Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Degrees

In simpler times, entry into law enforcement did not require much education beyond high school. However with increases in the crime rate and fear of terrorist attacks on the rise, it is now more important for law enforcement workers to be highly educated and technically savvy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is now a higher demand for college educated law enforcement officials than ever before.

The field of law enforcement covers a wide range of careers. Career opportunities exist at the local, state, and federal government levels. Different divisions within law enforcement include private security, local police departments, state police, and the federal departments. The federal departments consist of the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Central Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Marshall’s Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. While local police departments often accept candidates with just a couple years of post-secondary education, most state and federal agencies will require applicants to have earned a degree in either law enforcement or criminal justice.

Types of Law Enforcement Degrees

An associate’s degree in law enforcement is the minimum level of education required for most law enforcement job positions. These two year degree programs teach the basic skills of police work. Computer skills, report writing, and general knowledge of policing procedures are covered. Law enforcement job opportunities for associate’s degree holders include police officer, private security officer, and fish and game warden among others.

A Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement is now considered the standard requirement for many job positions within this field. This four year degree provides students with an in-depth look into policing procedures and court systems. This degree program also seeks to improve writing, problem solving, and analytical skills. Job opportunities include police detective, criminal investigator, FBI agent, customs inspector, and border patrol agent among others.

A master’s degree in law enforcement focuses on specialized areas of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Such areas might include forensic psychology, leadership, teaching, and consulting. A master’s degree in law enforcement can quickly open the door to work at the state and federal levels. A doctorate degree in law enforcement focuses on theory and research.

Job Outlook for Law Enforcement Officers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for those with a law enforcement degree is good. There will be, however, a great deal of competition for the more challenging jobs at the state and federal levels. Having a higher level of education will put you ahead of your competition when applying for jobs within the law enforcement industry.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition