Law enforcement is part of the criminal justice system. It includes experts involved in safeguarding the community through policing and correctional services. Getting a degree prepares you with the required skills to ensure public safety while upholding the law. Pursuing this degree gives you many opportunities, higher earnings in the future, and various career paths. Here are some of the best law enforcement degree programs available.
What you Will learn from an Online Degree in Law Enforcement
To fit in law enforcement perfectly, you need to have a strong sense of justice and call of duty. Some of these professionals sacrifice their lives to serve the community. The people who become successful in the profession possess the following qualities:
- Mental agility
- Empathy
- Ability to solve conflict
Some of the courses offered focus more on law enforcement under the broad major of criminal justice. However, you get additional specializations that include:
- Crime Scene investigation
- Emergency Management
- Homeland Security
- Cybercrime and
- Corrections.
The above special units enable you to gain unique skills that will help you execute your duties to achieve your career goals.
Requirements
Most online law enforcement degree programs require 120 credits. However, some schools request SAT or ACT scores as the standardized admission test. The courses take 4 years of full-time study to complete. However, some online programs offer accelerated learning options that reduce the completion time. However, some schools offer part-time classes for students advancing their careers.
Other things that schools require during admissions include 2-3 letters of recommendation. They are used as references from teachers and counselors to show students’ academic capabilities. Some schools ask the students to write personal essays to ensure the admission has a more holistic approach.
Lastly, you need to submit your official high school transcripts or GED scores. In general, the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, while more competitive courses require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, most of these schools accept transfer credits which significantly lowers the cost and degree completion time.
In addition, most of these programs require or offer optional internships. Interns are required to complete hours of service in a criminal justice environment to gain experience with:
- Bureau of Investigation(FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Agency(DEA)
- Local law enforcement agencies.
Many online law enforcement degree programs engage in multifaceted assignments for experience purposes. On the other hand, some schools gear these programs towards licensed police officers with several years of experience.
Best Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs
Introduction to Criminology
The course focuses mainly on criminal behavior and the possible causes. The students learn the theory and rational explanation to evaluate the nature of the crime. There are additional topics you learn and include research’s role in a criminal investigation.
Law Enforcement Leadership
The program introduces students to team management and the responsibilities of supervisors in a law enforcement agency. Some of the topics include Coaching, motivation, conflict resolution, and working with difficult people.
Criminal Investigations and Forensics
It majors on the essentials of criminal investigations. You learn about evidence and the proper collection and preservation techniques. In addition, you learn to report and statement-making and collect physical evidence.
Criminal Analysis
Concentrates on collecting and analyzing data from different sources to forecast and prevent future criminal activities. Students use various techniques of data collection and the process of developing a crime analysis unit.
Ethical Decision Making
The unit majors in decision-making that police officers have to do daily. Some of the covered topics include:
- Unquestioned assumptions
- Morality
- Law concerning ethical violation
- Prevention strategies
What an online Law Enforcement Degree can do for you
A law enforcement degree online can prepare you to work at various law enforcement agencies. The agencies include the United States Secret Service, U.S Marshals Service, the FBI, DEA, and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.
You can take various career paths, such as police officers at the national, state, and county levels. If you have work experience as a degree holder, you can advance to a detective, captain, and sergeant. You can also work as federal agents, probation officers, and fish and game wardens.
Law enforcement degrees are best suited for people willing to work with the community to solve the crime. There are different courses to pursue. Therefore you can pick a course that suits you.
