Law Enforcement Degree
A law enforcement degree helps to prepare students for the four to six-month agency-specific police academies that act as a law enforcement boot camp. That does not mean that police departments and sheriff’s offices discount these degrees.
In fact, many police departments around the United States require at least 60 credits in college experience. Many hiring officers look highly on those with coursework in criminal justice and law enforcement studies because it gives them a head start on the book work they will experience during academy and also demonstrates qualities like initiative, strong work ethic, and critical thinking skills. Read More +
>>Find Law Enforcement Related Degrees.
Read more about careers where criminal justice of law enforcement degrees help:
- Police Officer career
- Sheriff Officer / Deputy career
- Corrections Officer career
- Fish and Game Warden career
- Park Ranger career
- Security Guard career
Law Enforcement Training and Courses
To that end, most law enforcement degree programs focus on the application of law to give students an understanding of how to enforce laws. Other key aspects include learning about the chain of evidence and detection of materials to support arrests, as well as the proper application of force given the circumstances.
>>Find Law Enforcement Related Programs.
With an increased focus on community-oriented policing evidenced by many departments, students learning about becoming a law enforcement officer may also take introductory level sociology courses and those on media relations, as well as law history courses.
Job Opportunities for Law Enforcement Degree Program Graduates
These skills, combined with entrance to an academy, will prepare the law enforcement degree graduate to become a police or law enforcement trainee or cadet. Income varies widely throughout the United States, but most State Police officers and federal law enforcement officers begin with salaries in the low to mid $40,000s and can rise above $100,000 in some locations.
Top 50 Law Enforcement Blogs
See our top law enforcement blogs to read about what it is like to work as a police officer from current law enforcement professionals.
Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs and Criminal Justice Schools
Southern New Hampshire University
Popular Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies
- Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Law & Legal Process
- Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Policing & Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Crime and Criminology
- Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Forensic Psychology
- MBA - Justice Studies
Everest University Online
Popular Degrees:
- Associate's in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- Associate's in Homeland Security
- Bachelor's in Homeland Security
- Associate's in Criminal Investigations
Kaplan University
Popular Degrees:
- A.A.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
- M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
- B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime
Rasmussen College
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Corrections
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security Management
- Master of Public Administration
American InterContinental University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Special Populations
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - Forensic Science
Test Drive College Online
If you are thinking about online college but you’re not sure if it's for you, you should apply for Test Drive College Online. It is the only program that provides students with the opportunity to "try" online learning by taking a real college course online at no cost or obligation. Plus, the credits you earn may save you up to $2000 in tuition when you apply them toward a full degree. Get Started!
