Online Law Enforcement Degrees: Comparing Top Programs
Some entry-level law enforcement careers require only a high school diploma plus police academy training. But earning a degree can help you stand out, qualify for higher-paying roles, and prepare for leadership positions. This DFG guide covers the best online law enforcement degree programs, possible career opportunities, and the different types of education programs offered online.
Expertise: Online LearningHigher Education
Expertise: EditorialOnline LearningHigher Ed.The Basics of Law Enforcement Degrees
While you don’t need a degree to enter law enforcement, most federal, state, and military roles require one. At the local level, a degree can also help you move into leadership positions.
With a law enforcement degree, you can pursue careers such as:
- Police officer
- Detective
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Private investigator
Let’s explore the main career and education paths in law enforcement to help you decide which is right for you.
Types of Law Enforcement Degrees
Law enforcement offers opportunities at every degree level, from certificates to doctorates. While it’s possible to enter the field with only a high school diploma, the six degree types below can boost your chances of landing higher-paid, specialized, or leadership roles.
Online Undergraduate Certificates
At a Glance: Undergraduate certificates are short programs (a few months to a year) that enhance knowledge in specific law enforcement areas. They are:
- Ideal for students in related fields (e.g., emergency management, political science) who want added law enforcement expertise.
- Useful for those exploring law enforcement before committing to a longer degree.
- Supportive of graduates who want to specialize in topics like rehabilitation or homeland security.
DFG Pick: Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Certificate
- 9-month program that prepares students for Minnesota Peace Officer Licensure.
- No prior undergraduate education required.
- Focused on helping professionals make a positive impact in local communities.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $332/credit | 35 | 100% Online | HLC |
Online Associate Degrees
At a Glance: Associate degrees are 2-year programs that provide a foundation for entry-level law enforcement roles or police academy preparation.
- Covers general education plus law enforcement basics.
- Often available fully online; some hybrid options include internships for added experience.
DFG Pick: Truckee Meadows Community College’s Associate of Science in Law Enforcement
- 2-year program covering U.S. policing, criminal law, and law enforcement systems.
- Prepares graduates for jobs in investigations, probation, corrections, law enforcement, and corporate security.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $130/credit | 60 | 100% Online | NWCCU |
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
At a Glance: Bachelor’s degrees are 4-year programs that open doors to specialized or higher-level law enforcement roles.
- Not always required for local entry-level jobs, but preferred for state and federal positions.
- Can be completed in 2 years for students with an associate degree.
- May take longer (5 to 6 years) if completed part-time.
DFG Pick: Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice – Policing
- Fully online degree analyzing policing through criminology and sociology.
- Courses cover accountability, ethics, and management in law enforcement.
- Prepares students for roles across local, state, and federal agencies.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $637/credit | 120 | 100% Online | HLC |
Online Graduate Certificates
At a Glance: Graduate certificates are shorter, more affordable options for advanced knowledge in a focused area.
- Designed for professionals with undergraduate degrees in law enforcement or related fields.
- Valuable for those seeking career advancement or a pivot into a new area.
DFG Pick: Arizona State University’s Online Corrections Leadership and Management Graduate Certificate
- Prepares professionals for management roles in probation, prisons, and corrections.
- Focuses on public administration and leadership strategies within the justice system.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $557 per credit | 15 | 100% online | HLC |
Online Master’s Degrees
At a Glance: Master’s degrees are 1- to 3-year programs that help working professionals specialize or advance into leadership.
- Available in accelerated, full-time, or part-time formats.
- Typically require a capstone project or thesis.
- Great for honing expertise in areas like corrections, investigations, or public safety.
DFG Pick: University of San Diego’s MS in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership
- 20-month online program with electives and a customizable capstone.
- Courses cover public safety leadership, conflict resolution, technology, and resource allocation.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $729/credit | 31 | 100% Online | WASC |
Online Doctoral Degrees
At a Glance: Doctoral degrees are advanced programs for professionals pursuing advanced, leadership, or academic careers.
- Require completion of a multi-year dissertation.
- Graduates often move into roles such as state or federal agency director, researcher, or professor.
DFG Pick: Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Specialization
- Offers current professionals the chance to explore a specific research problem in depth.
- Builds leadership and administrative skills for work at local, national, or global levels.
| Cost | Credits | Mode | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $595-$650/credit | 60 | 100% Online | SACSCOC |
Top 5 Careers in Law Enforcement
A law enforcement education opens so many career options that it can be overwhelming to understand their varying requirements and which one is right for you.
Learn about the five most common fields within law enforcement, and 5 specific roles within each.
Law Enforcement
Traditional law enforcement jobs are the obvious career options for law enforcement graduates.
These include opportunities at the local level, such as being a police officer, or working for federal or state agencies. No matter the level someone works at, law enforcement officers aim to uphold laws, maintain public order and safety, and respond to natural and man-made emergencies.
While this field is high-impact, it can also be high-stress, given the number of emergencies law enforcement officers respond to. Someone should be good under pressure if they want to take on a traditional law enforcement role.
Job titles include:
- Secret Service Agent
- FBI Agent
- Deputy U.S. Marshal
- Police Officer
- Wildlife Warden
Homeland Security
Homeland security concerns the nation’s borders and freedom from international and domestic threats.
It’s a great career field for those who want to focus on securing the nation’s border, whether that looks like managing immigration and customs processes or a more high-stakes role for the CIA, protecting American interests abroad.
Typically, jobs in this field require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and some knowledge of international and immigration law.
Job titles include:
- Border Patrol Agent
- Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Officer
- Deportation Officer
- Federal Air Marshal
- CIA Agent
Corrections
While law enforcement focuses on adhering to the laws, corrections refers to criminal justice processes to administer punishment when someone breaks the laws and to rehabilitate individuals accused of crimes.
Those who work in corrections oversee these functions in jails, prisons, and detention centers or in community-facing settings, such as probation departments. This is a great option for anyone interested in what happens after someone is accused of a crime and for those who want to help incarcerated individuals readjust to society after serving their sentence.
Job titles include:
- Correctional Officer
- Corrections Facilities Manager
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Probation Officer
- Certified Jail Executive
Military
While many law enforcement professionals work in the civil service, others are employed by the military.
This is a great option for those with a military background who want to serve their country and help a branch of the military uphold its values and regulations.
Plus, for veterans and active service personnel, the military may help them pay for their degree and connect them with career opportunities upon graduating.
Job titles include:
- Military Police
- United States Air Force Special Investigator
- United States Marines Special Investigator
- United States Army Special Investigator
- United States Navy Special Investigator
Legal Services
A law enforcement background also prepares someone to work on the legal and judiciary side of the criminal justice system.
Although we traditionally think of lawyers and judges when it comes to legal services, there are jobs available to those who haven’t attended law school as well. While this field is a great choice, many careers require advanced education and/or have limited opportunities for promotions.
Job titles include:
- Bailiff
- Court Reporter
- Court Administrator
- Compliance Officer
- Paralegal
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Law Enforcement Pay and Opportunities
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Bailiffs | $29,540 | $87,670 | $53,040 |
| U.S. | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $50,670 | $154,360 | $91,100 |
| U.S. | Fish and Game Wardens | $33,260 | $86,880 | $60,380 |
| U.S. | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $45,200 | $111,700 | $72,280 |
| U.S. | Private Detectives and Investigators | $36,060 | $96,600 | $49,540 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Bailiffs | 17,100 | 16,800 | -300 | -1.80% |
| United States | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 114,400 | 116,100 | 1,700 | 1.50% |
| United States | Fish and Game Wardens | 6,900 | 6,500 | -400 | -5.80% |
| United States | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 684,000 | 706,500 | 22,500 | 3.30% |
| United States | Private Detectives and Investigators | 38,300 | 40,600 | 2,300 | 6.00% |
Which Law Enforcement Program Right for You?
When looking for an online law enforcement program, there are several basics that any program should meet: accreditation, affordability, and quality academics, to name a few.
Beyond the basics, the ultimate “right” program depends on your needs and professional objectives.
Going through this process can be tricky, but we’re here to help. Below is a list of five questions that you should ask yourself to determine what matter most to you in a potential degree program.
Where do I want to work?
Most law enforcement professionals work for local, state, or federal offices. Defining which level you want to work at, and any specialty departments you want to work in, can help you determine what education level is right for you.
If, for example, you want to be a director of the CIA, you’ll probably want to pursue a graduate degree and investigate programs with coursework on homeland security and international law.
Am I ok with high-pressure situations?
Most law enforcement professionals experience high-stakes situations and emergencies while on the job. These situations require them to be resilient, make good decisions under pressure, and think fast.
If you don’t feel like you work well under pressure, you may want to consider administrative roles in law enforcement instead of those that respond to emergencies.
What matters to me in a law enforcement program?
We all value different aspects of a degree. For some, career development services are important. Others appreciate a curriculum with room for electives or a built-in internship for hands-on experience.
Jot down what matters most for you and compare any potential programs against that list.
Do I want an online degree?
Online degrees provide flexibility and convenience, but they aren’t for everyone.
If you are easily distracted or prefer to learn in a classroom, a hybrid or in-person program might be right for you. For those working full-time or juggling other responsibilities, an online program may be the only way to complete their degree.
What type of law enforcement license do I need?
Most law enforcement professionals have some sort of state or federal license. Research any licensure requirements for your next career move and find a program that will help you meet those requirements.
If, for example, you live in New York and want to be a police officer there, a law enforcement degree in New York may help you meet licensure requirements better than one in New Jersey.
Is a Law Enforcement Degree Expensive?
For most students, cost is a top concern. While it’s important to choose an accredited program with a rigorous curriculum, the tuition for that program shouldn’t break the bank. Fortunately, there are affordable law enforcement degrees at every level.
Associate and bachelor’s degrees tend to cost less than graduate degrees. For those who are extremely cost-sensitive, a certificate degree is a shorter, more affordable way to determine if law enforcement is the right field for you.
Alongside tuition, pay attention to any student fees or additional costs. Online programs, for example, are often more affordable than in-person counterparts as they have fewer student fees and students don’t have to pay to commute to and from campus.
While most law enforcement programs should be relatively affordable, there are financial aid options that can lower costs even further, including student loans, fellowship programs, and grants. Some scholarships are even intended specifically for law enforcement or criminal justice students.
Answering Common Law Enforcement Student Questions
How do online law enforcement degree programs work?
Online law enforcement degree programs are available at every educational level, from undergraduate certificates to graduate degrees. The online format works well for working professionals, since most programs allow you to complete the work at your own pace.
In addition to classwork, students who want to work in a police department often need to complete their state’s police academy program, which may be included as part of the school’s graduation plan.
How important is finding an accredited program?
Without accreditation, employers and other academic institutions won’t view your degree as valid. There are two types of accreditations to consider when looking at a law enforcement degree: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is offered by regional accrediting bodies as well as some national ones, and programmatic accreditation looks at the program itself.
Schools usually tout regional or national accreditation on their websites. If not, you can find accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education.
What can you do with a law enforcement degree?
When someone thinks of policing or law enforcement, they usually think of those in uniform at police departments across the nation. However, those with law enforcement training also often work for the federal government as agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or in the private sector where they handle security services for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Others work as paralegals, probation officers, in homeland security, or for the military.
Do I need to get a license as well as a law enforcement degree?
Generally, aspiring law enforcement graduates must meet their state’s educational and training requirements. Some states require graduation from the police academy, while others require a formal degree before attending the academy. Regardless, working as a police officer involves passing the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam.
Since each state administers its own test, requirements and contents vary. Missouri’s government provides an idea of what you might expect on the POST exam. Additionally, earning extra certifications or credentials might help you stand out in your department or agency and prepare you for positive movement in the field.
How much does a law enforcement degree cost?
Costs vary greatly by school and degree type. At Southern New Hampshire University, for example, an undergraduate law enforcement degree costs $330 per credit. Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in law enforcement is $557 per credit.
Top-Rated Online Law Enforcement Programs
Now that you understand the different law enforcement degree types, you’re ready to explore individual options. To help, we compiled a list of the best law enforcement degrees. Our rankings were determined based on financial aid opportunities from the school, what percent of coursework could be completed online, and the curriculum quality. Plus, every degree on this list is accredited and offers some form of career counseling or professional development service. For more information, click “About the Rankings.”