Lakeshore College, Yavapai College establish accelerated bachelor’s degree pathway in public safety administration

Lakeshore College and Yavapai College have partnered to expand educational opportunities for law enforcement and public safety professionals through an accelerated pathway to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration. Lakeshore is the first institution in the state of Wisconsin to make this opportunity available to students through Yavapai.

College representatives gathered today, Nov. 9, at Lakeshore College to recognize the partnership and sign an agreement establishing a pathway for eligible Lakeshore graduates to continue their education through Yavapai College’s online bachelor’s degree program.

The pathway provides Lakeshore students with an opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree with a Criminal Justice concentration, then transfer to Yavapai College’s online BAS in Public Safety Administration program. Students can complete the two degrees with 93 total credits — 63 credits at Lakeshore College and 30 additional credits online through Yavapai College.

Yavapai College is the first community or technical college in the nation to offer the bachelor’s program at this reduced-credit level, creating an accelerated route for working professionals who want to advance their education while continuing their careers.

“This partnership is an example of what can happen when colleges listen to the needs of their communities and work together to create new opportunities,” said Dr. Paul Carlsen, president of Lakeshore College. “We’ve heard from our law enforcement and public safety partners about the importance of providing pathways for professionals to earn bachelor’s degrees without having to step away from their careers. This agreement allows our students to build on the education they’ve already received at Lakeshore and take the next step toward advancing their careers. We hope to one day be able to offer this full degree at Lakeshore College so students can stay local with their education.”

At Lakeshore, students complete 30 general education credits and 33 credits of Criminal Justice Academy coursework to earn their associate degree. The Criminal Justice Academy coursework provides students with the specialized preparation needed for the pathway.

“For many students continuing their education means finding a way to move forward while caring for their families, working and serving their communities,” said Dr. Marylou Mercado, Yavapai College’s interim provost and vice president of workforce development, health sciences, and public services. “We want students to know the work they’ve already

put into their education matters. Which is why these pathways build on that foundation and bring a bachelor’s degree within reach.”

The pathway is designed to support law enforcement and public safety professionals at different stages of their careers.

Many Lakeshore graduates begin working in the field to gain experience and may return to complete the bachelor’s degree as they pursue promotions and advanced roles within their agencies. Other students may choose to transfer immediately after earning their associate degree, though additional work experience may still be needed before moving into higher-level positions.

Students can begin the pathway in spring 2027, with start options in January or March.

Representing Lakeshore College at the agreement signing were Carlsen; Dr. Meredith Sauer, vice president of academic affairs; and Kelli Grasse, dean of business, education and culinary arts.

Yavapai College representatives included Mercado and Jason Ebersole, lead dean of workforce development, health sciences and public services.

The partnership reflects both colleges’ commitment to creating accessible, career-focused educational opportunities that support students, employers and workforce needs.

For more information about criminal justice programs at Lakeshore College, visit lakeshore.edu.