Getting a degree in law enforcement prepares students for various careers in the field of criminal justice. Professionals who are working in this field also pursue this degree to advance their careers. Apart from getting a law enforcement degree, students are also required to receive training and certification.
What Is Law Enforcement?
Law enforcement is a term used to describe agencies and individuals that are responsible for enforcing the law. It includes the detection, prevention, and investigation of crimes. Apprehension and detention of suspected individuals are also a part of the process. A degree in law enforcement helps students build a successful career in this field. The goal of law enforcement professionals is to ensure public safety and uphold the law.
Associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are available in law enforcement. Some students prefer to get a law enforcement certificate as well.
What Can You Do with A Law Enforcement Degree?
People who have degrees in law enforcement have multiple career options to choose from. Since this field has a competitive job market, people who have advanced education have better chances of getting hired. These professionals are required to have excellent communication and analytical skills. They should know how to work as part of a team. People who are part of this career line have to work in an office setting and visit crime scenes as well.
The following are some of the career options for law enforcement graduates.
Police and Detectives – Detectives and criminal investigators
Police officers protect people’s property and life. On the other hand, detectives investigate crime scenes, gather evidence, and analyze it.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $83,170 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 3% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $86,030 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | Texas | 16,810 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Alaska | $113,420 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
These experts provide services to manage the rehabilitation process of law offenders, including the ones in the correctional system and those on parole. They also interview their friends and family to assess their progress.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $54,290 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 3% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $59,910 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 13,390 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $91,760 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Private Detectives and Investigators
Private detectives and investigators look for information about financial, legal, and personal matters. They offer multiple services like finding missing people, verifying statements and people’s background, and investigating computer crimes.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $50,510 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 8% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $57,000 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | Florida | 4,350 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $69,790 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from an Online Law Enforcement Degree?
A law enforcement degree focuses on providing students with the skills they require to enter the criminal justice career of their choice. Many programs allow students to specialize in a certain area like police administration, emergency management, corrections, etc. Some of the courses offered during these programs include ethics in law enforcement, police strategies, introduction to criminal justice, criminal law, police administrative policy operations, research methods in criminal justice, criminological theory, etc.
How to Choose an Online Law Enforcement Degree?
These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- Choose an accredited program
- Check if scholarships are offered
- Consider the length of the program
- Consider the cost of the program
- Check if your desired specialization is being offered or not
Online Law Enforcement Degree Admission Requirements
To earn a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, students need to have a minimum GPA. However, to obtain a master’s degree, they need to have a good GPA and a bachelor’s degree. Each school may have different requirements.