Earn College Credit As You Progress Through The Police Academy Program
Strong Integration With Criminal Justice Academics and Career Pathways
Two Locations to Choose From Based on Your Lifestyle and Scheduling Preference
Exceeding State Standards: Ohio Attorney General STAR Academy Designation
Basic Peace Officer Training
Are you ready to commit to intensive, para-military styled training and prepare for a career in law enforcement? The Youngstown State University Police Academy offers Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)–approved Basic Peace Officer Training while allowing eligible students to earn college credit.
With two academy locations and flexible scheduling options, YSU lets you choose the format that fits your life without compromising training quality.
The Peace Officer Training Academy at Youngstown State University prepares individuals to meet the standards established by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. This academic program provides the required instruction, physical training, and practical skill development necessary for individuals seeking certification as a peace officer in the State of Ohio.
The academy consists of approximately 740+ hours of classroom and practical training. Instruction is delivered five days per week, eight hours per day, across a fifteen-week period, with several weekend sessions dedicated to required skill components. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction, applied scenario-based learning, physical conditioning, defensive tactics, firearms training, and legal instruction.
Upon successful completion of all academy requirements, including physical assessments, skill evaluations, and written examinations, students receive eligibility for certification through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.
This program is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in municipal police departments, county sheriff offices, state agencies, campus law enforcement, and other public safety roles.
In addition to meeting all OPOTC requirements, the YSU Police Academy offers enhanced training and academic advantages, including:
Successful completion of the Academy and the State Certification Exam (SCE) make cadets eligible for a letter from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, qualifying them for certification upon being commissioned.
Officers already commissioned prior to attending the Academy receive state certification immediately upon successful completion.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow steadily over the coming decade. Demand remains consistent due to retirements, turnover, and the ongoing need for public safety professionals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:
In Ohio and the surrounding region, law enforcement positions continue to offer competitive wages, structured advancement opportunities, and strong career pathways in public service. Specialized roles such as K-9 units, investigations, cybercrime, community policing, and leadership positions provide long-term career growth.
Youngstown ] Steubenville ]Academic Secretary
Kim Jenkins
📧 kajenkins@ysu.edu
Director / Academy Commander YSU Main
Edward J. Villone
Academy Commander Steubenville
Keith Thorn
mkthornjr@ysu.edu
Academic Administrative Supervisor
Dr. John Hazy
Admission is competitive. Do not wait to apply.
Yes. The Police Academy at both the YSU Main Campus and Steubenville Campus is fully accredited.
The program is:
Credits earned during the Academy may also apply toward a YSU degree.
Applying to the Youngstown Academy:
Application packets must be picked up in person from the Police Academy office:
Cushwa Hall, Room 2361, during designated office hours
Applying to the Steubenville Academy:
Contact: Commander Thorn
330-383-9235 or mkthornjr@ysu.edu
Please note:
Applications are accepted twice per year:
Fall Semester (Youngstown and Steubenville)
Spring Semester (Youngtown Only)
Class size is limited to 30 students. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Schedules vary by location:
YSU Main Campus
Steubenville Campus
Both locations deliver the same curriculum and training.
Not only does this program cover all your basic OPOTA requirements, but it offers additional training including but not limited to:
Students who successfully complete the Academy will receive either 18 undergraduate credit hours at YSU Main or 24 undergraduate credit hours at YSU Steubenville. Successful completion of the Academy makes the cadet eligible for a letter from the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission that will qualify them for certification upon being commissioned. Officers commissioned by police departments prior to attending the academy will receive state certification immediately upon successful completion of the academy.
* No college credit will be given unless the student is currently enrolled and has paid all university fees.
No. Under current Ohio standards: A college degree is not required for police certification. Requirements include:
However, many law enforcement agencies:
The new curriculum consists of more than 700 hours in the following areas:
All applicants will be required to pass a background investigation and have a medical release signed by a licensed physician. Students must attend all classes and/or makeup any coursework that is missed. In addition, students are expected to meet Academy and YSU behavioral standards.
Eligibility Notice for International Students
Due to federal immigration regulations, students who are in the United States on a non-immigrant visa (including F-1 or other student visa classifications) are not eligible to participate in the OPOTA program at this time.
International students who have questions about how participation may impact their visa status are strongly encouraged to contact the International Programs Office (IPO) before pursuing enrollment. The IPO can provide guidance regarding visa compliance and institutional policies.
Students may also choose to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore whether any exceptions or waivers may be available based on their individual circumstances.
Maintaining compliance with federal immigration regulations is the responsibility of the student, and consultation with the IPO office is an important first step.
