An online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement program may provide students with the skills and training needed to protect lives and property. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study criminal justice and learn how to enforce laws and investigate and collect evidence of crimes. Coursework within baccalaureate-level program in law enforcement may combine general education requirements along with electives and major-specific courses, such as community policing, forensic pathology, and domestic violence.

Graduates may either seek entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in graduate-level programs in law enforcement. Baccalaureate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in local, state, and governmental law enforcement agencies.

Program Overview

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

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online baccalaureate-level program in law enforcement may include several general education requirements alongside major-specific courses and electives. In these four-year programs, students may study criminal justice in addition to the political process, behavioral sciences, and education pertaining to law enforcement. Core online law enforcement courses may include the following:

• Forensic Pathology
• Drug Crimes
• Procedures and Evidence
• Community Policing
• Domestic Violence
• Racial Profiling
• Public and Private Security

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in law enforcement may find jobs at local, state, and federal governmental agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those who wish to pursue a career as a police and detective are expected to increase by 7% percent from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• State Trooper
• Fraud Investigator
• Police Officer
• Criminal Investigator
• Sherriff’s Deputy

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in law enforcement may continue their education and enroll in a master’s-level program in criminal justice with a concentration in law enforcement. These graduate-level programs may prepare students with additional skills and training on the criminal justice system, including technology and criminology. Employers may prefer to hire individuals who have at least a high school diploma, although those individuals who seek upper-level employment opportunities may need a college degree.

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