NMSU partners with state police on criminal justice degree
The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) has partnered with the Department of Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University (NMSU) to give students a unique opportunity to kickstart their law enforcement careers. This partnership allows students to gain hands-on law enforcement experience while completing the final 15 credit hours of their bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
"As an NMSU Criminal Justice program graduate myself, I can vouch for the high-quality instruction provided by NMSU educators," said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. "By combining their classroom knowledge with the practical experience gained in our academy, students can set themselves up for a rewarding career with New Mexico's elite law enforcement agency, the New Mexico State Police."
Acceptance into the NMSP Academy requires students to pass a competitive application process, followed by the demanding 20-week NMSP recruit academy. Upon successfully completing the program, students will meet the final requirements for their criminal justice degree and be commissioned as New Mexico State Police officers.
For more information on joining NMSP or to speak with a recruiter, visitwww.JoinNMSP.comand follow us on all social media @NMStatePolice
NMSU’s Criminal Justice Program partners with the Las Cruces Police Department. New Mexico State University and the Criminal Justice Department have signed a memorandum of understanding that allows students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to receive up to 15 academic credits while training in LCPD’s state-certified academy.
“This is just a phenomenal opportunity for our students to gain experiential learning as part of their degree in the Department of Criminal Justice,” said Academic Department Head Dr. Dennis Giever. “With this agreement, our students can gain hands-on experience in law enforcement with a premier agency in the region.”
“This really is a win-win situation for criminal justice students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement,” said LCPD Chief Jeremy Story. “This endeavor joins the well-educated talent produced by NMSU with our state-certified and highly regarded training academy.
“We anticipate the students who take advantage of this opportunity will help raise the bar when it comes to commissioned law enforcement officers.”
The MOU will allow students enrolled in NMSU’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice program to simultaneously be employed in LCPD’s academy. Students will receive up to 15 hours of academic credit plus a salary of $24 an hour while training in LCPD’s academy.
Graduates of LCPD’s academy earn roughly $54,000 annually in their first year and close to $60,000 annually, plus overtime, after completing probation. Academy applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, sociology or psychology are also eligible for up to $25,000 in hiring incentives.
Criminal justice students who wish to apply for LCPD’s academy will need to pass a comprehensive background check and other testing procedures before being admitted into the academy.
After successfully completing NMSU degree requirements and LCPD’s academy training program, including field training, students will be employed as patrol officers.
The agreement allows students to continue to pursue their bachelor’s degree while employed as a commissioned officer if they need additional academic hours to earn their degree.
Students enrolled at NMSU in the Fall 2025 semester will be the first to be eligible for this opportunity.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 8, 2025. Those interested are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor, contact a recruiter and visit
