All law enforcement professionals have a core mission of protecting and serving the citizens. This includes police officers, drug enforcement agents, parole officers, and security guards.

If you want to become a law enforcement officer then you must enroll in an accredited degree program that offers specialized training and prepares you for a career in policing, criminal justice, and public safety. Many universities offer these degrees nowadays which you can enroll in if you meet their requirements. 

Let’s discuss in detail what the law enforcement degree is all about and some top-rated programs and prospects after getting the degree. 

What is Law Enforcement?

Law enforcement refers to the agencies and employees who enforce laws, maintain public order, and manage public safety. Police are responsible for investigating, apprehending, and arresting people suspected of crimes. Some law enforcement agencies, notably sheriff’s offices, assist in the detention of convicted individuals.

Law enforcement includes the police, the courts, and the correctional system. These three criminal justice system components may function independently or collaboratively through the sharing and cooperation of records. Aside from protecting lives, property, and the public, law enforcement is also tasked with maintaining social order.

Throughout human history, law enforcement and the police have existed in various forms in many different societies. The term law enforcement officer or police officer is often used to refer to every individual who is vested with police authority or power by the state that is legislation; traditionally, anyone sworn or badged as an officer who is capable of arresting any individual for violating criminal laws is regarded as a part of the law enforcement.

What is a Law Enforcement Degree?

Law enforcement degrees provide the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare students for careers in law enforcement. If you are interested in earning a degree in law enforcement, you may opt to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in law enforcement. The two degrees are both related to law enforcement.

The following courses are included in law enforcement degrees:

• Criminal justice foundations
• Police administration and criminal justice leadership
• Ethics
• Criminal law
• Emergency management
• Criminology
• Data analysis and research

You may also choose to specialize in one of the related fields to broaden your knowledge of the field. Law enforcement studies may also include the following concentrations:

• Law enforcement analysis
• Homeland security
• Public safety
• Law enforcement administration
• Forensic science
• Cybercrime
• Emergency management
• Corrections

Law enforcement degrees aren’t always necessary to pursue a career in the field, but they can be very useful for distinguishing yourself in an ever-competitive job market. The FBI and some other specialized positions in law enforcement also usually require college degrees. 

Are Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Degrees Different?

There is a strong connection between law enforcement and criminal justice in that both fields are concerned with ensuring a peaceful and harmonious society. Even though they are closely related, they are different, and each field has its own set of responsibilities to the society.

The criminal justice system provides justice to those who have committed crimes. Three departments work together in this system mainly: Law Enforcement, Courts or Judicial System, and Corrections. Besides preventing and detecting crimes, criminal justice personnel also work to identify, detain, and rehabilitate criminals. They also ensure the victims get the justice they deserve through court proceedings. 

Law enforcement is a part of the criminal justice system. The purpose of law enforcement is to maintain order and enforce laws for the protection of the public. It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, such as police departments, to safeguard their communities.

Here is the main difference between the degrees of both programs:

Aspect	Criminal Justice Degree	Law Enforcement Degree
Focus	A broad study of the criminal justice system, including courts, corrections, and policing.	Is a part of criminal justice and offers specialized study in police, investigation, public safety, and ensuring the rule of law is followed
Career Paths	Careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation, legal studies, and criminal justice administration.	Primarily focused on careers in law enforcement, such as police officers, detectives, or federal agents.
Coursework	Includes criminology, criminal law, ethics, corrections, sociology, and the judicial system	Emphasizes law enforcement techniques, criminal procedure, firearms training, and emergency response.
Composition	Mainly consists of police, FBI and other agencies as constituted by jurisdiction	Made up of law enforcement agencies, courts, correction, prison, and probation facilities

What Can You Do with a Law Enforcement Degree?

A law enforcement degree can lead to some of the most progressive and fulfilling careers with high salaries justice sphere including:

• Police Chief

Police chiefs are responsible for managing the law enforcement agencies of a particular jurisdiction. Among their responsibilities are managing the personnel, such as hiring, firing, disciplining, training, and fostering a positive working environment for law enforcement and police officers. 

Average Salary: $104,459 per year

• FBI agent

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are criminal investigators who work for the government agency. Over 250 laws and statutes are investigated by FBI agents, including criminal offenses, civil rights violations, organized crime, and many others. 

Average salary: $57,252 per year

• Probation Officer

A probation officer works directly with an individual who is on probation due to a violation of laws or statutes. As part of their duties, probation officers conduct interviews with probationers and their families to monitor their progress and provide counseling

Average salary: $50,323 per year

• Special Agent

The term “special agent” refers to a member of the federal law enforcement community who works for the federal government. It is their responsibility to conduct national and criminal security investigations, protect the Constitution, enforce hundreds of federal laws, and safeguard the people of the United States. Depending on their specialization, special agents may deal with human trafficking or drug trafficking, virtual threats, or money needs.

Average salary: $102,142 per year

Which is Suitable for Law Enforcement: Online or On-Campus Degree Programs?

The law enforcement degrees are offered in 2 ways mainly on-campus and online, but which one is best for you? Let’s discuss this in detail.  

• Online Degree Programs 

With an online degree, you have greater flexibility about your schedule and location. With an internet connection, students can access course materials, lectures, and assignments from anywhere in the world. In this way, they can study at their own pace and balance their other responsibilities with their educational pursuits. 

Obtaining a degree online can save you a significant amount of money. This may be because tuition costs for online courses are often lower than those for traditional courses. For example an online degree from the Arizona State University will cost you $7,735.  It’s possible to keep your current residence and maintain the same living expenses. Whether you live near the school you are attending or not, online coursework can save you hundreds of dollars in transportation and meal expenses.

However, online programs may have limited access to hands-on training, which is crucial in law enforcement. Students may need to seek additional local opportunities for practical experience. Networking opportunities in online programs are mostly virtual, which can be less effective compared to in-person connections.

• On-Campus Degree Programs 

Degree programs offered on campus provide a more structured environment for learning. This is particularly beneficial for law enforcement careers because it includes hands-on training that utilizes shooting ranges, simulations, and other physical resources. Aside from networking with peers, instructors, and local agencies, on-campus programs can also help you find a job. 

In a classroom, you can raise your hand and ask a question. Experts are right there to help you if you need additional explanations or a demonstration. If you are interested in finding out the opinion of the person sitting next to you on a given topic, you can speak quietly to them.

On-campus programs, however, are generally less flexible and may be more expensive because of campus facilities. For instance the Saint Martin’s University annual fee is $42,220. 

Which is Better?

As you can see, both options have advantages. An online degree is suitable for those who require flexibility, such as current law enforcement professionals looking to advance their careers. These can be investigators and support personnel

Those aiming for law enforcement careers and who require extensive hands-on training, such as uniformed officers, should opt for an on-campus degree.

What are the Different Types of Law Enforcement Degree Programs?

Earning a degree in law enforcement can greatly improve your employment opportunities. However, in some cases, work experience is still needed. A law enforcement officer can obtain a certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree.

Every program is unique in terms of the amount of effort, money, and time needed to complete it. A bachelor’s degree normally takes four years to complete while many certificates can be obtained in a few months. The programs with greater involvement are likely to result in more career opportunities and better pay. In most cases, a master’s degree is the highest level of education that is needed in the field of law enforcement.

According to BLS (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics) the average pay of law enforcement officers is $74,910 per year. From associate to master degree individuals it varies between $40,000 to $100,000 per year. 

• Law Enforcement Certificate

Criminal justice certificates are more focused than degrees since they do not offer a broad perspective on the subject. They are normally shorter in duration (weeks or months as opposed to years) and require less coursework. Some certificate programs are offered to those who do not have any experience while others are offered to those with an associate, bachelor, and master’s degree. Certificates commonly issued include:

• Certified Law Enforcement Analyst
• Certified in Security Supervision and Management
• Basic Court Security Certification
• Certified Professional Criminal Investigator

• Associate Degree in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement associate degrees offer the basic foundation that is required for a person to join the profession. For admission to associate law enforcement programs, students must have a high school diploma or GED–some programs may require test scores such as the SAT or ACT. 

Law enforcement associate programs are usually 60-credit programs and take two years to complete. The associate degree provides the graduates with the opportunity to join the law enforcement career or to continue their education at the bachelor’s degree level. The following are common associate degree options: 

• Associate in Law Enforcement Technology
• Criminal Justice Law Enforcement – Associate Degree
• Law Enforcement – Associate in Applied Science

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement

As compared to an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree provides a broader perspective of law enforcement practices and generally takes not less than four years to complete with 120 credit hours. In general, bachelor’s degree programs demand a high school diploma or GED, and many of them demand SAT or ACT scores. There are several options for law enforcement bachelor’s degrees, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies 
• Bachelor of Public Safety Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Bachelor of Science in Police Studies

• Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement

In law enforcement, the master’s degree is typically the highest level of education necessary to gain both a comprehensive and specialized understanding of the field’s methods and concepts. A bachelor’s degree is required for all graduate programs, and some may require scores on graduate entrance examinations such as the GRE. A master’s degree typically requires two to three years to complete and prepares graduates for leadership positions and other specialized positions. Common master’s degree options include:

• Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Executive Leadership
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Intelligence
• Master of Public Safety Administration

What are the Requirements for Law Enforcement Degree Programs?

Degree requirements for law enforcement programs may vary based on the institution and the level of the degree (associate, bachelor, or master’s). However, here are some common requirements:

General Admission Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: A high school diploma or GED is typically required for entry into an associate or bachelor’s degree program.
• Transcripts: Submission of high school (and possibly college) transcripts showing a minimum GPA, which varies by program.
• Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT): Some programs may require SAT or ACT scores, though this requirement is becoming less common.
• Application Fee: Most institutions charge a fee to process the application.

Program Specific Requirements:

• Background Check and Drug Screen. Completion of a background check and drug screen is required before program classes start.
• Physical Fitness Test: Some programs, especially those with practical training components, may require a physical fitness test.
• Personal Statement or Essay: A written statement explaining the applicant’s interest in law enforcement and career goals may be required.

How Do You Select a Law Enforcement Degree Program?

Law enforcement degree programs are available at several educational institutions. You should consider the following factors once you have decided on a specialization:

• Cost 

Choosing the right program is dependent on the budget you have for further education and qualification. Furthermore, you can search for the most affordable courses or colleges that offer reasonable tuition fees. Some even offer free online law enforcement classes that you can enroll in. Don’t forget to consider quality as well. Low-cost programs that do not add value, are not worth the time and effort if you are aiming for a professional and progressive career.

• Duration 

Depending on the type of law enforcement program, the duration may vary. A bachelor’s degree requires the same amount of time and effort to complete both online and on-campus courses. One of the advantages of online learning is that it is much more flexible. If you take courses during the summer vacation or work more intensively on a given course than is normally required, you can complete your degree in a shorter time. 

• Requirements 

There may be different requirements depending on what type of law enforcement degree program you have chosen offered by different schools and colleges. Some general requirements are already mentioned above like a high school diploma, SAT, GED, fitness, etc. 

• Accreditation  

Finally, you may want to consider whether the course, program, or educational institution as a whole has been accredited. Generally, universities receive two types of accreditation–regional and national. Most of the more prestigious schools which provide a higher level of education and programs have regional accreditation. They are often state-owned and non-profit educational institutions. Law enforcement agencies highly value the programs offered by such universities. In contrast, national accreditation is primarily awarded to for-profit or religious educational institutions.

Which Colleges and Schools Offer Law Enforcement Degree Programs?

Here are some of the top law enforcement degree colleges in the nation with their acceptance rates:

• Florida State University

A Bachelor of Science in Public Safety and Security is offered by Florida State University focusing on Law Enforcement Intelligence or Law Enforcement Operations. The online law enforcement degree programs offered by FSU are among the best in the country. Applicants to Florida State University’s law enforcement degree online programs must complete 120 semester credits to be admitted to the program.

• Degree: BS in Public Safety and Security – Law Enforcement Intelligence or LE Operations
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• In-state tuition and fees: $6,517
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $21,683

Check out the University Website for more information on this degree program. 

• North Carolina Central University

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University focuses on Law Enforcement or Corrections. As one of the most affordable law enforcement programs in the country, NCCU’s online law enforcement degree programs are recognized by Collegechoice.org. 

With a degree in law enforcement from North Carolina Central University, students can pursue careers in criminal justice, juvenile justice, homeland security, and corrections.

• Degree: BS Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement or Corrections
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• In-state tuition and fees: $14,014
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $39,038

• Eastern Kentucky University

Police Studies is offered by Eastern Kentucky University which is ranked among the top online law enforcement degree programs in the country by US News and World Report. Those who are interested in enrolling in the law enforcement degree online program at Eastern Kentucky University may benefit from the university’s generous credit transfer policy.

• Degree: BS in Police Studies
• Acceptance rate: 98%
• In-state tuition and fees: $$10,158
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $33,382

• Park University

There are a variety of criminal justice degrees offered at Park University, including a baccalaureate degree (BS) in Criminal Justice Administration, which enables students to choose from three academic concentrations, including Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Security. 

There are many topics covered in this law enforcement degree online program from Park University, such as criminal courts, criminal investigation, criminal procedure, criminal justice administration, and juvenile justice. Students enrolled in these law enforcement programs are required to complete an internship as part of their advanced placement coursework.

• Degree: BS in Criminal Justice Administration – Law Enforcement, Corrections, or Security
• Acceptance rate: 69%
• In-state tuition and fees: $26,006

• Saint Martin’s University

A major in criminology and criminal justice may be ideal if you have a desire to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, legal studies, or victim services.

An interdisciplinary social science program, Saint Martin’s criminology and criminal justice major prepares candidates for careers in criminal justice and provides a solid foundation for further education in graduate and law schools. Criminal justice majors may choose to minor in psychology, sociology, political science, or social work.

• Degree: BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Acceptance rate: 95%
• In-state tuition and fees: $42,220

Conclusion 

A career in law enforcement is very promising and it opens the door to many other exciting opportunities in government departments and agencies like Police, FBI, Border patrol, Military officers, etc. who protect people, and properties and ensure everyone adheres to the law and regulations as outlined by the government. 

However, this is not a single field–there are multiple domains and it is up to you to decide which one to pursue according to your preferences. First, choose a well-reputed college offering a law enforcement degree, and then it will provide you a stepping stone to start your path on this exciting career.