Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs

With an accredited online law enforcement degree, you prepare to serve in police administration and upholding of the law.

In the last decade or so, degrees in law enforcement degrees have grown to become have a viable educational option for professional wishing to join the field of law enforcement or to advance in the career. There is now a stronger government and private sector emphasis to increase security, especially given the threats of terrorism. As such, a lot of funds have been allocated to the law enforcement industry. Career opportunities have also increased in jobs in the police force, detectives, corrections officers, probation officer and other areas. Law enforcement training falls under the field of criminal justice. The law and legal profession therefore seeks qualified professional who can work in crime scene investigation, homeland security, public safety, corrections, juvenile justice as well as other areas. Various government agencies are involved in the prevention of crime and the apprehension of criminals.

Law Enforcement and Protection Programs

South University - Campus and South University Online

• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Criminal Justice - Corrections
• BS in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation
• BS in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
• BS in Criminal Justice - Juvenile Justice
• BS in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement

American InterContinental University Online and American InterContinental University

• Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement

• B. S. in Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
• MSCJ / Policing

• Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology

• Police Sciences (Law Enforcement and Protection)

Law Enforcement Education and Training

Many law enforcement agencies encourage applicants to complete higher education or training. For example, many police academies require employees to have at a minimum, an associate's degree in law enforcement or bachelor's degrees in law enforcement or criminal justice. Law enforcement courses might include:

• Crime prevention
• Cyber crime investigations
• Crime scene investigation
• Fire safety
• Counterintelligence
• Firearms safety
• Traffic procedures
• Hostage negotiation

For supervisor or managerial positions a masters in homeland security or a masters in criminal justice is often required. Many accredited universities and colleges and universities hence increased courses in law enforcement, homeland security, or criminal justice in the curriculum.

Law Enforcement Careers

A law enforcement degree will prepare you for many career options including becoming a correction officer, police officer, bodyguard, private security officer, private detective, homeland security officer, just to mention a few careers.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

Annual average earnings of some law enforcement careers in the United States 2008 were as follows, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Police and sheriff's patrol officers - Median income - $51,410; 50% range - $38,850 to $64,940
• Police and detective supervisors - Median income - $75,490; 50% range - $59,320 to $92,700
• Detectives and criminal investigators - Median income - $60,910; 50% range - $45,930 to $81,490
• Fish and game wardens - Median income - $48,930; 50% range - $37,500 to $61,290
• Parking enforcement workers - Median income $32,390; 50% range - $25,400 to $42,000
• Transit and railroad police - Median income $46,670; 50% range - $37,640 to $57,830

Other estimated income levels with a law enforcement degree or related training, by profession are:

• Correction Officer $32,000
• Fire Inspector $48,000
• Security Guard $31,000

Online law enforcement degree programs will continue to be important in public safety. With new advances in forensic technology and an evolving legal landscape you can be assured that a career in criminal justice or law enforcement will truly be the experience of a lifetime. The BLS reports that the employment of police and detectives is expected to grow 10% between 2008 an 2018.