The points needed to be acquired in order to achieve the various incentive steps as set forth in § 42-28.1-3 shall be earned as follows:

(1)  One hundred twenty (120) points for a baccalaureate degree in a university, college, technical institute, or other institution approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools.

(2)  Sixty (60) points for an associate degree awarded by any institution approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools.

(3)  One point for each semester hour credit obtained in a university, college, technical institute, or other institute of learning approved by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, with a concentration in police and legal studies and including studies in the field of behavioral sciences, provided that the member is continuously enrolled in a law enforcement degree program and is taking a minimum of nine (9) credit courses per year in said program; and that a degree is obtained by the member within six (6) years from the time that he or she receives his or her first credit under this program; provided, further, that upon disability or hardship of a member, the chief of training, division of personnel, may exempt that member from the above requirements.