Find your perfect college degree
Maintaining peace and order is one of the most important things that make a nation thrive, and every country strives for it. Unfortunately, it is hard for a government to instigate the public without cases of crimes, theft, violence, assault, cybercrimes, and drugs.
One way to at least mediate peace and increase justice is to establish laws that the public should obey.
This is where law enforcement comes in. Law enforcement works with the agencies that stop, search, find, and detain criminal activities in order to maintain public safety. Finding the truth, putting an end to crime, and punishing perpetrators are the major goals of this branch.
Police officers and correctional staff protect our communities by providing policing and penitentiary services as part of the larger criminal justice system. If you want to contribute to this industry, it is time to consider enrolling in an online bachelor’s in law enforcement.
Students who enroll in Law Enforcement online programs acquire the skills and information required to uphold the law and preserve public safety. The advantages of acquiring this degree for professionals include a greater variety of alternative career paths and higher growth chances. Graduates can seek careers in diverse sectors, both in private and public institutions.
The Lowdown
In an online program featuring a Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement, graduates become knowledgeable of law basics, policymaking, and criminal punishments and pursue careers such as public safety, correctional department, police office, emergency management, and criminal justice.
This bachelor’s degree is also a solid step towards higher education in Law, including a master’s degree and a doctorate.
Methodology
Choosing from the numerous Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement degree options is easier when you have a rank list to depend on! Our list consists of online degrees—offered by the most prestigious colleges—that meet and exceed academic expectations and produce the most capable and competent Law Enforcement professionals.
Each online degree program was picked based on these factors:
- Delivered as an online or hybrid Law Enforcement bachelor’s program, emphasizing flexibility and convenience with little to no disruption to students’ schedules
- Offers rigorous education that produces well-rounded professionals in Law Enforcement, featuring the fundamentals of the discipline with an emphasis on soft skills development, including critical thinking, leadership, communication, and problem-solving,
- Offers scholarships, grants, transfer credit programs, and tuition discounts to qualified online or hybrid learners,
- Taught by Law Enforcement professionals and contributors to the field,
- Regionally accredited to demonstrate adherence to excellent academic standards,
- Duly recognized by institutions that utilize the principles of Law Enforcement.
To learn about our ranking process, visit our Methodology page.
Best Online Undergraduate Programs in Law Enforcement
Drury University
Online Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement (Hybrid)
Drury University offers a BS in Law Enforcement online. Get ready to hone your soft skills when you enroll in this program.
In addition to boosting your leadership and communication skills, this online degree provides new and seasoned law enforcement employees with theoretical and practical knowledge of contemporary investigative and procedural tactics. This curriculum prepares its graduates for rewarding jobs in the local, state, and federal justice systems.
This degree program is primarily designed for working professionals. And you need to finish a total of 124 credits combined with both online and in-person classes. Drury University has earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Many students choose Drury’s law enforcement degree because of some features. At the end of your degree, you can demonstrate a basic understanding of major concepts, theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in behavioral science.
You’ll be able to demonstrate ethical and social responsibility in a diverse environment. You can help solve problems related to behavior, institutions, or organizations by learning to implement laws and order.
Did You Know?
Your skills will advance thanks to the Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement. This degree will teach you procedures and investigation methods that are used in law enforcement in this modern setting. With this degree, you will be prepared for a rewarding and fruitful career in local, national, or state governments.
State University of New York (SUNY)
Online Bachelor of Science: Law Enforcement Leadership
The State University of New York runs the BS in Technology in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Leadership program fully online. In order to produce well-rounded students, this degree includes the fields of business, law, and criminal justice.
Graduates receive the foundational knowledge needed to get employed in entry-level law enforcement employment or advancement into management and supervisory positions. Most of the graduates of this school seek employment in the private sector, law enforcement, or government agencies.
There are plenty of electives available in the curriculum that may assist students in developing or improving their managerial skills or in learning law enforcement procedures. It requires a total of 122 credits and comes with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation.
Furthermore, to help students combine classic and modern subjects, the majority of its curriculum places an emphasis on technology-related themes.
What Makes this Program Unique:
This degree can normally be obtained in four years of full-time study. There are chances for internships and hands-on learning for students in or around this state. Furthermore, SUNY is military and transfer-friendly. This technological college offers hands-on training for careers in high demand.
Did You Know?
Academic programs and degrees are offered by SUNY in both conventional and technological fields. Besides excellent in-class instruction, top-notch support services are provided. Internships and on-the-job training provide students with the real-world experience that employers are seeking.
Baker College
Online Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement & Police Academy
Baker College offers future peacemakers or police officers with an online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement and Police Academy. This is a training program designed fully online. It allows you to work side-by-side with veteran police officers.
Your teachers are ready to assist you in preparing for your position through hands-on education and training in policing principles, evidence gathering, cybercrime, psychology, first aid, and a variety of other areas.
They come with small class sizes, allowing the instructors to focus on individual lessons. Their program of study allows you to be qualified to enforce the law at the local, state, and federal levels with government agencies.
Some of the departments that you can apply for after graduation are the Secret Service, FBI, Marshals, Border Patrol, or Fish and Wildlife Service.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The staff at Baker College collaborates with several businesses to offer accredited Law Enforcement Academies so students can obtain a degree in criminal justice in addition to the skills, knowledge, methods, and certifications they need to pursue a law enforcement career.
The Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards certifies Michigan police officers who have completed our criminal justice major and Law Enforcement Academy curriculum and program.
Did You Know?
A law enforcement agency’s responsibility is to protect people and property. As you become a part of this organization, your responsibilities vary based on whether you work for municipal, state, or federal authorities.
Although these jobs can be stressful, physically demanding, and psychologically draining, saving lives and advancing society can be fulfilling and personally rewarding.
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Online): Police Administration & Operations
The Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice – with a concentration in Police Administration and Operations, prepares you to be a leader in law enforcement today and tomorrow.
In the field of police administration, there are some who were destined to serve their communities on the front lines, while some were meant to lead in the background.
In law enforcement, both roles are required. You’ll discover the demands, obligations, and evolving nature of the contemporary police force. You’ll learn about the varied roles that police agencies across the country play.
In addition, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of criminal justice as you study psychology, American politics, and criminal law. It is the desire to help others that drives every job in the law enforcement industry.
The goal of SNHU, a leader in law enforcement education, is to help you figure out how you can help your community. Eventually, enrolling in their online law enforcement degree is the first step.
What Makes this Program Unique:
SNHU strives to increase access to higher education by keeping our tuition costs affordable. They continue to offer some of the most affordable online tuition costs in the country. Aside from their reasonable tuition fees, they allow you to transfer up to 90 credits.
As you know, college credit could help you save time and money, and you might also be able to qualify for military discounts and employer-sponsored tuition assistance.
Did You Know?
You’ll receive support at SNHU from the first day to graduation and beyond. You’ll have all you need to succeed with no defined class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning materials along the way.
Western Illinois University
Online Bachelor of Science – Law Enforcement & Justice Administration
At WIU, they offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration program, which is a major program in criminal justice and law enforcement, and it’s among the best in Illinois.
The curriculum aims to provide future police officers and criminal justice employees with professional knowledge, comprehension, and abilities while laying the groundwork for additional study leading to staff and management roles in criminal justice and private security companies.
To satisfy the expected demands of the criminal justice system, the program facilitates the pursuit of a liberal arts or a professional education.
For one semester, students majoring in criminal justice participate in an internship to gain first-hand knowledge of national or local criminal justice organizations. In addition to private security, jails, and courts, graduates can find employment in local, county, and state government agencies.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The highly regarded academic programs of WIU are taught by experienced staff. You will receive a practical education with opportunities for internships and work either in local or international settings. Nevertheless, Western Illinois University boasts its program as one of the best law enforcement programs in Illinois.
Did You Know?
The law enforcement bachelor’s program at WIU comes with a high ranking and recognition in the nation. More than 1,400 partners work for companies that hire interns from WIU.
Anderson University
Online Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
A Bachelor of Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement concentration is available at Anderson University. Whenever it is convenient for students, they can pursue their bachelor’s degree flexibly. With online courses, students can collaborate and communicate with their professors and classmates.
Expect to take the following coursework for this online degree:
- Legal sides of criminal procedure
- Fundamentals of correctional systems and practices
- Causes and characteristics of crime
Also, graduates will be able to gain the skills necessary to work in different fields. Some of the work settings available for graduates are the following:
- Crime prevention
- Correctional systems
- Laws and policies
- Juvenile delinquency
- Drug cases
- Moral and ethical cases
The eight-week schedule of the 123-credit Bachelor of Criminal Justice program is convenient for working individuals. The courses are delivered by competent professors with tenure and expertise in the field, who will collaborate with you closely to advance your understanding and boost your skills.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The target audience for this program is adults seeking jobs in law enforcement. The course should be useful to first-year students and those without a solid academic background in criminal justice.
Did You Know?
The Anderson campus of the university has more than 2,600 students. From 2006 to 2016, Anderson University had the 20th quickest master’s level growth in the country.
Common Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement Program
Introduction to Criminology
Criminal behavior and its possible causes are discussed when you take up the Introduction to Criminology course.
Students research theoretical and logical grounds in order to better understand the nature of crime. Another topic is the role that research has in criminal investigation.
Crime Analysis
The crime analysis course objective is to gather and evaluate data from many sources in order to forecast and prevent future criminal behavior. Students look into the development of a criminal analysis unit and various data collection methods.
Law Enforcement Leadership
The law enforcement leadership course teaches students about law enforcement supervisory duties and teamwork. Among the topics covered in this course are team motivation, conflict management, and dispute resolution.
Criminal Investigation and Forensics
The principles of criminal investigations are covered in this course. You will also be exposed to the procedures for making police statements and reports and acquiring physical evidence. Students are taught the proper techniques for gathering and keeping evidence.
Ethical Decision Making
The moral decisions that police officers face every day are examined in this course. Among the topics discussed are unquestionable presumptions, morality, the law relating to ethical violations, and preventative measures.
Top Skills Necessary for Law Enforcement Graduates
Adaptability
A police enforcement profession could be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of unpredictability. Every day comes with new challenges and hurdles, and you need to become adaptable to circumstances. Law enforcement personnel must always be ready for everything that might happen.
Diplomacy
Being a good communicator requires an understanding of the right approach and tone to take when speaking with different types of people. When interviewing a victim of a violent or sexual crime, for example, you might need to exhibit tact and empathy.
Further, your diplomatic abilities will be useful when interacting with the broader public.
Mental Agility
It’s a given that the people who work in law enforcement must be wise and mentally agile. They must be able to continuously scan, understand, and anticipate their surroundings.
As a result, especially in an emergency, they can respond quickly. You must be keen and fast in responding and reacting to emergency or surprising situations.
Attention To Detail
While you will develop an awareness of your surroundings and the ability to identify small clues or signals while you work, you must still be fundamentally conscientious. When working in cases such as drugs, theft, crimes, or homicide, you should always attend to details.
Integrity
Law enforcers should come with a high level of integrity. And moral uprightness and integrity go hand in hand. After all, a person with integrity is honorable.
Police who preserve professionalism in their work are the ones who go above and beyond to safeguard their communities. As a result, they enjoy the highest reputation and level of public confidence.
Active Listening
Law enforcers often have to interpret and understand others’ cases and situations. Witnesses testify for victims of tragedies, and potential criminals share their perspectives. All of these situations require you to be an active listener.
To succeed as a law enforcement officer, you must have excellent active listening skills.
Possible Online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement Occupations
Probation Officer
Criminal offenders are supervised by a probation officer during the discharge process. They might keep track of their whereabouts, suggest social services or rehab centers, and provide drug tests.
Assessing a probationer’s progress, locating options for job training and housing, and giving testimony in court are typical tasks of this law enforcement role.
Detective
Detectives acquire information to help them solve or stop crimes. To assist in resolving a case and acquire sufficient evidence to support arrests, they may use informants, surveillance, interviews, and interrogations. Detectives can specialize in different cases. Some respond to violence, drug trafficking, or cybercrime.
Crime Analyst
To identify patterns and help prevent crimes, crime analysts examine data such as arrest records, calls, and crime reports. To give law enforcement officials crime intelligence, they combine this data into reports. Through national certification, crime analyst professionals can acquire jobs in the law enforcement industry.
Police Officer
Among the most common law enforcement jobs, police officers are among the most crucial roles in societies. They are responsible for saving lives and protecting the property of the citizens in the communities.
The majority of them patrol their neighborhood, answer distress calls, and look into crime scenes. College degrees aren’t necessarily necessary, but many applicants have them, and all must complete the police academy.
Fish And Game Warden
Fish and game wardens are among one of the law enforcement jobs that you can choose.
These law enforcement officers patrol predetermined areas and uphold the regulations meant to protect and preserve wildlife and fish. They serve in tracking down poachers or help run rescue missions in marine or wildlife settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider earning a Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement degree?
A degree in law enforcement requires more than just intellectual prowess; you learn during your studies. Since you will contact people most of the time, those who already have good communication skills are great candidates for this bachelor’s degree. The procedures used by law enforcement to assess, question, and resolve situations without using force need to be improved.
Physical and mental wellness are the second group of attributes to consider. Exercise is crucial if you’re thinking about choosing this route. Establishing solid mental habits is a good notion, especially when conducting a criminal investigation when you are less rested and cognitively alert.
Are Law Enforcement majors in demand?
Fortunately, law enforcement graduates may encounter varying levels of job demand.
For instance, the employment of police and detectives is expected to demonstrate a 3 percent increase over the next decade. This means there should be almost 64,500 new job openings in the near future.
As for probation officers, there will be about 7,400 openings in the next decade.
What can Law Enforcement majors expect after graduation?
The law enforcement field offers a variety of career opportunities to graduates with a bachelor’s degree. For instance, in the public sector, you can find positions in the Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Border Patrol, or the U.S. Federal Marshals Service.
In the private sector, you can land jobs in private security agencies. Other careers include secret service agents, federal air marshals, parole officers, detectives, police, FBI agents, and drug wardens.
Do Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement students have access to financial aid?
Some institutions offer both first-time students and continuing college students a range of financial aid choices. If you are a veteran looking to pursue this degree, you should think about attending a Yellow Ribbon University institution.
Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships, student loans, grants, and even transfer credits. Most universities offer up to 90 credit hours of qualified transfer credits, which helps students complete their degrees more quickly.
Professionals enlisting in the armed forces may also be eligible for military awards from their preferred college.
Summary Points
- Your passion for justice and protecting our society’s people and systems is likely what has drawn you to a career in law enforcement.
- The goal of a Law Enforcement degree program is to prepare students to contribute to different settings such as law systems, police departments, correctional offices, and security agencies.
- A Law Enforcement degree can help your career in public safety or criminal justice, even if it is not required to enter a police academy or to obtain an entry-level post in the police force. Increased opportunities for high-level positions may be available with this degree.
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