Best Online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement

An online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement builds a fundamental understanding of the criminal justice system, policing, and correctional services. Students foster critical thinking and communication skills while exploring technical, psychological, and social aspects of law enforcement.

A law enforcement bachelor’s degree typically includes four years of coursework and practical requirements. This degree is ideal for individuals looking to enter a law enforcement position. Current police officers, corrections personnel, and comparable protective service workers who want to advance within their professions also benefit from earning a degree in law enforcement. A bachelor’s degree in law enforcement also serves as a pathway to a master’s degree in law enforcement.

Some schools offer a bachelor of arts in law enforcement, a bachelor of science in law enforcement, or both. Most coursework in both programs is identical, but a BA emphasizes humanities courses like psychology, economics, and sociology.

A BS in law enforcement integrates technical aspects such as forensics, information technology, and natural science as they relate to the field. Individuals looking to work as a criminologist or detective benefit from a BA, while crime scene investigators are better served by a BS.

When choosing the right online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, consider cost, length of degree, and specializations. Ensure the program meets your personal and professional interests and goals. Prospective students should also consider regional accreditation, resident tuition eligibility, and program structure.

Law enforcement degrees include comparable coursework and requirements, but no two programs are alike. Core classes emphasize law enforcement theory and practice, but some programs may include specialization options. Many law enforcement bachelor’s degrees integrate research courses and practical components as well.

A homeland security concentration focuses on the role of law enforcement as it relates to the policies and functions of the Department of Homeland Security. Students learn how law enforcement prevents and combats domestic and international terrorism. Coursework also introduces learners to tools and techniques used by Homeland Security, investigation practices, and legal considerations.

Criminal forensics specializations emphasize the science behind crime scene investigation. Students learn how to locate, collect, and analyze evidence. Additional aspects of criminal forensics, such as psychology, build an essential understanding of crime, criminals, and criminal investigation practices.

A cybersecurity concentration explores both sides of cybercrime. Students learn about common crimes like identity theft while gaining skills to investigate and prevent cybercrimes. Cybersecurity coursework trains students how to protect computer systems, networks, and data breaches; follow laws related to cybersecurity; and identify potential cyber threats.

Juvenile justice concentrations teach law enforcement students to understand juvenile behaviors as they relate to crime and criminal activities. Coursework emphasizes prevention and rehabilitation, law and policy, and intervention for juvenile suspects and offenders. A juvenile justice specialization prepares learners to work as juvenile corrections officers, counselors, and probation officers.

Common coursework in law enforcement programs emphasizes fundamentals of the legal system, corrections institutions, and court and judicial processes. Students learn theoretical and practical aspects of law and justice in local, state, and federal contexts.

Students enrolled in an online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement may want to double major or pursue a joint degree. A double major in law enforcement and information technology would optimize opportunities to work in cybersecurity, while a dual degree in biology or chemistry and law enforcement can lead to careers in forensics.

Some schools also offer joint degrees, which are programs that lead to a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law enforcement. This five-year program may attract students who want to continue on to law school.

A law enforcement bachelor’s degree is versatile and can lead to jobs in private and public sectors alike. An online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement opens employment opportunities in criminal justice, police work, and corrections.

Some positions available to law enforcement students may require additional training or certification from a local, state, or national body. This list represents common careers for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement.

Professional organizations for law enforcement workers offer networking opportunities, career guidance, and resources for career development. Some professional organizations operate at the national level, while others provide regional and local opportunities to make connections. Within the larger scope of law enforcement, professional organizations can also allow for exploration of specializations within the field.