UCO and Moore Police Department Join Forces to Advance Education and Public Safety
Oct. 27, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma and the Moore Police Department (MPD) are partnering to address critical workforce needs by offering a dual pathway that combines a college degree with a career in law enforcement.
The collaboration is the third of its kind for UCO, following similar agreements with the Oklahoma City Police Department and Edmond Police Department, underscoring UCO’s commitment to bridging higher education and public service.
Through this initiative, individuals who complete the Moore Police Academy are eligible to receive 12 academic, prior-learning credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree from UCO.
Additionally, UCO students can be admitted to the Moore Police Academy while simultaneously enrolled at UCO. Upon completing academy training, students will earn 12 prior-learning credit hours and receive an offer of employment as a peace officer with the MPD.
“Our partnership with the Moore Police Department builds upon the University of Central Oklahoma’s growing network of collaborations with law enforcement agencies across the state, creating meaningful pathways for those who choose to serve and uniting academic excellence with real-world impact,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“Service to others is at the heart of both education and law enforcement. Together, we are strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce while reinforcing the vital bond between higher education and public service.”
The partnership was made official Oct. 24, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between President Lamb and MPD Police Chief Todd Gibson.
This shared initiative demonstrates how UCO’s academic mission and MPD’s commitment to professional policing can converge, enabling bold career pathways for students, enhancing officer education and delivering elevated service to the communities of Oklahoma.
“We value our partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma and their dedication to elevating the standards of policing not only in Moore, but across the entire state of Oklahoma,” Gibson said.
“At the Moore Police Department, we believe that investing in highly trained and educated officers not only strengthens our service to the community but also helps reduce organizational liability.”
UCO students must meet qualifications for admission to the Moore Police Academy and pass a background check, maintain physical fitness standards, meet regularly with an MPD mentor and maintain eligibility to work on the Moore 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 Moore Police Department (MPD) are partnering to address critical workforce needs by offering a dual pathway that combines a college degree with a career in law enforcement. Pictured, left to right, Moore Police Department Police Chief Todd Gibson and UCO President Todd G. Lamb signing a memorandum of understanding Oct. 24.
