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Affordable Law Enforcement Degree & Schools Online

Law Enforcement refers to the various branches of government agencies charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order. This includes the prevention, control, and the apprehension of suspected criminal offenders. The branches of law enforcement include police, military police, law enforcement agencies, secret police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Due to the much publicized events of September 11th, law enforcement and policing has become significantly more demanding and there has been a growing demand for individuals with higher college education and advanced training. As a result, more money has been pumped into law enforcement agencies to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Law Enforcement officials are required to have proper judgment in analyzing suspected perpetrators of crime, community awareness, good intuition, good ethics, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

Many police academies now require applicants to have post-secondary training in law enforcement and related areas at the Associate’s degree level as a minimum. Students may choose to earn their law enforcement degree through an accredited college, university or an online degree program.

More to see on Affordable Online Degrees

The general standard requires students to have completed at least four years of high school. Most college degree programs in law enforcement will focus on providing students with an in-depth understanding of the basic functions and organizational structures of the various government agencies ranging from the local police departments to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), police science and all aspects of the policing procedures which include emergency response and apprehension and interrogation of suspects.

Types of Online Law Enforcement Degrees

Online degrees in Law Enforcement will allow aspiring students and professionals to earn a law enforcement degree. The online degree programs will allow professionals to keep up with the changes within the law enforcement.

The online Certificate Program in Law Enforcement is designed specifically for seasoned professionals; it also helps aspiring students wishing to get specific entry-level positions such as security guard. Course work includes an introduction to homeland security, riots and crowd control management.

The online Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement is the most common degree pursued by law enforcement aspirants. The online degree program in law enforcement encompasses all levels of law enforcement and others areas such as criminal procedures, firearms, interviewing and interrogating, police administration and management, criminal justice, criminal law and procedures, public safety and first aid response.

The Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement program will require students to complete four years. Some programs may allow students to transfer previously earned credits for an Associate’s degree in law enforcement. The main focus of the law enforcement Bachelor’s degree program is to educate students about the growing impact of technology in the law enforcement industry and their uses and effective applications. Students will also be engaged in an in-depth course study in areas of criminal justice, the liberal arts, research and analytical skills, trial procedures, evidence and proof, as well as the various issues related to modern law enforcement organizations.

Career Opportunities with a Degree in Law Enforcement

An accredited degree in Law Enforcement will provide successful graduates with a variety of interesting and rewarding job opportunities. Some potential areas of specialty include:

Private Investigator
Detective
FBI Agent
Forensic\Computer Science
Crime Prevention and Control
Homeland Security
U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
U.S. Secret Agent
Uniformed Police Officer
Body Guard
Security Officer
Corrections Officer

Salary for Law Enforcement Graduates

The salary range for law enforcement graduates may vary depending on education, age, training, area of specialty, benefits, bonuses and location. The average salary for security guards is around $31,500, police patrol officers around $33,500 – $45,500, police sergeant around $58,500 and sheriffs or police chiefs may earn an average $87,500 annually.

Leading Schools for a Degree in Law Enforcement