UCO and EPD Partner to Create a Degree Pathway for Careers in Local Law Enforcement
Aug. 6, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma and the Edmond Police Department (EPD) have established a new partnership creating a direct pathway from the classroom to a career in local law enforcement to meet critical workforce needs.
Through the partnership, individuals who complete the Edmond Police Academy can receive 12 academic prior learning credit hours from UCO toward a bachelor’s degree.
Additionally, UCO students can be admitted to the Edmond Police Academy as they pursue their bachelor’s degree. Upon completing the academy training, they will earn 12 prior learning credit hours and an offer of employment as a peace officer with EPD.
The partnership was made official by signing a memorandum of understanding July 21, with UCO President Todd G. Lamb and EPD Police Chief J.D. Younger.
“Our partnership with Edmond Police reflects the University of Central Oklahoma’s commitment to meeting students where they are and creating pathways for them to succeed—both academically and professionally,” Lamb said.
“With our main campus in Edmond, we are proud to support those who serve and protect our community while helping meet the workforce needs of our region.”
For years, UCO and EPD have worked together to offer students unique learning opportunities and internships. Through the partnership, EPD will provide UCO with details of its established curriculum and training, which is used to prepare cadets for employment.
“The City of Edmond values continuous learning, and with the University of Central Oklahoma as a longstanding partner with the Edmond Police Department, we are excited to expand educational opportunities for our officers. Over 40% of our officers already hold a bachelor’s or master’s from UCO, and we are committed to further increasing access to formal education for the department,” Younger said.
UCO students must meet qualifications for admission to the Edmond Police Academy and pass a background check, maintain physical fitness standards, meet regularly with an EPD mentor and maintain eligibility to work on the Edmond Police Force while participating in the academy.
To learn more about the UCO School of Criminal Justice, visit www.uco.edu/cj or email criminaljustice@uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma and the Edmond Police Department (EPD) have established a new partnership to create a direct pathway from the college classroom to a career in local law enforcement through the signing of a memorandum of understanding, providing graduates of EPD’s police academy the opportunity to receive 12 prior learning credit hours from UCO. Pictured, left to right, Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger and UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
