In this new and complicated era where law enforcement and homeland security intersect, roles for local, state, and federal officers have become complex and sophisticated. Students entering college degree or law enforcement technical training programs will encounter increasingly advanced coursework in computer forensics, surveillance, and counter-terrorism tactics. Whether you hope to work at the local or national level, law enforcement training programs can prepare you for today's demanding professions.

Law enforcement grads work across a broad spectrum of private and public agencies. The federal government needs newly trained officers for careers in U.S. Border Patrol; Prisons and Corrections; Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Immigration Service; as Federal Air Marshals, and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Secret Service.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the best law enforcement opportunities will be for job candidates that have completed formal police training or criminal justice degrees programs. Most new jobs, the BLS predicts, will be with local police departments and state highway patrol agencies.

Law enforcement training at the certificate, associates and bachelor's degree levels are available for those who also may wish to work for local police and sheriffs' departments; with state tax, fraud, or investigation departments; in local jails or state prisons; or with state highway patrol departments.

Coursework may include studies in police investigation and reporting, crowd control, criminal procedure, firearms, drugs and narcotics enforcement, physical fitness, crime scene and witness interrogation, and first aid.

Online Degrees in Law Enforcement

University of Phoenix

With more than 8,000 faculty and staff, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private university. In its online incarnation, University of Phoenix has distilled its programs into accelerated course programs to help you get the most degree in the least amount of time without breaking your wallet. more

Law Enforcement Degrees Offered:

BS in Organizational Security and Management
This program is designed to address an increasing national and international need for greater technical competence and professionalism in the security industry. The degree program provides the required knowledge for a student to develop competency and management skills in organizational security. While the program includes courses in Terrorism and Homeland Security, it also recognizes the depth and breadth of the discipline and provides a variety of courses designed to expose students to the entire spectrum of the security profession.

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Kaplan University

There are countless specialties of study available at Kaplan University. The major departments include: more

Law Enforcement Degrees Offered:

MSCJ/Leadership/Executive Management
Prepare to advance in your current career in a police department or criminal investigations agency. Examine the roles, responsibilities, issues, and trends related to contemporary law enforcement organizations. This emphasis area also explores evidence and proof. Learn about trial proceedings, constitutional concepts, and criminal case law. As a graduate you may qualify for executive and managerial positions within police departments and other law enforcement agencies.
MSCJ/Policing
Prepare to start or advance a career in a police department or criminal investigations. Examine the roles, responsibilities, issues, and trends related to contemporary law enforcement organizations. This emphasis area also explores evidence and proof. Learn about trial proceedings, constitutional concepts, and criminal case law. As a graduate you may qualify for advanced positions within police departments and other law enforcement agencies.
A.A.S. in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
This program focuses on the law enforcement aspects of the field of criminal justice. Students looking to complete a two-year degree as a base for a bachelor’s degree as well as people seeking entry-level employment in the criminal justice field should consider this program. It provides a solid foundation in the areas of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and security. It also provides a liberal arts knowledge base and the technical skills required in specialized employment areas.
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Prepare to start or advance a career in a police department or criminal investigations. Examine the roles, responsibilities, issues, and trends related to contemporary law enforcement organizations. This emphasis area also explores evidence and proof. Learn about trial proceedings, constitutional concepts, and criminal case law. As a graduate you may qualify for advanced positions within police departments and other law enforcement agencies.

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Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Law Enforcement Degrees Offered:

Police Sciences (Law Enf and Prot.)
As a graduate from a police sciences program, you’ll have an exciting and challenging career. Police sciences graduates conduct investigations involving missing persons, corporate intelligence, or other fascinating areas. In this program, you will learn about investigation and reporting techniques, sources of information and background investigations, surveillance equipment and techniques, and ethics and professional responsibility.

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Most Requested Programs for Legal

Salary earnings of legal professions depend on education, training, experience, the type and size of employer, and the geographic location of the job. For more information on online legal degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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