Northwood offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for police, firefighters and military

Northwood University offers police officers, firefighters and former military personnel an academic program in law enforcement and public safety that allows them to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Henry Reyna, who directs military and public safety recruitment and partnerships at the university, said the program will be offered entirely online and can be completed in one academic year.

A bachelor’s degree costs $10,500. A master’s degree costs $12,000.

“The expectation of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for first responders is to raise the level of training of first responders so that they become more valuable employees in the service of the city, municipality or county,” Reyna said.

Reyna said the program is flexible and adapts to first responders’ busy schedules. An online course is offered every eight weeks. Additionally, up to 90 credits from previous education, vocational training or work experience can be applied toward the degree.

“We did this because Northwood gives back to first responders,” Reyna said. “We also recognize the skills they have learned throughout their lives, such as being a police officer, firefighter or in the military.”

The program was the brainchild of students attending the private business school in Midland. They decided Northwood could give something to the community and recognize the special contributions first responders make to people, Reyna said. The university administration listened.

“If we have a smarter first responder, they will be able to verbally de-escalate the situation,” Reyna said. “They will have tools in their toolbox. They will be able to solve problems in our community. A smarter, better trained first responder is beneficial to everyone.”

Dan Robinson Sr., a Detroit police officer who runs the Detroit Police Law Enforcement Explorer program, said the opportunity for education is important in law enforcement because it allows for better, more informed decisions to be made.

That’s exactly what he’s doing with the Explorers program visiting Northwood University this week. He said over 60 kids who want to go into law enforcement came to this field trip to learn how to respond to stops, searches, arrests, active gunfire and other attacks, Robinson said.

He said the program has been running for over 50 years and this is Northwood’s second year hosting the annual camp academy.

“Being a police officer is about making the change you want to see,” Robinson said.

Carrie Fairfax-Moore, a sergeant with the Detroit Police Department, said she joined the force after participating in the Explorers program as a child. For her, being a police officer is fulfilling and means giving back to the community, she said.

“Education is very powerful,” Fairfax-Moore said. “It’s definitely a tool that we need. And the more you know, the more you do, the better you know, the better you are. So education is absolutely one of the top priorities of our department.”

Reyna said Northwood’s program will begin this year on August 25. The application deadline is August 20.

He said he is also looking for city, town or county administrators who employ police officers, firefighters and military personnel to contact them to learn more about the program.