Online and Distance Learning

Taking a law enforcement degree is a way to enter an exciting career.

With a police degree you have good job prospects. Police officer prevent crime, rescue people, answer cries for help and have many other duties that relate to the health and safety of the public. A career in this area is one that is very important in everyone's lives and there are many different areas in which to work.  There is a constant demand for employees in this field, due to retirements and enlarging police forces.

Studying law enforcement online is a way to enter an exciting career by studying in the privacy of one's home. This page tells you more about how to do this and where you can find suitable schools.  If you are interested in other aspects of Criminal Justice, check out the pages for Forensic Science, Forensic Accounting, and Forensic Psychology.

Where can you study a law enforcement degree online?

Many schools offer associates, bachelors and masters law enforcement degree programs.  The list below contains a select few that offer them online - other law enforcement programs can be found by using the search box in the right hand column:

• South University
  • BS in Criminal Justice
  • BS in Criminal Justice - Corrections
  • BS in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation
  • BS in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
  • BS in Criminal Justice - Juvenile Justice
  • BS in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 

• Strayer University Online
  • Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • BS Criminal Justice - Computer Security and Forensics
  • BS Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice Administration
  • BS Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • BS Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Technology

• Kaplan University Online
  • BS in Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
  • MS in Criminal Justice / Policing

• Rasmussen College
  • Criminal Justice Associate - Law Enforcement
  • Criminal Justice BS Degree - Investigation / Law Enforcement Emphasis
  • Professional Peace Officer Education Certificate

• American Intercontinental University (AIU)
  • Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration
  • Bachelor’s BSCJ - Forensic Science
  • Bachelor’s BSCJ - Law Enforcement

• Penn Foster Career School
  • Police Sciences (Law Enforcement and Protection)
  • Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
    
    
    

What do you study in a law enforcement degree?

The majority of employers in this field require an associates or bachelors degree.  Courses are taken in legal issues, human behavior, psychology, investigation techniques, supervision, computers and related subjects. 

A Criminal Justice Bachelor's degree, that specializes in investigation and law enforcement (such as that at R)asmussen College) is especially relevant for a career as a law enforcement officer.  However, any of the degrees in the list above are desirable and will open many doors in this field.  Some agencies will hire a person with a high school diploma or GED who takes classes to receive certification.  There are continual upgrading courses through a person's career aimed at professional development and improved training.

What are the requirements for the job?

With the many different law enforcement jobs a person with this degree would be able to obtain, there are some basic expectations.  A graduate of a law enforcement degree should be able to deal in human relations in a calm and collected manner, know the law and how to apply it, as well as have training to defend themselves or others in a critical situation.  If working as a police detective they should know how to handle a crime scene and collect evidence, as well as know how to present evidence in a court of law if required.  They would be expected to know how to handle a firearm and know when it should or should not be used. There is usually additional on-the-job training, depending on what position one secures.  

When applying for any of these positions there will be a written examination as well as a physical one. Anyone entering this field needs to be in good physical condition and almost all police departments require further law enforcement training, with some having their own training academy. This training would include working with firearms, reviewing the law, practicing emergency situations and other events that might occur as an officer.

What jobs and salaries can you get as graduate of a law enforcement degree?

Salaries for these positions is very good but do vary from state to state. Average salaries go from $44,160 to $80,000 depending on rank and experience. Some places, such as the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and California reported salaries in the $100,000 range, with Illinois and Nevada reporting $89,000. Salaries, as stated, depend on the state and the position but, in any case, it is a very good and secure job to have.

In addition to the salary there are many benefits in this position. Common benefits are sick leave, paid vacation, medical and life insurance and retirement plans. Some departments have allowances for such things as uniforms. In addition, a good number have a pension plan that allows one to retire at half pay after 25-30 years of service.

The law enforcement careers available for a person with a relevant degree are many. There are jobs such as Home Land Security, Correctional Officers, US Transportation Security, Customs, Border Patrol, US Immigration, Law Enforcement, Guards and many more. A visit to the Internet Bureau of Labor Statistics site will show thousands of places where a degree in this field would apply.

There is a constant demand for people with this type of education. Federal and State law enforcement agencies have more competition for positions than local ones do. The expected employment growth is 11% by 2016. Obtaining a Law Enforcement Degree online is the way to qualify for one of these excellent jobs while fulfilling a community and national need.

For law enforcement degrees and schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

For more information about law enforcement degree programs

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more law enforcement degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a law enforcement program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.