Online Law Enforcement Degrees: Comparing Top Programs

All About Law Enforcement Degrees

Technically, you don’t need an undergraduate or graduate degree to enter law enforcement. There are local opportunities available with a high school degree, pending the successful completion of state licensure requirements. However, a degree sets you up for leadership roles at the local level. It’s also a requirement for most federal, state, and military roles.

A degree also opens up other career paths you might not have considered. With a law enforcement degree, not only can you pursue a career as a police officer, but you can also work as a detective, a cybersecurity specialist, or even a private investigator.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in Law Enforcement and see which one might be the right fit.

Law Enforcement Careers & Roles

A law enforcement degree opens so many career options, it can be overwhelming to know which is right for you and what roles you are eligible for. To clear any confusion, we outlined the five most common career fields.

Law Enforcement Pay and Opportunities

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Grow Your Career: Types of Law Enforcement Degrees

Law enforcement is a field where there are opportunities for any degree level. Whether you have a high school degree or a PhD, there are career options to consider. That said, the six undergraduate and graduate degrees below improve your chances of getting a high-paid or impactful career. Continue reading to learn more about each degree type, plus an example of an online or hybrid program for each.

Undergraduate Certificates

Certificates in law enforcement take a few months to a year to complete, depending upon the focus. Undergraduate certificates help boost knowledge and skills to complement degree programs. They’re a great option for those with an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as emergency management or political science, who want to learn more about law enforcement.

Undergraduate certificates can also be a shorter, less expensive way to explore if a more formal law enforcement degree is right for you. Other programs may be designed for those who already have a law enforcement undergraduate degree, but want to learn more about a specific area, like rehabilitation or homeland security.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Certificate

This nine-month program prepares students to apply for Minnesota Peace Officer Licensure. The curriculum aims to help those interested in law enforcement learn more about the field and how law enforcement professionals can make a positive impact in local communities. No previous undergraduate education is required for this degree.

Associate Degrees

The associate degree in law enforcement is great for those wanting to move into the workforce quickly. Many associate degree programs prepare students for entry-level work or to move on to police academy programs. Expect to take general education courses as well as those that are targeted toward police studies.

This degree takes about two years to complete. Since it mostly covers the basics, many of these programs are offered fully online. Some students find hybrid programs with internships to be a useful way to stand out when applying for jobs.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Truckee Meadows Community College’s Associate of Science in Law Enforcement

This two-year associate’s degree provides a foundational understanding of the criminal justice systems. Topics covered include policing in America, criminal law and procedure, and an introduction to the law enforcement system. Upon graduating, students are prepared for careers in investigations, probation, corrections, law enforcement, and corporate security.

Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete, though it may only take two years if a student already has an associate degree. It may also take five or six years if completing the degree part-time.

A bachelor’s degree in law enforcement is for those just entering the field, but local police departments and agencies might not require any degree at all. As a result, a bachelor’s degree is a better option for those who want to enter more specialized entry level roles in local departments or who want to work at the state or federal level.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice – Policing

This fully-online program analyzes the best policing tactics from a criminological and sociological lens. The curriculum covers topics like law enforcement accountability, management, ethics, and more. It also looks at these issues in local, state, and federal settings, preparing students for a wide array of careers.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificates are good for those wanting to learn more about a certain area for advancement or considering a different area of the field. Some are designed for those with an undergraduate degree in law enforcement who want to obtain advanced knowledge and skills in a particular area. Others are for those who work in tangential fields, like law or forensics, who want to learn more about how law enforcement works.

Typically, these programs are shorter and more affordable than full graduate degrees, but they can still boost your resume and open up new career opportunities.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

Arizona State University’s Online Corrections Leadership and Management Graduate Certificate

This certificate is the ideal choice for those who work in law enforcement or corrections but want to enter a managerial role in a probation department, prison, or other correctional facility. The curriculum focuses on public administration basics and effective leadership strategies for work within the criminal justice system.

Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree in law enforcement is designed for those already working in the field and looking to improve prospects for advancement or income. This program takes one to three years to complete, depending upon whether you choose accelerated, full-time, or part-time studies.

In many cases, a master’s degree allows for targeted specialization, so those in a particular area (e.g., corrections) can hone their skills and knowledge to become more of an expert in their niche. Students typically must complete a capstone project or research thesis to graduate. Since many complete a master’s while working full-time, there are many flexible online options available.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

University of San Diego’s MS in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership

The University of San Diego’s master’s degree takes about 20 months to complete with all course components covered online. Course topics include effective leadership for public safety, resource allocation, technology shaping law enforcement, dispute and conflict resolution, and more. Additionally, students can take electives and complete a capstone in an area of interest to them.

Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree in law enforcement sets someone apart as an expert in the field. It’s a great option for those who already have previous education and experience in law enforcement. PhD programs typically require students to complete a dissertation, a multi-year project exploring a particular research topic.

With this degree, someone can become a director of a state or federal law enforcement department. Alternatively, they may want to pursue a research or teaching role in academia, educating the next generation of law enforcement professionals or looking for ways to improve the criminal justice system.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Specialization

This PhD offers current law enforcement professionals an opportunity to more deeply explore a specific problem or area of interest within the criminal justice system. Alongside exploring a research interest, the curriculum covers leadership and administrative skills that can help professionals working at the local, state, national, or global level.

Is a Law Enforcement Program Right for You?

When looking for an online law enforcement program, there are some basics any program you apply to should meet: accreditation, affordability, and quality academics. Beyond the basics, the “right” program depends on your needs and professional objectives.

Finding the best program for your career goals, or even defining those goals in the first place, can be tricky. To help, we compiled a list of five questions to highlight what matters most to you in a law enforcement degree and career.

Where do I want to work?

Most law enforcement professionals work for local, state, or federal offices. Defining which level you want to work at, and any specialty departments you want to work in, can help you determine what education level is right for you. If, for example, you want to be a director of the CIA, you’ll probably want to pursue a graduate degree and investigate programs with coursework on homeland security and international law.

Am I ok with high-pressure situations?

Most law enforcement professionals experience high-stakes situations and emergencies while on the job. These situations require them to be resilient, make good decisions under pressure, and think fast.

If you don’t feel like you work well under pressure, you may want to consider administrative roles in law enforcement instead of those that respond to emergencies.

What matters to me in a law enforcement program?

We all value different aspects of a degree. For some, career development services are important. Others appreciate a curriculum with room for electives or a built-in internship for hands-on experience. Jot down what matters most for you and compare any potential programs against that list.

Do I want an online degree?

Online degrees provide flexibility and convenience, but they aren’t for everyone. If you are easily distracted or prefer to learn in a classroom, a hybrid or in-person program might be right for you. For those working full-time or juggling other responsibilities, an online program may be the only way to complete their degree.

What type of law enforcement license do I need?

Most law enforcement professionals have some sort of state or federal license. Research any licensure requirements for your next career move and find a program that will help you meet those requirements. If, for example, you live in New York and want to be a police officer there, a law enforcement degree in New York may help you meet licensure requirements better than one in New Jersey.

Is a Law Enforcement Degree Expensive?

For most students, cost is a top concern. While it’s important to choose an accredited program with a rigorous curriculum, the tuition for that program shouldn’t break the bank. Fortunately, there are affordable law enforcement degrees at every level.

Associate and bachelor’s degrees tend to cost less than graduate degrees. For those who are extremely cost-sensitive, a certificate degree is a shorter, more affordable way to determine if law enforcement is the right field for you.

Alongside tuition, pay attention to any student fees or additional costs. Online programs, for example, are often more affordable than in-person counterparts as they have fewer student fees and students don’t have to pay to commute to and from campus.

While most law enforcement programs should be relatively affordable, there are financial aid options that can lower costs even further, including student loans, fellowship programs, and grants. Some scholarships are even intended specifically for law enforcement or criminal justice students.

Answering Common Law Enforcement Student Questions

How Do Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs Work?

Online law enforcement degree programs are available at every educational level, from undergraduate certificates to graduate degrees. The online format works well for working professionals, since most programs allow you to complete the work at your own pace.

In addition to classwork, students who want to work in a police department often need to complete their state’s police academy program, which may be included as part of the school’s graduation plan.

How important is finding an accredited program?

Without accreditation, employers and other academic institutions won’t view your degree as valid. There are two types of accreditations to consider when looking at a law enforcement degree: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is offered by regional accrediting bodies as well as some national ones, and programmatic accreditation looks at the program itself.

Schools usually tout regional or national accreditation on their websites. If not, you can find accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education.

What Can You Do with a Law Enforcement Degree?

When someone thinks of policing or law enforcement, they usually think of those in uniform at police departments across the nation. However, those with law enforcement training also often work for the federal government as agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or in the private sector where they handle security services for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Others work as paralegals, probation officers, in homeland security, or for the military.

Do I need to get a license as well as a law enforcement degree?

Generally, aspiring law enforcement graduates must meet their state’s educational and training requirements. Some states require graduation from the police academy, while others require a formal degree before attending the academy. Regardless, working as a police officer involves passing the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam.

Since each state administers its own test, requirements and contents vary. Missouri’s government provides an idea of what you might expect on the POST exam. Additionally, earning extra certifications or credentials might help you stand out in your department or agency and prepare you for positive movement in the field.

How much does a law enforcement degree cost?

Costs vary greatly by school and degree type. At Southern New Hampshire University, for example, an undergraduate law enforcement degree costs $330 per credit. Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in law enforcement is $557 per credit.

Final Decision

Many entry-level jobs in law enforcement only require a high school diploma and completion of the police academy. However, police departments and law enforcement agencies across the nation often give preference to those with at least some formal education, such as a certificate or associate degree and especially an educational background in law enforcement, criminal justice, or criminology. For those who want to work in state or federal agencies, a bachelor’s degree is usually the entry-level requirement.

If law enforcement is the right field for you and a degree makes sense for your desired career path, you’re in luck: there’s many great undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. To find the right program for you, reach out to individual programs and research more about criminal justice educational paths before committing to a specific degree.

Top-Rated Online Law Enforcement Programs

Now that you understand the different law enforcement degree types, you’re ready to explore individual options. To help, we compiled a list of the best law enforcement degrees. Our rankings were determined based on financial aid opportunities from the school, what percent of coursework could be completed online, and the curriculum quality. Plus, every degree on this list is accredited and offers some form of career counseling or professional development service. For more information, click “About the Rankings.”