Rowan College of South Jersey expands opportunities for Gloucester County Police Academy Graduates

Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) has announced a new educational opportunity for graduates of the Gloucester County Police Academy. Under the new Articulation Agreement, signed Aug. 5 at RCSJ Gloucester Campus, eligible academy graduates can receive 22 college credits that can be applied to any degree program at both the Gloucester and Cumberland campuses.

Upon graduating from the Gloucester County Police Academy, cadets are prepared to begin their careers as police officers. Previously, academy graduates could receive 13 college credits that applied only toward RCSJ’s Criminal Justice degree program. The new agreement expands that opportunity by increasing the number of credits awarded to 22 and allowing them to be applied toward any associate degree program, giving graduates greater flexibility to continue their education while advancing their careers in law enforcement.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to recognizing prior learning and creating meaningful opportunities for students to continue their education,” said Dr. Brenden Rickards, president of Rowan College of South Jersey. “There is immense value in supporting public safety professionals and making their path through higher education more accessible and affordable.”

The partnership reinforces RCSJ’s mission of expanding access to affordable, high-quality education while strengthening workforce development throughout South Jersey.

“By partnering with Rowan College of South Jersey to award college credit for Police Academy training, we are investing in those who invest in us every day. We hope this opportunity encourages more officers to continue their education, earn an associate degree, and further strengthen the knowledge and skills they bring to their profession,” said Frank J. DiMarco, Director of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners.

“The Gloucester County Police Academy is proud to partner with Rowan College of South Jersey. This articulation agreement marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to supporting local law enforcement. By affording 22 college credits to graduates of the Gloucester County Police Academy, RCSJ is offering an unmatched opportunity to these officers,” said Sean McKenna, Director of the Gloucester County Police Academy. “Our police officers sacrifice daily to protect our communities and this program ensures that their rigorous training is rightfully recognized as a strong foundation for their lifelong academic and professional success.” 

For many academy graduates, the opportunity to receive college credit represents a significant advantage in reaching both academic and career goals.

Zachary Muhlbaier is a police officer with the Woolwich Township Police Department and a 2024 graduate of the Gloucester County Police Academy. He is currently pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice with an Emergency Management option at RCSJ.

“The learning and knowledge that we gain as officers is always changing. Being able to come back to continue our education is important because it allows us to become better officers,” said Officer Muhlbaier.

Michael Scheer is a police officer with the Washington Township Police Department and a 2024 graduate of the Gloucester County Police Academy. He earned his associates degree in Business Administration and is now on the path to complete his bachelor’s degree through the 3 + 1 program. He is entering his third year with RCSJ this fall before transferring to Rowan University for his last year.

“Originally I wasn’t able to take advantage of this opportunity because my major was different,” said Officer Scheer. “So, with this agreement now changing, it gives me the opportunity to further my education which will make me a successful police officer and make my community a safer place.”

Graduates interested in the program can email Sue Rothfuss at [email protected] to get started for the Fall 2026 semester.

The Gloucester County Police Academy was established in 1988 and has been certified by the New Jersey Police Training Commission. The Gloucester County Police Academy provides progressive training and instruction that prepares and enhances the skills of law enforcement officers and police recruits to best serve the citizens of their community.

For more information or to view the steps to enroll, view our Police Academy to College Credits page.