Learn the inner workings of crime prevention and prepare yourself for a rewarding career with an online bachelor's degree in law enforcement.
It's not easy work, but if you want to make a difference, law enforcement is one of the most impactful careers you can choose. But no matter what area of the field you choose, you'll need tools to help you understand criminal behavior, adhere to policy, and advocate for the vulnerable.
Increasingly, law enforcement agencies are looking for candidates who have the critical thinking and communications skills that an undergraduate degree provides. With a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, you'll be ready to take on demanding law enforcement positions throughout the country.
Accredited Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of law enforcement degree should you get?
Undergraduate degrees in law enforcement usually blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills so that students are prepared for a number of career opportunities. There are specific areas of emphasis, though, like administration or forensics. These programs can be helpful if you have a good idea of what you want to do post-graduation.
And you won't have to leave home to complete your degree. Thanks to major advances in educational technology, many schools now offer the same programs online as they do on campus. There is no stigma attached to completing a degree off-campus, and many law enforcement programs are specifically designed for students who are combining work with study.
How much money do people make with a law enforcement degree?
Nobody goes into law enforcement to get rich, but you'll make a respectable salary. Because public safety is an ever-present concern, you can feel confident that you are entering – or continuing – in a field that will always have need of competent, committed workers. And having a degree in the field will help open doors to jobs that require higher level skills.
Specific salaries vary widely for people in law enforcement since there is such a wide range of career possibilities. Geographic location and job experience are both major factors that will determine your future pay. But here are a few median salaries, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Police and Detectives: $61,600
Private Detectives: $48,190
Probation Officer: $50,160
What can you do with a degree in law enforcement?
As a professional in the field of law enforcement, you'll have a variety of careers that you can choose to pursue. A bachelor's degree in the field can lay a solid foundation for police work, social work, public safety, as well as a law degree or other graduate studies.
Depending on the focus of your degree, you may also be eligible for administrative positions at local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. These jobs are highly competitive, but having a college degree will give you a leg-up when it comes to promotions. Here are some other job titles you might qualify for:
Police Officer
Corrections Manager
Security Manager
Criminologist
Special Agent
Accredited Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What are the requirements for a degree in law enforcement?
Admission requirements depend largely on the program you want to enroll in. There is a distinction to be made, though, between completion degree programs and programs that allow you to complete the entire degree online. If you're interested in a completion program, you'll probably need to have at least 30 credits to transfer into the program.
If you're transferring from a community college, you should consult the college's online transfer guides and the Undergraduate Catalog for detailed information. Some programs even offer credit for previous life or work experience. An academic counselor or advisor can help to review your degree plan and keep you on track for graduation.
What are the best law enforcement degrees?
At College Choice, we've scoured the internet to find the best law enforcement degrees. We've researched them, ranked them, and given each school a score that reflects academic excellence and return on investment. Then we lay it all out for you in an easy-to-read format.
Our College Choice score is based on a lot of numbers. We look at statistics from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), national reputation scores, tuition costs, and early career incomes – as well as first-year retention rates and, whenever possible, student satisfaction reviews.
Good luck in your search for a great program!
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
