Online Law and Criminal Justice Degrees in Law Enforcement
Find online law enforcement degrees, and compare policing programs between several accredited colleges and universities. Learn law enforcement, police science, law enforcement management, police leadership and more.Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs
U.S. citizens depend on police officers and other law enforcement professionals to protect their lives and property. Although careers in law enforcement are frequently stressful and sometimes dangerous, law enforcement officers and agents are typically motivated by a desire to apprehend criminals and to benefit society and their communities.
College Degrees and/or Military Experience Desired by Law Enforcement Agencies
Most law enforcement officers work a forty-hour week, although unusual hours and frequent relocation are common as required by work assignments and to maintain public safety. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the following trends for employment in law enforcement:
- Candidates with college training in police science and/or military experience are expected to enjoy the best employment prospects
- Local police departments offer excellent prospects for those qualified, while positions in large cities, state, and federal agencies are generally recruited from large pools of candidates
- Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma to graduate degrees, achieving higher educational levels can help you land the law enforcement job you want.
Education and career training for law enforcement jobs typically include a combination of formal education, military or other related work experience, and internal training provided by the hiring agency. In addition to career training, law enforcement officers and agents can expect to undergo rigorous physical and psychological training and to serve a probationary employment period. Ongoing career training may be required to learn new policies and procedures. Law enforcement officers who want to advance to careers as detectives, state and federal investigators, and homeland security experts may need graduate degrees in criminal justice, public administration, psychology, or related fields as required by job duties and hiring agencies. Many law enforcement agencies offer tuition assistance for employees seeking advancement.
Law Enforcement Provides Wide Range of Career Options
Depending on hiring needs and your qualifications, you can work as a local beat cop or an international security expert. Hiring is often subject to municipal, state, and federal budgets but law enforcement programs often receive priority for funding depending on available resources. Employment opportunities in law enforcement include:
- Local and state law enforcement agencies (uniformed police officers and detectives)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- U.S. Marshals and Deputy Marshals
- State Bureau of Diplomatic Security
- Department of Homeland Security
- Customs Inspectors /Border Patrol
- U.S. Secret Service
If you're interested in a law enforcement career, it's possible to direct your interests and experience toward specialized career opportunities.
Job Outlook is Excellent in Law Enforcement
Job descriptions and salaries in law enforcement vary widely depending on job requirements. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects excellent employment opportunities for those meeting psychological, physical, educational, and ethical requirements for employment in law enforcement.
Law enforcement salaries range from approximately $27,000 to $131,000 per year not including incentives such as availability pay (depending on your training), location, and rank. Law enforcement agents working for state and federal agencies may enjoy additional benefits. Layoffs are rare as consistent retirement rates among law enforcement personnel typically meet any mandated staff reductions.
Pursue your Law Enforcement degree today…
With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work-and much sooner than you might expect.
Courses and degree programs at University of Phoenix Online are available entirely online. The University of Phoenix Online is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). If you have questions about our accreditation, call 954.515.3296.
The HLC website is located at www.ncahlc.org.
American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.
American InterContinental University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at 312-263-0456 or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.
Ashford University Online offers degree programs designed for working professionals like you. Study online, on your own time, and graduate in as little as 12 to 24 months.
Ashford is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing, and College of Liberal Arts.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. This is a regional accrediting body as mentioned above. (30 N. LaSalle St. Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 tel. 800-621-7440; http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/.)
Grand Canyon University, through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs to offer the following business degrees:
- The Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in Accounting, Business Administration, and Marketing
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Grand Canyon University is the only university in Arizona to hold this accreditation. (7007 College Boulevard, Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66211, (913) 339-9336)
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, (202) 887-6791 and the Arizona State Board of Nursing accredit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing, and College of Liberal Arts.
Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing, and College of Liberal Arts.
Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University enables you to earn your associate’s degree online. Have confidence in knowing that your degree can provide you with the professional qualifications you need to succeed.
Tiffin University's seated and online programs are authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents. Our programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), which is one of the six regional accreditation bodies recognized by essentially all of the major public and private colleges and universities in America, and by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
