How adult learning helped one NYPD officer design better training programs

Jason Mazeski worked as a training instructor for the NYPD when he decided to advance his education. He chose a master’s program focused on teaching adults because his job involved helping colleagues learn new skills. The program at Buffalo State offered flexible online classes, letting him balance work and study. He picked the faster track, finishing in just a year by taking extra courses during breaks. His specialization in instructional design gave him tools to create better training materials—a skill that later shaped his career. Adult education isn’t just about basic reading or job training. It covers how to help grown-ups learn effectively, whether for career growth or personal development. Buffalo State’s program teaches strategies for improving workplace learning and leadership in education and training fields. For Mazeski, the classes weren’t just theoretical—they were practical. He used what he learned daily, from designing courses to analyzing how people absorb information.After graduating, Mazeski put his skills to work in a big way. He created a one-day active shooter response training and a tourniquet program that’s now used by 30, 000 officers. His work has directly saved lives. Without his studies, he says he wouldn’t have had the knowledge to develop these critical programs. Even years later, he still refers back to his old textbooks. Mazeski didn’t stop there. He later earned a doctorate in adult education, again seeking guidance from his former professors. He noticed how his deep understanding from Buffalo State gave him an edge over peers who lacked that foundation. When the pandemic forced remote learning, he saw firsthand how his old program’s methods stood out compared to others. Today, Mazeski leads training for New York City’s transportation enforcement team, overseeing about 180 officers. He still applies what he learned years ago. The program’s impact stayed with him long after graduation—he even keeps in touch with faculty members for advice. For anyone considering further education, he encourages them to take the leap. The flexibility and quality of the program, he says, make it an easy choice.