An online associate degree in law enforcement may provide individuals with the skills and training needed to become an officer of the law. In this two-year program, students may learn how to interrogate suspects, collect and process evidence, and respond to emergency cases. Program coursework may include a handful of general education requirements alongside major-specific courses including juvenile law, police ethics, and criminal justice theory.

Upon completion of the program, students may either seek entry-level employment or enroll in a baccalaureate program. Associate-level graduates may gain employment in local police departments, federal law enforcement agencies, sheriff’s offices, correctional facilities, and state police agencies.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 7% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for associate-level law enforcement degree programs may include both general education requirements and core coursework. These classes may teach students how to enforce local laws, write detailed police reports, and investigate crimes. Core law enforcement courses may include the following:

• Introduction to Corrections
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Juvenile Law
• Report Writing
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Investigation Theory
• Police Ethics

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may seek employment in police departments, correctional facilities, sheriff departments, government law enforcement agencies, and highway patrol programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective employment is projected to increase by 7% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Police Officer
• Investigator
• Detective
• Correctional Officer
• Deputy Sheriff

Continuing Education

Those who successfully complete an associate degree may wish to further their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate degree program. A bachelor’s degree in law enforcement may provide students with a broader scope of the justice system.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook