The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce and the City of Austin, Texas, have joined forces to establish a tailored pathway for Austin Police Department officers to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on law enforcement leadership.
This innovative program is designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of working professionals, offering flexibility and affordability without compromising existing work or family commitments. Through asynchronous online courses structured in accelerated seven-week terms, officers can progress at their own pace.
A dedicated success team is in place to provide personalized support from the initial inquiry stage to graduation, ensuring a smooth and expedited admission process.
Representatives from the College of Innovation and Design recently engaged with members of the Austin Police Association to introduce the program. Jimmy Womack, coordinator and instructor for the university’s competency-based program, shared insights into the initiative during the association’s February meeting.
Angela Woodruff, Associate Program Director, emphasized the program's commitment to meeting the unique needs of adult learners and working professionals.
“Joining the College of Innovation and Design has been very rewarding, including redesigning our student support team to accommodate the unique needs of adult learners and working professionals,” Woodruff said. “Our partnership with the City of Austin promises to benefit A&M-Commerce and Austin Police Department officers. We look forward to developing similar partnerships to extend educational opportunities across the state of Texas.”
George Sumner, a retired detective and program alum, commended the partnership for its provision of educational opportunities, including guaranteed admission and covered tuition fees, for police officers. He expressed pride in contributing to a partnership that promises long-term benefits for law enforcement professionals.
The College of Innovation and Design offers a range of competency-based programs aligned with workforce needs, spanning various fields from healthcare to teacher preparation. Interested individuals can explore available programs on the college's website at tamuc.edu/CID.
