Cecil College offers degree pathway for county deputies

Published on July 19, 2022

Logo for Cecil College and the Cecil County Sheriff's Office


NORTH EAST, Md. – To further support and enhance the position of law enforcement deputy, Cecil College and Cecil County Sheriff’s Office have renewed and updated the seamless pathway for law enforcement officers to continue their studies toward an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Cecil College will grant Cecil County Sheriff’s deputies college credits toward an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the coursework they completed at the Maryland Police Training Commission Academy.

Deputies enrolling in this program receive 31 credits and are required to take nine more classes to earn their degree. Receiving college credit for their academy training allows deputies to reduce repetitive coursework and focus on degree attainment while managing their job duties and shift work. The availability of online courses also creates a work/life balance for the deputies and supports degree attainment.

Cecil College is committed to making higher education accessible to everyone in the community along with providing professional development for career advancement. Through collaboration, the College can meet the specific needs of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office.

“Cecil College is committed to creating degree programs that acknowledge prior learning and provide flexible educational options that result in enhanced student development,” said Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.

Dr. Bolt continues to embrace the mission and purpose of a community college’s role in the surrounding region it serves. Cecil College remains focused on workforce development, continuing education, traditional credit programs, and lifelong learning. The College provides transfer opportunities and partners with four-year institutions so students can earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the county.

Deputies opting to continue their education and development will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree through Cecil College’s partnerships with several other colleges and universities without leaving Cecil County. Cecil County Sheriff’s deputies receive medical, vision and dental insurance; paid leave; employee and professional development assistance; and a retirement plan along with a signing bonus.