Best Online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement Degree Programs

Part of the broader criminal justice system, law enforcement includes professionals that safeguard our communities through policing and correctional services. An online bachelor’s program in law enforcement can prepare students with the skills necessary to ensure public safety while upholding the law. Earning this degree offers greater advancement opportunities, increased earning potential, and a wider range of potential career paths for professionals.

Graduates can pursue careers in numerous areas of law enforcement, including police departments, federal and state agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. According to PayScale, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement earned an average annual salary of $61,000.

Most online bachelor’s in law enforcement programs take about four years to complete. However, some online programs offer accelerated tracks, which can reduce the completion time. Tuition costs vary by type of school and a student’s resident status and average $285-$460 per credit.

Many professionals in law enforcement have a strong sense of justice and call to duty. Some graduates put their lives on the line to serve their communities. People who succeed in this profession often possess empathy, mental agility, and the ability to diffuse conflict.

Some programs offer a concentration in law enforcement under the broader major of criminal justice. Additional specializations include crime scene investigation, homeland security, emergency management, cybercrime, and corrections. These concentrations enable students to develop specialized skills and direct their education toward their career goals.

Most online bachelor’s in law enforcement programs require 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete. Some online programs offer accelerated options that can reduce completion times. Many schools also offer part-time enrollment for professionals in the field pursuing a degree for career advancement.

Most programs also require or offer optional internships. Interns may complete hours of service in a criminal justice setting or gain experience with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), or local law enforcement agencies.

Many online bachelor’s in law enforcement programs culminate in capstone projects. Additionally, some schools gear their law enforcement program toward licensed police officers with several years of experience.

This course introduces students to teambuilding and the responsibilities of supervisors in a law enforcement agency. Covered topics include motivation, coaching, working with difficult people, and conflict resolution.

This class explores criminal behavior and the possible causes. Students learn theoretical and rational explanations in order to examine the nature of crime. Additional topics include the role research plays in a criminal investigation.

This course addresses the fundamentals of criminal investigations. Students learn about evidence and the proper collection and preservation techniques, as well as the processes involved in making reports and statements, as well as collecting physical evidence.

This course focuses on collecting and analyzing data from various sources to predict and prevent future criminal activity. Students explore the different methods of data collection and the process of forming a crime analysis unit.

This course explores the ethical decisions police officers face daily. Covered topics include unquestioned assumptions, morality, the law regarding ethical violation, and prevention strategies.

An online bachelor’s in law enforcement program can prepare students to work at numerous law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the FBI, and the DEA.

Graduates may pursue roles as police officers at the national, state, county, or local level. With work experience, degree-holders can advance up the ranks to detective, sergeant, and captain. Others go on to work as federal agents, fish and game wardens, or probation officers.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects 7% job growth for police and detectives between 2020 and 2030, resulting in about 67,100 job openings each year. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $67,290 in May 2020.

If you’re still uncertain about your career goals, take a look at the most popular college majors.

Police officers protect the lives and property of the people in the communities they serve. Most patrol their area, respond to calls for assistance, and investigate crime scenes. While not always required, a significant number of applicants hold college degrees, and all must complete police academy training. Officers at the federal level must hold bachelor’s degrees.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $67,290

A probation officer supervises criminal offenders as part of their release process. They may monitor their location, recommend social service or rehabilitation programs, and conduct drug tests. Typical duties include assessing a probationer’s progress, finding job training and housing resources, and testifying in court.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $55,690

Fish and game wardens work for state and federal agencies. These law enforcement officials protect and conserve wildlife and fish by patrolling areas and enforcing regulations. Their tasks may include educating the public, tracking poachers, performing search and rescue operations, and investigating accidents. They typically work in natural settings that may require navigating challenging terrain.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $58,040

Detectives gather evidence to solve or prevent crimes. They may utilize informants, surveillance, interviews, and interrogations to help develop a case and gather enough evidence to support arrests. Some specialize in homicide, narcotics, or cybercrime. Those with additional education and experience as patrol officers may have greater promotion opportunities within the detective profession.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $86,940

Crime analysts analyze data, including arrest records, crime reports, and police calls to establish patterns, and anticipate and prevent future crimes. They compile this data into reports to provide crime intelligence to law enforcement officers. Some employers may require applicants to be certified law enforcement analysts or criminal intelligence certified analysts. Professionals can achieve these titles via national certification.

Average Annual Salary (August 2021): $47,790

While earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining work experience qualify candidates for many roles in law enforcement, some professionals continue their education. A master’s degree program can provide specialized knowledge in a field of interest and prepare graduates for leadership roles in that area.

Some common graduate degrees for law enforcement professionals include master’s degrees in law enforcement administration, criminal justice, emergency management, and law enforcement intelligence and analysis. These graduate degrees can lead to advancement opportunities and greater earning potential. Additionally, some employers, particularly at the federal level, prefer candidates with higher degrees.