Best Online Law Enforcement Degrees

Start your career in law enforcement with the best online bachelor's degrees available.

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Learn the inner workings of crime prevention and prepare yourself for a rewarding career with an online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement.

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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.

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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:

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:

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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.

  1. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
    Location

    Natchitoches, LA

    Tuition

    $11567

    Overview

    Situated in the small, historic city of Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a four-year public university with an impressive online presence. The school is ranked among the top 150 regional schools in the South according to U.S. News and World Report and NSU’s online bachelor’s program also ranks among the best in the country.

    Program Features

    NSU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Unified Public Safety Administration which will prepare you for entry into federal, state, and local agencies. This affordable program strives to meet the national need for better prepared UPSA professionals by fusing essential analytical skills with leading-edge industry perspectives. And you’ll be able to tailor the degree to your own career aspirations by choosing one of four concentrations:

    • Law Enforcement Administration
    • Fire and Emergency Medical Service Administration
    • Emergency Management Administration
    • Public Facilities Management

    Notables

    NSU’s online BS in Unified Public Safety Administration major is comprised of 49 credits within a 123-credit program. Online learning at NSU is engaging and consists of a variety of methods, including Powerpoint lectures, discussion boards, blogs, webinars, and group projects. Students also have opportunities to interact with faculty. And online students pay in-state tuition no matter where they live, making this degree an affordable – as well as a reputable – option.

  2. Colorado State University-Global Campus
    Location

    Aurora, CO

    Tuition

    $18000

    Overview

    Founded in 2007, CSU-Global Campus is the online campus of the renowned public Colorado State University system. Headquartered in Greenwood Village, CO, the school offers flexible, high-quality online programs to meet the educational needs of adult learners in Colorado and beyond. And their Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement program ranks among the best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

    Program Features

    CSU-Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration that combines essential managerial skills with a deep knowledge of law enforcement.  CSU-Global is a national leader in online learning, and the combination of flexibility, academic rigor, and engaging learning tools make this program hard to beat. Courses include:

    • Applying Leadership Skills
    • Introduction to Criminal Justice
    • Criminology

    Notables

    CSU-Global’s BS in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration consists of 10 three-credit core courses as part of a full 120-credit bachelor’s degree. A unique feature of CSU Global Campus programs is the Awards of Completion and Skills Endorsements that students earn as they study. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to show employers your mastery of industry-relevant subjects that highlight specific skills and knowledge.

  3. Florida State University
    Location

    Tallahassee, FL

    Tuition

    $16506

    Overview

    Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a large, public research university and home to one of the most historic campuses in the state. FSU’s online programs rank among the best in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. And its criminology and law enforcement programs have an outstanding reputation for ground-breaking research and excellence in teaching.

    Program Features

    FSU’s College of Applied Studies offers an online Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence – Public Safety and Security which provides students with concrete skills.  As a student, you’ll learn from leaders in the fields of criminology, underwater crime scene investigation, and defense administration. And FSU prides itself on faculty-student interaction, so online students are mentored by highly-experienced practitioners and scholars. Courses include:

    • The Criminal Justice System
    • Computer Applications in Criminal Justice
    • Ethics in Policing and Intelligence

    Notables

    FSU’s online BS in Law Enforcement Intelligence is a 60-credit major program for students with an Associate of Arts degree.  FSU’s program includes a required professional capstone project which provides experience working with a professional public safety and security entity. Internship opportunities range from employment with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI to NASA, NOAA, and the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research.

  4. Eastern Kentucky University
    Location

    Richmond, KY

    Tuition

    $12255

    Overview

    Located in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a mid-sized public institution that ranks among the top public regional universities in the South according to U.S. News and World Report. EKU provides academically challenging programs that prepare students for rewarding careers. And their online programs extend this mission to nontraditional students well-beyond the university’s traditional service area.

    Program Features

    If you’re interested in a career as a law enforcement officer, EKU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Police Studies that will prepare you to begin a career in the field.  As a student, you’ll explore topics such as contemporary policing strategies, crime patterns, technology, and ethics. You’ll experience a supportive learning environment in which you can continue to work as you study. And you’ll benefit from EKU’s 40+ years of experience in  police education. Courses include:

    • Criminal investigation
    • Ethics
    • Operations

    Notables

    EKU’s online Bachelor’s of Police Studies is a 120-credit program, though students can transfer up to 90 credits from another institution. You’ll have the opportunity to select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. And at EKU, online courses take place in accelerated 8-week terms, which will propel you through the program faster than traditional programs.

  5. Anderson University
    Location

    Anderson, SC

    Tuition

    $20574

    Overview

    Located in Anderson, SC, Anderson University is a small, private, Christian liberal arts university which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The school has a reputation for innovative programs and flexible delivery as well as a commitment to academic excellence. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school at #73 among regional universities in the South.

    Program Features

    Anderson University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement for adults seeking a career in police work and law enforcement. Unlike many online undergraduate programs which require students to have completed their general education requirements prior to starting coursework in their major area, Anderson University allows students to complete the entire degree online. Courses in the law enforcement concentration include:

    • Psychology and the Law
    • Executive Criminal Justice
    • Constitutional Law

    Notables

    Anderson University’s online BA in Criminal Justice is a 128-credit program comprised of general education requirements, a wide range of courses in the Criminal Justice major, and 12 credits in the concentration. At Anderson University, online courses are delivered in accelerated 8-week sessions, allowing you to complete the entire degree in eight semesters of full-time study. This is a great program for working adults wanting to complete a bachelor’s degree on their own time.

  6. Drury University
    Location

    Springfield, MO

    Tuition

    $22181

    Overview

    A top-ranked regional university located in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a small, private, liberal arts college. The school provides a traditional, liberal arts experience for students on campus while their College of Continuing Professional Studies extends their excellent programs to nontraditional students through high-quality online and evening classes.

    Program Features

    Drury University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement with a Leadership concentration. If you’re looking for an online program that blends practical investigative and procedural techniques with communication and leadership skills, this is an excellent option. Graduates are ready to take on careers in local, state, and federal justice systems. Courses in the major include:

    • Introduction to Criminology
    • Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences
    • Victimology

    Notables

    Drury University’s online BS in Law Enforcement is a 124-credit program, with 48 credits in the Law Enforcement major. The degree is offered in an entirely online format, but if you live near campus there is also the option to complete the degree in a hybrid format (online and on campus). And at Drury, all faculty are trained in online teaching techniques, so you can feel confident that they are on the forefront of web-based technology and educational advancements.

  7. American Public University System
    Location

    Charles Town, WV

    Tuition

    $11470

    Overview

    Headquartered in Charles Town, WV, American Public University is a private, regionally accredited, for-profit university.  The school provides professionally-oriented online degrees at the undergraduate and master’s level – with a special focus on students who have served in the US Military. APU’s online Bachelor’s programs rank among the top 100 nationally according to U.S. News and World Report.

    Program Features

    American Public University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice which will bring you into contact with experienced criminal justice professionals. APU offers great value for their online programs, and its Criminal Justice degrees are among the most popular among students. You’ll gain a broad-based foundation in the areas of US law enforcement, criminology, investigations, law, and community relations. Courses include:

    • Criminal Justice Administration
    • US Law Enforcement
    • Criminology

    Notables

    APU’s online BA in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit degree program which includes 30 credits in the criminal justice major with an additional 15 credits in a focused concentration (in areas like Maritime Law Enforcement and Organizational Law Enforcement). If you are looking for a program with an in-depth study of forensics, APU also offers an online BS in Criminal Justice that does just that.

  8. Southeast Missouri State University
    Location

    Cape Girardeau, MO

    Tuition

    $11776

    Overview

    Located near the banks of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a mid-sized public university and among the fastest growing institutions in the Midwest. According to U.S. News and World Report, Southeast ranks among the top 25 midwestern public regional universities and its online criminal justice programs have also received national acclaim.

    Program Features

    Southeast’s Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice which provides broad based foundation for careers in criminal justice agencies. Southeast’s curriculum covers essential knowledge for crime prevention, protection, and rehabilitation – as well as an academic credential that will allow you to rise through the ranks. Students can choose from two degree tracks:

    • Academic/University track
    • Law Enforcement Academy track

    Notables

    Southeast’s online BS in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit program with 45 credits in the Criminal Justice major. Students choose between the Academic/University track which provides a theoretical understanding of Criminal Justice (and a path to graduate study) or the Law Enforcement Academy track which is has a practitioner orientation. All students in the Criminal Justice program take part in career preparation activities like internships, clinical opportunities, or study-abroad.

  9. Excelsior College
    Location

    Albany, NY

    Tuition

    $15300

    Overview

    Located in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private, non-profit institution that specializes in career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a strong commitment to making higher education accessible, Excelsior offers college credit for eligible forms of military training, industry-accredited training programs, and other education students have acquired outside a college classroom.

    Program Features

    Excelsior College’s School of Public Service offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Specially designed for working adults, Excelsior’s program provides an excellent – and affordable – foundation for a career in law enforcement. You’ll learn essential skills from experienced professors and gain a strong understanding of subjects like:

    • Procedures and evidence
    • Community policing
    • Public and private security
    • Forensic pathology

    Notables

    Excelsior’s online BS in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit program with 33 credits in the Criminal Justice Major and Law Enforcement concentration. The Criminal Justice program also offers concentrations in other areas like National Security and Investigative Forensics. Check out their website for options. And Excelsior has an exceptionally generous transfer policy, granting credit for courses you have taken elsewhere.

  10. Regent University
    Location

    Virginia Beach, VA

    Tuition

    $17837

    Overview

    Situated in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private, Christian research university. The school, which has a mission to develop Christian leaders, is one of an elite group to receive an “A” rating for its undergraduate liberal arts curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. Regent has been offering online degrees since 2003 and prides itself on its rigorous, flexible, and affordable online programs.

    Program Features

    Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement. The curriculum is presented from a Christian worldview, encompassing topics like criminal investigation processes and ethics, criminal law, juvenile justice and constitutional law. And as a leader in online learning, Regent is known for high-quality academics, first-rate faculty, and engaging online context. Courses include:

    • Ethics in Criminal Justice
    • Theories of Criminal Justice
    • Law Enforcement Organization and Administration

    Notables

    Regent University’s BS in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit degree with 36 credits in the Criminal Justice Major and an additional 12 credits in the Law Enforcement concentration. Regent allows students to transfer a number of credits into the program but students must take at least 50 percent of the credits in the major at Regent. Graduates are prepared to enter careers in local, state, federal, or international law enforcement organizations.

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