Pennsylvania State Police career leads former Bloomsburg student back to campus to complete criminal justice degree

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2. Pennsylvania State Police career leads former Bloomsburg student back to campus to complete criminal justice degree

Joseph Short began pursuing a criminal justice degree at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg in the fall of 2009. Little did he know that it would be only the beginning of an academic and professional journey marked by service, perseverance and a desire to make a positive difference.

"Throughout my life, I have always maintained a strong sense of community and a desire to have a positive impact on the people around me," Short said.

While searching for a university, Short found that CU-Bloomsburg offered instruction from experienced criminal justice professionals and opportunities for students to earn academic credits while working as full-duty police officers.

In the fall of 2012, Short received an invitation to attend the Pennsylvania State Police's 135th Cadet Class. He withdrew from his college courses to pursue the opportunity and graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in March 2013, beginning what he described as a challenging but rewarding career.

Short's interest in law enforcement began at a young age and grew from his commitment to serving his community. His education at CU-Bloomsburg provided him with a strong understanding of the criminal justice profession, while an internship with the Ocean City Police Department expanded that foundation and helped prepare him for a career with the Pennsylvania State Police.

"The foundation you establish when you begin your career is extremely important and will directly contribute to your success in any field," Short said.

Although completing his degree remained a goal, Short was uncertain whether it would be possible. That changed when he read about an educational partnership with CU-Bloomsburg in The Communicator, a monthly publication distributed throughout the Pennsylvania State Police.

"The desire to continue enhancing my understanding of crime and criminality was the driving factor in continuing my education," Short said.

Stepping away from college allowed Short to establish himself professionally but returning to complete his degree, while balancing a demanding career and family responsibilities, initially seemed unrealistic.

"One of the most challenging aspects was balancing the demands of my career while maintaining my commitment to my family and being the most involved version of myself," Short said.

As he returned to the classroom, one course revealed an information gap in his understanding of the criminal justice system. Completing the degree allowed Short to fill that gap, strengthen his overall knowledge of the field and better understand the diverse and changing needs of the individuals and communities served by law enforcement. Short graduated from Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with a degree in criminal justice in 2025.

Short credits the faculty and staff at Commonwealth University with helping him successfully return to college and complete his academic journey.

"It was evident from the start that the staff members at Commonwealth University were committed to providing me with the tools I needed to succeed," Short said. "The staff was professional and efficient, and they created a pathway to a degree that was the most beneficial for my situation. I am extremely grateful to have worked with them and for the opportunity that was provided."

Categories:

• Criminal Justice
• Workforce Development

Tags:

• Workforce Development