Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How can Rio Salado work for me?

A: Rio Salado College can award you valuable college credits for your academy training. Upon successful completion of a Rio-affiliated academy, an officer is awarded up to 39 credits toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Law Enforcement Technology. These credits may also be earned through Credit by Examination. The remaining 25 hours of general education coursework are available through online learning, allowing officers to continue their higher education anytime and anyplace, no matter when or where they work.

Q: Why online learning?

A: Online courses can be taken anytime or anyplace that's convenient for you. Online courses at Rio Salado College are academically equivalent to courses taken in a traditional classroom setting and are equally transferable. The advantage, particularly to police practitioners, is that these courses are self-paced and can be taken at a time and place that best serves you. For more about online learning go to http://www.riosalado.edu/distance_learning/information/

Q: Which law enforcement agencies have agreements with Rio Salado College to award college credit for police academy training?
A: Click to see Law enforcement agencies affiliated with Rio Salado.
Q: How can I determine if the specific police academy I graduated from qualifies me for college credit under one of Rio Salado’s Police Academy Partnerships?
A: To see if you graduated from a police academy that is affiliated with Rio Salado, refer to Credit by Exam. For additional information, contact Law Enforcement Programs Advising at (480) 517-8535 in Phoenix, or 1-800-259-6077 nationwide. You may also email questions to: PoliceScience.advising@riomail.maricopa.edu.
Q: Can I still receive college credit if I graduated from a Rio-affiliated academy but did not have the opportunity to sign up for credit by examination?
A: Yes - Law enforcement officers who failed to apply for college credit with a Rio-affiliated academy prior to graduation or licensing, but who successfully completed the same academy curriculum on file with Rio Salado Curriculum Development, are eligible to receive college credit by Departmental Credit By Evaluation. No additional examinations are required; however, Rio Salado must receive verification from the Academy or State Licensing Agency that the applying officer successfully completed all academy coursework with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of "P" (Passing) will be recorded for the coursework on the student’s record and will not be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. For information on Credit by Examination fees, contact Linda Lukey at (480) 517-8553.
Q: Can I still receive college credit if I graduated from a Rio-affiliated academy but did not complete the same curriculum on file with Rio Salado Curriculum Development?
A: Yes - Law enforcement officers who graduated from a Rio-affiliated police academy but completed a curriculum not on file with Rio Salado Curriculum Development may apply for standard Departmental Credit by Examination through the Rio Salado College Testing Center. However, a series of examinations must be successfully completed to receive college credit. Examination may be taken at a Rio Salado testing site or arrangements may be made to take the examination from an approved proctor at a location convenient to the officer (out-of-state officers). To receive college credit a grade of "C" must be achieved. The actual letter grade received will be reflected on the student’s record and will be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. For information on Credit by Examination fees, contact Linda Lukey at (480) 517-8553.
Q: Can I still receive college credit if I graduated from a police academy that is not affiliated with Rio Salado?
A: Yes - Law enforcement officers who graduated from a non-affiliated police academy may also apply for Departmental Credit by Examination through the Rio Salado College Testing Center. An officer must successfully complete a series of examinations to receive college credit for his or her academy experience. Examinations may be taken at a Rio Salado testing site or arrangements may be made to take the examination from an approved proctor at a location convenient to the officer (out-of-state officers). To receive college credit a grade of "C" must be achieved. The actual letter grade received will be reflected on the student’s record and will be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average.
Q: Can I receive credit through credit by examination even though I am no longer an active police officer, or employed by a police agency?
A: Yes - If you graduated from a state licensed/certified police academy OR are licensed/certified as a police officer by a state, you are eligible to take the Credit by Examination series.
Q: Can I earn a Law Enforcement technology degree, even though I have never been an officer or gone through a training academy?
A: Yes - Rio Salado College offers online course work that is equivalent to the coursework taught at law enforcement academies across the nation. Click here for program requirements.
Q: Is financial aid available?

A: Yes - Rio Salado College offers a variety of financial aid options. Click here to learn more.

Where is this program offered?

If you are a law enforcement professional currently or formerly employed in a full authority capacity, you can capitalize on your police academy training to advance your education, no matter where you reside in the United States. Rio has affiliations with numerous law enforcement agencies and state peace officer licensing agencies throughout the United States - and the number is growing every day. Even if you graduate from a non-Rio Salado College affiliated police academy, we can help.

Can I continue on and achieve my bachelor's degree?

Those who have completed or are working toward an AAS Degree in Law Enforcement Technology may further their higher education and pursue the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Police Science through Ottawa University. This innovative degree was designed by nationally recognized police professionals for the working police practitioner, and is offered online for your convenience.

How do I get started?

Whether you have or are currently completing your basic law enforcement academy training, we can help you get started toward achieving a degree specifically designed for your profession.

For further information on any of the preceding, or for answers to other questions regarding tuition and fees or course schedules call: Police Science Advising, (480) 517-8535 in the Phoenix area, or 1-800-259-6077 nationwide. You may also e-mail questions to: PoliceScience.advising@riomail.maricopa.edu