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 →New JerseyPublic safety
How many college credits do you need to be a police officer in New Jersey?
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
NJ State Police requirements list four routes: a bachelor's degree; 60 college credits or an associate degree plus 24 months of work; 30 credits plus 24 months of active duty; or 80 credits with a bachelor's a year later. Local departments set their own rules, so check the one you want.
The short answer
For the New Jersey State Police, the smallest number is 30 college credits, and that route is only for applicants with 24 months of active military duty. Most civilians use the 60-credit route, which adds 24 months of work experience, or a bachelor's degree. Every route counts credits from an accredited college or university.
| Route | Credits | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | A full degree (usually 120 credits) | Nothing else on education |
| Associate or 60 credits | 60 | 24 months of work, 20+ hours a week; military counts |
| Active duty | 30 | 24 months of active military duty |
| 80 credits | 80 | Bachelor's finished a year later; not considered for the current selection |
What counts as work experience
NJSP says the 24 months must equal 104 weeks of employment with at least 20 hours of work a week, and military experience counts. The weeks do not have to be in a row. A part-time job of 20 hours a week counts the same as a full-time one for this rule.
Keep pay stubs, letters from employers or military records that show dates and hours. Recruiters check experience the same way they check credits, with documents.
Dates and age
On 15 November 2026 the NJSP recruiting page said the application period had closed, and its deadlines for credits and experience were 31 August 2026. The next selection will set its own dates. Age rules also matter: at least 20 on the application date, 21 at the start of the Academy, and under 35 at Academy graduation. New Jersey residency is required after graduation from the Academy.
If you are near the age limit, plan your credits early, because a late class date can push you past it.
- Age 20 on the application date.
- Age 21 at the Academy start.
- Under 35 at Academy graduation.
- New Jersey residency after graduation.
Municipal and county departments
Town and county police departments are separate employers. Many hire through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, and others hire directly. Their education rules are not the same as the State Police rules on this page. Read the job announcement for the department you want and ask its hiring office how it treats college credit. Some departments add pay steps or preference for credits or degrees, so credit can help even where it is not required.
Closing a gap
If you have 45 credits and need 60, the gap is five 3-credit courses. UPI Study's courses carry ACE or NCCRS credit recommendations. They count toward an NJSP route only once an accredited college or university posts the credit on its own transcript. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. Ask the college how it would post each course, and ask the NJSP Recruiting Unit in writing whether that credit counts, before you start.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask the NJSP Recruiting Unit in writing whether credit posted by a college from ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses counts toward your option, before you enrol, and keep the reply.
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
Can I join the New Jersey State Police without a degree?
Yes, if you meet another route. NJSP lists an associate degree or 60 college credits plus 24 months of work, 30 credits plus 24 months of active duty, or 80 credits with a bachelor's finished a year later. Each route counts credits from an accredited college or university.
Does part-time work count?
Yes, if it reaches the threshold. NJSP asks for 104 weeks of employment with at least 20 hours of work each week, and the weeks need not be in a row. Military experience also counts. Keep records that show your dates and weekly hours, because recruiters ask for proof.
Do I need a criminal justice degree?
No. The NJSP minimum qualifications ask for a degree or credits from an accredited college or university and do not name a major. Criminology, psychology and sociology are popular because they suit police work, but any subject counts toward the credit total on the page we checked.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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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
Get NJSP's answer in writing first, then close your credit gap at your own pace and have a college post the credit.
Sources
- NJSP: Minimum qualifications and disqualifiers (official)Education options: bachelor's from an accredited college or university; associate degree or 60 college credits plus 24 months (104 weeks, at least 20 hours a week, military counts) of experience; 30 college credits plus 24 months of active duty; or 80 credits by 31 Aug 2026 with a bachelor's by 31 Aug 2027 (not considered for the current selection). Age at least 20 at application, 21 at Academy start, under 35 at Academy graduation; New Jersey residency on graduation. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- NJSP: Recruiting (official)The application period has closed (as of 15 Nov 2026); links to minimum qualifications and military credit veterans preference. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.