LIVONIA, MICH. – Madonna University's criminal justice program announced a partnership with the Western Wayne County Police Academy, enabling students to attend the academy during their final semester of college while completing their degree. The initiative, launched last year, allows participants to use federal financial aid for academy costs, earn college credits, and qualify for immediate hiring as police officers or deputies statewide upon graduation.
The programs 45-credit major, combined with general education requirements, prepares students for law enforcement careers while offering specialized Certificates of Completion in Homeland Security, Private Security, Private Investigation, Animal Cruelty Investigation, Spanish for Law Enforcement, Forensic Psychology, or Forensic Accounting. These credentials allow graduates to tailor their expertise to niche sectors of criminal justice.
This partnership eliminates financial and logistical barriers for students pursuing public service. They graduate job-ready, with both a degree and academy certification.
The program is open to high school graduates passionate about criminal justice, career changers seeking specialized roles, and transfer students aiming to complete their bachelor's degrees. Madonna's criminal justice alumni network includes 95 police chiefs across Michigan, reflecting the program's reputation for leadership training.
With U.S. law enforcement employment projected to grow 3% through 2034, according to federal labor data, the university emphasizes the program's focus on problem-solving, ethics, and community engagement.
Prospective students can explore degree plans and certificate options on Madonna University's criminal justice program webpage.
