Law enforcement professionals respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and maintain order to keep communities safe and ensure justice. The law enforcement industry comprises many careers, including police officers, correctional officers, forensic scientists, and school resource officers.
With an online bachelor's degree in law enforcement, you can pursue careers in the field or advancements within your current role. Explore the best degrees for law enforcement and learn more about their curriculums, benefits, and costs with this in-depth guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
As you consider the law enforcement careers that pique your interest, remember that some programs align more with specific roles than others. For example, a corrections degree can be a good choice if you're considering a career as a correctional officer. Similarly, a criminology degree could be more suitable if you're interested in becoming a crime analyst.
In the sections below, learn more about common majors for current and aspiring law enforcement professionals.
Law Enforcement
A law enforcement major prepares you to work as a police officer or a public safety officer. Common courses for this major include law enforcement ethics, juvenile justice, criminology, and victimology. You might choose a law enforcement major if you want a more general curriculum as you decide which specific law enforcement path to pursue.
Best Online Bachelor's in Law Enforcement Programs
Criminal Justice
A criminal justice major teaches how the court and justice system work and the responsibilities of professionals to bring justice. You'll typically explore crime scene investigation, criminal forensics, and societal responsibility. Crime prevention specialists and paralegals may choose this major.
Criminology
Criminology is the study of criminal behavior, including its effects on society and the justice system. Prospective criminal profilers, victim advocates, and criminal intelligence analysts may benefit from this major, which includes courses in deviant behavior, juvenile delinquency, social justice, and sociology.
Homeland Security
Often leading to careers as border patrol agents, TSA agents, or information security analysts, a homeland security major teaches preventative and reactive strategies to handle threats like cyberattacks and terrorism. Students typically complete border and transportation security, computer security, and terrorism courses.
Corrections
A corrections major explores effective corrections strategies for people convicted of crimes, like probation, parole, and rehabilitation. You'll also learn to connect people with community resources through case management. Correctional officers, probation officers, and substance use counselors may start with corrections degrees.
Forensic Science
Prospective crime scene investigators, toxicologists, and evidence technicians may benefit from forensic science degrees, which blend science and criminology. In this major, students can learn the crime scene evaluation and evidence analysis methods that assist criminal investigations. In addition to biology, chemistry, and biochemistry courses, this major might include genetics, toxicology, and forensic anthropology classes.
Emergency Management
Emergency management incorporates large-scale preparation, response, and recovery strategies to keep the public safe and healthy. Public health emergency specialists, emergency planning specialists, and emergency dispatchers are a few professionals in this field. An emergency management major covers disaster research methods, surveying, disaster mitigation, and hazard science.
Top 5 Online Bachelor's in Law Enforcement Programs
#1 The Best Online Degrees for Law Enforcement
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Richmond-based Eastern Kentucky University enrolls students in 161 programs. The public institution offers online and on-campus bachelor's programs for learners. Undergraduate students can pursue the school's online bachelor of science in police studies to prepare for careers in the field.
The online program is ideal for learners who need flexible scheduling options. General education requirements help students develop transferable skills that apply to a variety of careers. The curriculum blends classroom learning and hands-on experiences to help degree-seekers gain field-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Undergraduates work closely with faculty mentors and academic advisors to design an individualized degree plan.
Online learners pay affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding to further reduce their financial burden. Online bachelor's students pay an average of $474 per credit and typically complete about 120 credits to earn their degree. Students can explore funding options with the help of the school's financial aid counselors.
Eastern Kentucky University Facts:
Number of Online Students: 6,661
Student Acceptance Rate: 94%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 89
Online Bachelor's Programs: 17
Transfer Credits Permitted: No
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best Online Degrees for Law Enforcement
Bemidji State University
- Bemidji, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance degree-seekers can pursue high-quality online undergraduate programs from Bemidji State University. At the public institution, students enroll in programs at the Bemidji, Minnesota, campus and online. The online criminal justice bachelor of science offers a high-quality learning experience with flexible scheduling options.
Degree-seekers complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment. Online students can engage with peers and develop lasting professional connections. Enrollees take core and specialized courses in the field. Graduates can qualify for entry-level careers in the field.
For exact application deadlines and requirements, prospective applicants can speak with an admissions advisor.
Bemidji State University at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 61
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Average Cost Per Credit: N/A
Percentage of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 90%
Students Awarded Loans: 53%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online Degrees for Law Enforcement
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
- Canton, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online students can enroll in the bachelor of technology in criminal justice at SUNY College of Technology at Canton. The online program features flexible scheduling and enrollment options, which can make earning a degree easier for busy learners balancing academics with personal obligations.
The public institution in Canton, New York, offers many in-person programs and also educates students through 18 online programs. Among the online offerings include 12 bachelor's programs.
Degree candidates take classes on general education topics, foundational subjects, and more advanced areas of the field. The program requires at least 120 credits. Enrollees complete a rigorous curriculum comprising core and specialized coursework.
The school offers student support services including tutoring and career counseling. Faculty advisors and career counselors support undergraduates and alumni through career resources. Financial aid counseling can help students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Best Online Degrees for Law Enforcement
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baker College is one of the nation’s leaders in online learning. The school's 39 bachelor's programs include 19 online options. Students can conveniently earn accredited degrees from a distance while they work.
The college offers an online bachelor of science in criminal justice. The online format allows learners to schedule coursework around other responsibilities. Bachelor's degree-holders often qualify for promotions and raises. First-time bachelor's students usually graduate in about four years.
Baker College Statistics:
Average Cost Per Credit: N/A
Average Price With Aid: Unavailable
Percentage of Students Receiving Aid: 89%
Students Receiving Loans: 58%
Student Admission Rate: 73%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
The school has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 The Best Online Degrees for Law Enforcement
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its Manchester campus, Southern New Hampshire University offers 134 programs for degree-seekers. The private institution offers online and in-person bachelor's programs. One option includes a bachelor's in police administration.
Enrollees who need flexible scheduling options benefit from this program. General education requirements help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Hands-on experiential learning opportunities allow degree-seekers to apply field-specific knowledge and skills. Faculty mentors and academic advisors assist undergraduates as they tailor the program curriculum to their interests and career aspirations.
Online learners benefit from affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding to further reduce their financial burden. Students can expect to pay $465 per credit for their degree. Degree-seekers can discuss funding options, including grants and scholarships, with qualified financial aid counselors.
Southern New Hampshire University Facts:
Number of Online Students: 106,762
Student Admission Rate: 88%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 62
Online Bachelor's Programs: 35
Permits Transfer Credits: Yes
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list has not been updated for 2024. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
What Is a Bachelor's in Law Enforcement?
A bachelor's in law enforcement can prepare you for work with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or state highway patrol offices.
You can pursue this degree as part of your training to become a law enforcement officer, but a bachelor's in law enforcement is more commonly used to enter careers like correctional treatment specialist and emergency management director. This degree can also help you advance your career or boost your salary as a current law enforcement professional.
A law enforcement degree is often conferred as a four-year bachelor of science, requiring 120 credits. Programs may deliver coursework through online, in-person, or hybrid formats. Some schools offer closely related majors, such as police studies, police science, and law enforcement technology.
Common Courses for Law Enforcement
- Constitution and criminal law
- Juvenile delinquency
- Probation and parole
- Community-based strategic planning
- Homeland security and intelligence
- Victimology
- Conflict and negotiation
- Restorative justice
Benefits of Earning Your Degree in Law Enforcement Online
Many of the best degrees for law enforcement careers are available online. In addition to leading to a potential pay increase or paving the way for high-level careers, an online law enforcement degree can offer the following benefits.
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Flexible Scheduling: Online programs typically provide convenient scheduling options, like asynchronous classes that allow you to work around your schedule or live online classes with weekend or evening meeting times.
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Reduced Costs: Some online schools charge flat tuition rates for all online students regardless of where they live, which could be cost-effective if you live out of state. You might also save on housing and transportation costs by attending online.
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Location-Independence: If you want to start your law enforcement career in Florida but live in Pennsylvania, you can pursue an online degree at a Florida school to acclimate to the state's law enforcement industry. Online programs often provide unique virtual networking opportunities and career services for distance students.
The Cost of an Online Law Enforcement Degree
According to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, an online bachelor's in law enforcement costs an average of $18,994 per year. In comparison, the average annual cost for all bachelor's degrees in law enforcement is $24,832, indicating that an online degree might allow you to save on some costs. Other factors may also influence the cost of your degree.
For example, some schools charge additional fees to distance learners to cover the fees associated with distance education, like technology services or digital textbooks. Also, tuition can vary between public and private schools, with public schools often charging lower rates. However, some schools have a separate online tuition rate to increase affordability for students, especially those living out of state.
How to Pay for a Degree in Law Enforcement
You may have options to help you afford a degree in law enforcement. For instance, the federal government provides the following types of financial aid to eligible students:
- Grants: Grants apply directly to your tuition and fees and do not need to be repaid.
- Loans: Loans allow you to borrow money to finance your education, but you'll need to repay them with interest after your grace period ends, usually six months after graduating.
- Work-Study: A federal work-study program lets you work while attending school to earn money toward your education.
Many schools and private companies also offer scholarships to students. Like grants, scholarships can reduce the amount you owe your school, and you don't need to repay them.
If you find employment in law enforcement, you may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This program may forgive your remaining federal student loan balance if you're employed by an eligible government or not-for-profit employer and you've made at least 120 qualifying monthly payments on your loans.
FAQ About the Best Degrees for Law Enforcement
What major is best for a police officer?
Police officers typically major in law enforcement or criminal justice. These degrees have some course overlap, such as criminology, punishment in society, corrections, and victimology, helping you understand a police officer's responsibility to society, justice, and ethical practices.
Is college worth it for law enforcement?
Though some law enforcement careers don't require a college degree, like police officers or correctional officers, a 2017 Policing Institute study revealed that about 74% of law enforcement agencies paid bachelor's-level professionals higher wages than those without degrees. Other careers, like probation officers and forensic scientists, typically require a college degree.
Do most cops have college degrees?
According to a 2017 study by the Policing Institute, most cops have college degrees. The survey's findings revealed that about 52% of officers held a two-year degree, while more than 30% have completed bachelor's programs and 5% hold graduate degrees.
What are the admission requirements for a bachelor's in law enforcement?
Generally, a bachelor's degree in law enforcement doesn't have requirements beyond a school's typical admission materials. Prepare to submit your official high school or college transcripts with your application. Some schools may also require all applicants to write essays and/or submit letters of recommendation.
Does accreditation matter for law enforcement degrees?
Yes. Institutional accreditation is crucial for law enforcement degrees, as it indicates that a school meets specific standards for academics and student outcomes. Other schools may only accept transfer credits from accredited colleges, and you may only qualify for federal student aid if you attend an accredited institution.
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