how stress affects memory and behaviour helps an officer ask better questions and write clearer reports. Knowing how neighbourhoods, families and institutions shape behaviour helps an officer build trust and explain decisions to the public.
Courses to add next
After the three, add courses that most degree plans need and that police work uses daily. English Composition 1 improves report writing. Ethics in the Social Sciences supports judgement and integrity. Abnormal Psychology adds depth on mental health, which officers meet often. All are NCCRS-recommended.
If you aim for an associate degree rather than 60 loose hours, ask the college which of these courses fit its general education areas, so that every course moves you toward the degree as well as toward the hours.
Making them count
Credit reaches the Merit Board via a college transcript. UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited; our courses count only once an accredited college posts them. TESU, UoPeople and Newlane are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. Ask the college in writing which courses it will post, and ask an ISP recruiter, or your local department, in writing whether the result meets its education rule.
A sample plan
One way to add 15 hours in a few months:
Adjust the pace to your schedule. Applicants who work full time often take one course a month; others take two. What matters for the Merit Board is the final transcript, the hours on it and the grade average, so pick a pace you can sustain with good grades, and check the cadet class deadline before you set the plan.
- Month 1: Introduction to Criminology and English Composition 1
- Month 2: Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Sociology
- Month 3: Ethics in the Social Sciences
- Then: ask the college to post the credit and order an official transcript
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask an Illinois State Police recruiter, or the hiring office of your local department, in writing whether your planned college hours meet its education rule, and ask the college in writing which courses it will post, 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
Is criminology required for the Illinois State Police?
No. The rule asks for 60 college credit hours or an associate degree with a C average, in any subjects. Criminology is a useful choice, not a requirement. Keep any written answer with your transcripts.
Which of the three has ACE and NCCRS recommendations?
Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Sociology are ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended. Introduction to Criminology is NCCRS-recommended. The posting college decides how each shows on its transcript. Keep any written answer with your transcripts.
Can these courses help if I already qualify?
Yes. Officers often add courses toward a degree for promotion or specialist roles. Ask your department in writing how college credit is used in its promotion or pay rules. Keep any written answer with your transcripts.
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 →
Introduction to Sociology
Self-paced online Introduction to Sociology course (Sociology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Criminology, psychology, sociology and writing are on PRO. Ask the college and a recruiter in writing first.
Sources
- Illinois State Police Merit Board: Cadet applicant process (illinoistrooper.com, linked from isp.illinois.gov) (official)Education / Experience: Associate Degree or 60 college credit hours with a C average or better from an accredited institution; may be waived for qualifying military veterans or active law enforcement officers with three or more years of service. Age: 21, or 20 with an Associate Degree or at least 60 college credit hours. US citizen, no felony conviction, valid driver's license, accept assignment anywhere in Illinois. Process: application, PFIT and same-day online Recruitment Examination (70 or higher enters the eligibility pool), documents, background, interview, screening, 30-week Academy. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.