The Best Online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement Programs

Founded in 1919 as a preparatory school for teachers, BSU is now a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System institution that offers programs in almost 50 disciplines. Associate degree-holders and candidates with at least 24 transferable credits can jump-start their careers by enrolling in one of BSU's seven online degree completion programs.

Built on a liberal arts framework, the generalist bachelor of science in criminal justice program features four concentration options: corrections, law enforcement, victimology, and tribal justice. Each emphasis includes 48 credits of specialized coursework. Along with a three-credit directed study course, all distance learners complete a 15-credit core that includes classes in criminology, criminal law, research methods, and the judicial process. Candidates may fulfill elective requirements by completing coursework, internships, or special research opportunities.

Transfer students applying to this degree completion program are encouraged to complete the Minnesota transfer curriculum before enrolling at BSU. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed according to holistic criteria. All online students pay in-state tuition, and candidates are encouraged to apply for the Extended Learning Scholarship — an institutional award exclusively available to distance learners.

Stevenson is a private university based in Baltimore County, Maryland, with an additional campus in Owings Mills. Originally known as Villa Julie College, the school adopted its current name in 2008. Stevenson offers more than 90 liberal arts and career-based programs, including a variety of online graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Stevenson's online bachelor's degree in criminal justice features a professionally focused curriculum developed to equip learners with applied law enforcement skills and crucial knowledge. Combining practice and theory, the interdisciplinary curriculum combines topics in sociology, law, psychology, technology, and criminal justice. Coursework explores justice from local, national, and global perspectives, encouraging learners to improve the law enforcement field through research, education, and public service. Learners may pursue an optional concentration in law enforcement administration, which examines law enforcement practices and human resources issues from a managerial standpoint.

All online courses are eight weeks long and feature an accelerated format. Distance students receive 24/7 access to the Stevenson Career Connections system, which allows learners to explore job opportunities and contact potential employers. The university also provides each candidate with a personal academic advisor and individualized assistance.

Stevenson maintains partnerships with a variety of organizations, schools, and corporations to offer discounted tuition for qualifying candidates. Tuition is charged per credit and varies according to a student's major. Distance learners may receive up to 30 academic credits for eligible prior learning experiences.

Located in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Metropolitan State is a public university in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System with a strong dedication to educating nontraditional students and working adults. The university's four colleges and three schools offer 25 master's programs and an array of undergraduate offerings, including a law enforcement degree.

Metropolitan State's School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice offers three online law enforcement tracks, including a program for students who wish to become licensed Minnesota police officers. This track prepares students to sit for the POST exam upon graduation. The second track is a completion program that allows students who hold an associate degree in law enforcement to complete their bachelor's degree and become eligible for licensure. The third and final option is a law enforcement major completion plan that permits licensed, working police officers to earn a bachelor's degree through on-campus or online coursework.

Regardless of which track a learner selects, all distance students complete major courses like ethics and professionalism in criminal justice, diversity in criminal justice, legal studies in law enforcement, and juvenile justice. In order to graduate, candidates must complete 120 credits of coursework and meet a series of skills requirements, including emergency vehicle operations and defensive tactics.

Admission requirements vary according to a student's proposed academic track. Most Metropolitan State candidates transfer from other institutions with at least 16 credits. The university maintains rolling admissions and participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program.

AU is a private university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. After doubling its enrollment rates between 2006 and 2016, AU earned a reputation as one of the nation's fastest growing private, master's-focused universities. The institution also offers a variety of undergraduate programs on campus and online, including a web-based law enforcement degree.

Developed for first-time students without an academic background in criminal justice, the online bachelor's in criminal justice with a concentration in law enforcement parallels AU's on-campus program. Distance learners benefit from a highly interactive virtual learning environment that facilitates collaboration between faculty and peers.

Consisting of 123 credits, the curriculum examines crime's causes and characteristics, the history of correctional practices and systems, and the legal aspects of criminal procedure. Upper-level classes survey complex topics such as violence and victimization, religious issues in criminal justice, juvenile delinquency, and the legal aspects of drugs. In addition to major and elective courses, candidates must complete 42 credits of general education coursework.

Online classes are delivered through the Canvas learning platform in eight-week sessions, and distance learners may complete degree requirements even faster by enrolling in general and core curriculum classes during one of two online summer terms. Many courses integrate mobile technologies into lessons, supplementing lectures and coursework with application-based activities.

Excelsior may be based in Albany, New York, but this private college specializes in providing flexible, affordable distance education programs. Home to five schools, Excelsior offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees in public service, business and technology, nursing, health sciences, and the liberal arts.

Distance learners pursuing a bachelor of science in criminal justice at Excelsior may apply up to 117 transfer credits toward their degree, with the median student transferring in 70 credits. Individuals who have previously earned an AS in criminal justice at Excelsior may apply all 60 associate-level credits to the bachelor's program. Candidates may also earn college credit for military and police academy training and professional credentials.

The 120-credit curriculum explores the U.S. criminal justice system from psychological, criminological, and sociological perspectives. Classes survey the processes, laws, and administrative strategies associated with various law enforcement bodies, along with contemporary controversies and challenges related to diversity and police accountability. The program also features an optional homeland security concentration, which allows candidates to explore advanced concepts in domestic terrorism, homeland security, emergency management, and infrastructure security.

After completing the career-focused program, graduates are qualified to pursue positions in federal investigation, security analysis, crime scene investigation, probation and parole, and victim advocacy.

EKU is a regional comprehensive university based in Richmond, with branch campuses in Hazard, Lancaster, Corbin, and Manchester. The institution's distance education department offers more than 40 online degrees in science; business and technology; education; justice and safety; health sciences; and letters, arts, and social sciences. Programs cover a variety of subject areas, including law enforcement.

Well-suited for candidates seeking a practice-based law enforcement degree, EKU's police studies bachelor's program prepares students to enter the policing profession or pursue upper-level law enforcement positions by meeting department-mandated educational requirements. The 120-credit program allows current and prospective police officers to develop personalized graduation plans that fit their career goals. Major courses cover topics spanning technology and ethics, contemporary policing strategies, traffic crash causation and investigation, and crime patterns.

The program features an asynchronous format and eight-week courses. Distance learners are not expected to complete an internship, work-study experience, or on-campus residency. EKU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, although degree-seekers must complete at least 30 credits at the university. Known for offering affordable tuition rates, EKU provides generous discounts for active-duty military members and participates in employer tuition reimbursement programs. Online students may apply for multiple institutional scholarships by submitting one application and an essay.

Based in Fayetteville, UIU operates 15 learning centers across the United States and maintains locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Students at this private institution can choose from more than 40 academic programs, including web-based degree options and independent study opportunities.

UIU's public administration degree allows distance learners to select a general studies path or pursue a concentration in emergency management, policy and politics, or fire science or law enforcement. The blended degree plan combines on-campus components with online coursework. Core public administration classes examine organizational practices and operations, providing insight into program management, development, and administration.

The fire science or law enforcement concentration is reserved for students who have previously completed college-level courses or professional training in fire science, law enforcement, or related fields. Concentration eligibility is typically decided based on an applicant's academic background and experiential learning history. Concentration coursework examines public organizations from social science and management perspectives, exploring the interplay between public policy and effective policing and fire science.

Online classes are delivered asynchronously during five eight-week terms and an accelerated six-week summer session. Distance students may access free, 24/7 virtual tutoring services through the NetTutor program; use the Zoom chat platform to book a video tutoring appointment; and request assistance from UIU's writing center.

Founded in 1875, Park is a private, Missouri-based institution. In addition to a graduate school in downtown Kansas City, Park maintains 41 campuses across 22 states, including three campuses in the Kansas City area and a learning center in Austin, Texas. Most of the university's satellite campuses are located on or near United States military bases. Park offers 63 distance-based degrees, including an undergraduate law enforcement degree in criminal justice administration.

Blending a professionally focused curriculum with integral liberal arts concepts, this program provides a solid foundation for graduate study. Distance learners may earn either a BA or BS and pursue an optional minor. Featuring concentrations in security, corrections, and law enforcement, the bachelor of science in criminal justice emphasizes applied skills and professional competencies. The bachelor of arts curriculum includes the same concentration options and core courses, and students in both tracks must earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to graduate.

Prospective students must submit their transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Accelerated eight-week courses begin in January, March, June, August, and October. All distance learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate, although active-duty military members and their dependents, veterans, reservists, and federal employees receive significant tuition discounts.

A product of the Chautauqua movement, James E. Shepard founded this historically black public university in 1909. The Durham-based institution joined the state's university system in 1923, when it began receiving state funding and changed its name to Durham State Normal School. Soon after, the university began offering graduate-level classes in law, library science, and the arts and sciences. Today, the university offers baccalaureate, professional, master's, and doctoral degrees.

NCCU's bachelor of science in criminal justice takes a comprehensive look at the American criminal justice system, from its historical foundations to current controversies. Incorporating field experiences and hands-on learning activities, the 120-credit curriculum instills the crucial skills and competencies learners need to succeed in the criminal justice field. Candidates may also pursue a 12-credit concentration in law enforcement, homeland security, or corrections. The law enforcement track includes courses on police management theory, criminal investigation and forensic science application, criminal law for criminal justice personnel, and law enforcement theory and practice.

Distance learners must maintain a 2.5 GPA or better to graduate. Most students complete the program in around four years. Students may transfer in up to 90 undergraduate credits earned at regionally accredited institutions with a "C" or higher. Military applicants can receive up to four credits for completing qualifying training courses.

Founded in 1879, this Kentucky institution takes pride in its Appalachian cultural heritage and Methodist roots. Around 70% of Union students are Kentucky residents, and most are first-generation college attendees. While the school continues to fulfill the Barbourville region's need for higher education, it has expanded in size and scope to better serve an increasingly diverse student body. Today, Union offers six web-based bachelor's programs, including an online law enforcement degree.

Built around a core liberal arts curriculum, this 120-credit online law enforcement program includes 39 credits of major coursework in areas like homeland security, criminal justice ethics, and substantive law. Candidates may fulfill the program's nine-credit elective requirement by taking classes such as interviewing and interrogation, victimology, and probation and parole. Students must earn at least 39 credits in 300-level courses and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate.

Online courses are offered in eight-week sessions across six terms each year. Degree-seekers can access one-on-one academic advising services and 24/7 tech support. Union accepts up to 67 transfer credits from two-year schools. Many courses provide class materials and textbooks at no additional charge.

Applicants should submit their official high school transcripts or GED completion certificate, along with any military documents or transcripts from college-level coursework.

Located in St. Lawrence County, SUNY Canton is a member institution of the State University of New York system. The college offers professional certificates, associate programs, and bachelor's degrees.

SUNY Canton's online law enforcement leadership program combines legal concepts with the fundamentals of criminal justice and management to prepare candidates for supervisory law enforcement roles. Core coursework surveys topics in criminal law, criminal procedure, police services, law enforcement communication, and law enforcement training management. Students may tailor this career-focused law enforcement degree to their personal interests and professional goals by choosing from a variety of elective course options.

Prior to graduation, distance learners must complete a culminating experience in the form of an internship or supervised work experience. Students document their experience through weekly journal entries and biweekly reports before developing and presenting a cumulative portfolio project.

Program applicants are expected to complete a series of prerequisite courses before submitting their official transcripts. Once admitted, online students receive access to academic advising and career services, virtual tutoring resources, and technical assistance. Distance learners can also access over 150,000 books and 95 databases through SUNY Canton's digital library. Students may participate in the university's six e-sports varsity squads.

Founded in 1888, TU is a private institution located in Ohio. Around 40% of TU's student population are the first in their families to attend college. The university has long been a leader in distance education and serves a sizeable online student body that is primarily comprised of working professionals. TU's web-based program offerings include professional certificates, master's degrees, and an online law enforcement degree that explores the behavioral sciences, law, and political processes from both theoretical and practical angles.

Distance learners complete two terms each semester. The program features start dates in January, March, May, July, August, and October to provide increased flexibility. Degree completion times depend largely on the number of credits a student transfers in. The university accepts credit from courses completed with a "C" or higher.

TU charges the same per-credit rate for all online students and offers tuition payment plans. Military members may be eligible for tuition discounts and special funding opportunities. The university sponsors a variety of institutional scholarships and grants, including major-specific awards.

This private college maintains eight campuses across Michigan's lower peninsula, with sites in Fint, Owosso, Jackson, Allen Park, Cadillac, Auburn Hills, Muskegon, and Clinton Township. Baker students can choose from 150 career-focused programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, including degrees in education, technology, healthcare, human services, and business. fields. Among its career-oriented offerings, the college features a law enforcement program.

Baker's online criminal justice program offers a concentration in law enforcement, making this bachelor's degree a suitable option for students who wish to join the police force after graduation. Candidates learn from veteran police officers and law enforcement professionals who facilitate applied study through hands-on training in criminal and juvenile justice, psychology, ethics, and corrections. Coursework introduces major concepts and principles of policing, cybercrime, evidence collection, first-aid, and psychology. The program culminates in a 150-hour supervised work experience, which candidates may complete over multiple semesters.

Applicants should submit their high school transcripts or a copy of their GED certificate and SAT or ACT scores. While prospective students are not admitted on the basis of their standardized exam scores, Baker uses these figures to assess an applicant's general prior knowledge base. The college maintains transfer agreements with most public Michigan colleges and universities, making it easier for qualifying applicants to transfer credits earned at in-state schools.

Located in Henniker, New Hampshire, NEC is a private liberal arts institution with nearly 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled across four academic schools. The college's distance education division provides flexible undergraduate options that emphasize student-faculty relationships, collaborative learning, and individual attention.

Students pursuing NEC's 120-credit law enforcement degree enjoy small class sizes and ample opportunities to customize the curriculum to their interests and goals. Taught by law enforcement professionals and experienced criminal justice professionals, courses explore criminal investigation techniques and review practices and challenges related to contemporary law enforcement. NEC emphasizes experiential learning and encourages students to participate in optional internships.

Prior to graduation, distance learners must complete a series of general education courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. While some students go on to pursue graduate studies, others find work as corrections officers, law enforcement professionals, juvenile counselors, and victim witness advocates.

Along with an application, prospective students must provide their official transcripts; ACT or SAT test scores; and any optional supplemental materials such as a resume, personal statement, or letters of recommendation. While students may transfer in an unlimited number of credits from other regionally accredited institutions, learners must complete at least 60 credits at NEC.

Concordia University Texas is a private liberal arts and sciences institution located in Austin. Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University Texas is a member of the Concordia University System and strives to develop Christian leaders through higher education. Returning and part-time students enjoy an array of graduate and undergraduate options on campus and online, including a web-based law enforcement degree.

Emphasizing leadership skills, the university's bachelor of arts in criminal justice and criminology prepares candidates for managerial roles while providing learners with a practical and theoretical foundation in criminology. Core coursework introduces fundamental concepts in law, ethics, and criminology from a distinctly Christian viewpoint. The program features two concentration track options: a law enforcement management track and a homeland security track. Learners can further specialize their degree by selecting a minor outside of their specialty area.

Many graduates pursue employment in public service areas, finding jobs as prison wardens, fish and game wardens, patrol officers, correctional treatment specialists, police or sheriff patrol officers, and FBI special agents.

Prospective students should demonstrate a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. Applicants who have completed more than 12 transferable college-level credits must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA. Candidates who do not meet these GPA requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis.