Law Enforcement Degrees
Laws exist in our society to protect people and their possessions and to promote fairness and equality. Enforcing these laws is the responsibility of law enforcement professionals who issue citations and conduct arrests for infractions ranging from traffic violations and petty theft to assault and murder. A degree in law enforcement provides the educational background which gives a greater understanding of criminals, victims and the criminal justice system. Most law enforcement professionals will also undergo hands-on training provided by their employer before starting work. Law enforcement professionals work in local police departments, state sheriff's departments and more than 80 federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security. Many of these employers only hire candidates who have earned a degree in law enforcement or related area and those that don't require it, still prefer to hire candidates who have a college degree.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree – An associate's degree in law enforcement will prepare individuals for entry-level positions in local and state law enforcement or private security fields.
- Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor's degree will qualify graduates for federal, state and local law enforcement positions.
- Master's Degree – A master's degree program will help existing law enforcement officers to advance to a leadership position or to become more specialized in a given area.
Schools
Law enforcement degree programs can be found at the associate's degree level at community colleges, technical schools and online schools. Bachelor's and some master's degree programs are available at small universities and at many colleges and online schools.
Coursework
Coursework in a law enforcement program will include courses such as those described below:
- Criminal Law – Includes study of terminology, definition of crimes, criminal procedures and analysis of crimes.
- Criminal Investigation – Examines theory and procedures, case preparation, methodology and techniques.
- Violent Offenders – Examines psychological aspects related to understanding, assessing and managing criminal offenders including mental illness.
- Juvenile Delinquency - Explains the models and theories of juvenile delinquency and juvenile court practices and procedures.
- Police Strategies – Students learn about organization and management in law enforcement including process, policy, procedures, communications, authority and controls.
Aptitudes and Interests
Those considering a career in law enforcement should be mature, analytical thinkers, who have a commitment to justice and are able to make good decisions quickly. Job applicants may be subject to a physical exam, fitness test, drug screening, personality assessment and background check.
Career Options
Those with a law enforcement degree typically pursue a career as one of the following:
- Police Officer
- Detective or Criminal Investigator
- Private Security Officer
Related Majors
- Criminal Justice - Broader program appropriate for a variety of criminal justice careers.
- Police Science - Often a broader program than traditional law enforcement programs.
- Homeland Security - Focus is on border security, disaster preparedness and counter-terrorism.
- Public Safety - Students receive a broad education appropriate for a range of careers in public safety.
- Sociology - Students learn about human behavior in society.
How To Evaluate Law Enforcement Degree Programs
Below are some important factors to be considered when choosing a law enforcement program:
- Degree Level – Depending upon one's career goals, an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree may be appropriate. Contacting potential employers to find out what they require before choosing a program is wise.
- Accreditation - Schools need to be accredited by an agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Graduate Success - When choosing a program, students may want to compare what jobs each program's graduates have found after graduation.
- Tuition and Financial Aid - When comparing costs of each program, students need to take into consideration likely financial aid from each school, tuition, fees and living expenses.
Resources
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
International Union of Police Associations
National Association of Police Organizations
National Black Police Association
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