Finding the Right Law Enforcement Program & Exploring Careers
Students interested in protecting their communities through public service may gravitate towards law enforcement careers. Many future law enforcement officials enroll in the police academy or other training programs immediately after high school, but more and more students opt for a bachelor’s in law enforcement to learn the skills and techniques to serve. Although police departments do not require degrees, they often appreciate college graduates’ expertise. Prospective students should use this guide to research different online bachelor’s degrees in law enforcement to find the right program for their needs.
How Much Can You Make in a Law Enforcement Career?
The following section lists common careers students with an online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement can explore. As part of the judicial system, law enforcement officials assist with keeping inmates in custody before, during, and after their trials. Each official’s job addresses a specific issue. For instance, fire inspectors deal with building code violations and probation officers help former inmates rejoin society. As duties vary, so do salaries and job growth. The BLS projects a double-digit increase in demand for fire inspectors and private detectives and a decline in need for correctional officers. Nonetheless, each occupation plays an important role in the overall judicial system. Use this table to explore various duties.
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Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $62,960
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: 7%
Job Description
Police and sheriff patrol officers serve as the first line of defense between law-abiding citizens and disaster. They respond to emergency calls, oftentimes questioning the caller and nearby witnesses. They also patrol areas to monitor criminal activity and keep the peace. Police officers need technical knowledge to use computers to search for vehicular records and warrants. When assessing a possible crime scene, police officers write detailed reports and complete paperwork.
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Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $43,510
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: -7%
Job Description
Correctional officers work in jails and prisons to supervise inmates and those awaiting trial. When people are taken into custody, they go to a holding facility monitored by a correctional officer. The officer escorts the inmate to different areas of the facility and to court. While in custody, the correctional officer instructs inmates and gives orders. Bailiffs work in courtrooms to maintain order and protect those in the courtroom. They escort jury members to and from the courtroom and pass documents between the lawyers and judge.
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Fire Inspectors
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $56,670
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: 10%
Job Description
These officials inspect buildings to ensure they adhere to government regulations. While doing their inspections, they check the building’s fire alarms, sprinklers, and exits to see if they work properly. They also review the evacuation plans building managers have in place to deal with an emergency. Many fire inspectors work directly with real estate developers to assess building plans before and during construction. Additionally, inspectors create fire safety programs.
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Private Detectives
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $50,700
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: 11%
Job Description
Private detectives work independently to conduct surveillance into personal matters for private citizens. Independent investigators work on their own or with a small team. Detectives interview people, gather evidence, and research records. Investigators research public documents that clue them in to certain information regarding a subject or case. Private detectives also join forces with local law enforcement officials when necessary.
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Probation Officers
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $51,410
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: 6%
Job Description
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists rehabilitate offenders and re-integrate them into society. They track the progress of law offenders by assisting them with finding employment, abstaining from drugs, and avoiding criminal activity. These officers may interview the parolee or probationer’s family members to track their progress and overall well-being. They also suggest job training and substance abuse programs to probationers.
Sources: BLS 2018
Students pursuing an online law enforcement degree often wonder why salaries vary from state to state. Each state pays its law enforcement officials according to demand and cost of living. States with a higher cost of living tend to pay higher salaries. Likewise, states with a growing need for officials pay high salaries to attract workers. This type of job data remains important because it impacts industry percentages and trends. This list features salary and job growth data for law enforcement officers.
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Alabama
Median Annual Salary: $44,490
Number Currently Employed: 10,690
Projected Job Growth: +4.9 percent
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Alaska
Median Annual Salary: $81,980
Number Currently Employed: 1,290
Projected Job Growth: -0.4 percent
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Arizona
Median Annual Salary: $65,810
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
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Arkansas
Median Annual Salary: $38,450
Number Currently Employed: 6,150
Projected Job Growth: +12.4 percent
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California
Median Annual Salary: $100,090
Number Currently Employed: 69,700
Projected Job Growth: +5 percent
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Colorado
Median Annual Salary: $21,270
Number Currently Employed: 9,690
Projected Job Growth: +13 percent
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District of Columbia (DC)
Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 5,960
Projected Job Growth: +2.2 percent
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Connecticut
Median Annual Salary: $70,610
Number Currently Employed: 6,320
Projected Job Growth: +1.6 percent
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Delaware
Median Annual Salary: $68,630
Number Currently Employed: 1,800
Projected Job Growth: +6.7 percent
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Florida
Median Annual Salary: $58,400
Number Currently Employed: 40,810
Projected Job Growth: +12.9 percent
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Georgia
Median Annual Salary: $42,190
Number Currently Employed: 24,240
Projected Job Growth: +11.3 percent
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Hawaii
Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 2,820
Projected Job Growth: +6.6 percent
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Idaho
Median Annual Salary: $52,340
Number Currently Employed: 2,570
Projected Job Growth: +9.9 percent
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Illinois
Median Annual Salary: $73,870
Number Currently Employed: 34,710
Projected Job Growth: +4 percent
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Indiana
Median Annual Salary: $53,260
Number Currently Employed: 11,610
Projected Job Growth: +7.5 percent
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Iowa
Median Annual Salary: $56,620
Number Currently Employed: 4,910
Projected Job Growth: +5 percent
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Kansas
Median Annual Salary: $47,920
Number Currently Employed: 6,120
Projected Job Growth: +6 percent
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Kentucky
Median Annual Salary: $45,010
Number Currently Employed: 7,210
Projected Job Growth: +6.6 percent
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Lousiana
Median Annual Salary: $39,650
Number Currently Employed: 10,940
Projected Job Growth: +8.9 percent
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Maine
Median Annual Salary: $48,310
Number Currently Employed: 2,090
Projected Job Growth: +3 percent
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Maryland
Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 13,550
Projected Job Growth: -1.1 percent
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Massachusuetts
Median Annual Salary: $68,190
Number Currently Employed: 17,650
Projected Job Growth: +5.2 percent
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Michigan
Median Annual Salary: $55,780
Number Currently Employed: 18,470
Projected Job Growth: +6.6 percent
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Minnesota
Median Annual Salary: $64,700
Number Currently Employed: 9,880
Projected Job Growth: +7.6 percent
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Mississippi
Median Annual Salary: $35,520
Number Currently Employed: 7,840
Projected Job Growth: +4.9 percent
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Missouri
Median Annual Salary: $47,080
Number Currently Employed: 13,490
Projected Job Growth: +8.3 percent
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Montana
Median Annual Salary: $54,590
Number Currently Employed: 1,540
Projected Job Growth: +8.2 percent
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Nebraska
Median Annual Salary: $57,090
Number Currently Employed: 3,010
Projected Job Growth: +5.7 percent
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Nevada
Median Annual Salary: $73,930
Number Currently Employed: 10,090
Projected Job Growth: +7.1 percent
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New Hampsire
Median Annual Salary: $56,560
Number Currently Employed: 2,860
Projected Job Growth: +4.8 percent
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New Jersey
Median Annual Salary: $83,570
Number Currently Employed: 20,680
Projected Job Growth: -1.5 percent
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New Mexico
Median Annual Salary: $52,320
Number Currently Employed: 4,490
Projected Job Growth: +3.4 percent
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New York
Median Annual Salary: $73,000
Number Currently Employed: 52,960
Projected Job Growth: +9.4 percent
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North Carolina
Median Annual Salary: $47,440
Number Currently Employed: 22,600
Projected Job Growth: +9 percent
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North Dakota
Median Annual Salary: $56,420
Number Currently Employed: 1,590
Projected Job Growth: +13 percent
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Ohio
Median Annual Salary: $59,280
Number Currently Employed: 24,740
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
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Oklahoma
Median Annual Salary: $45,600
Number Currently Employed: 8,250
Projected Job Growth: +10.8 percent
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Oregon
Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 5,190
Projected Job Growth: +7 percent
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Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary: $66,460
Number Currently Employed: 27,850
Projected Job Growth: +4.1 percent
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Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary: $58,830
Number Currently Employed: 2,110
Projected Job Growth: +3.1 percent
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South Carolina
Median Annual Salary: $42,330
Number Currently Employed: 12,080
Projected Job Growth: +7.1 percent
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South Dakota
Median Annual Salary: $47,800
Number Currently Employed: 1,900
Projected Job Growth: +2.9 percent
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Tennessee
Median Annual Salary: $44,320
Number Currently Employed: 13,150
Projected Job Growth: +7.5 percent
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Texas
Median Annual Salary: $62,430
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
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Utah
Median Annual Salary: $52,410
Number Currently Employed: 4,440
Projected Job Growth: +23.2 percent
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Vermont
Median Annual Salary: $49,070
Number Currently Employed: 1,320
Projected Job Growth: +1.5 percent
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Virginia
Median Annual Salary: $56,290
Number Currently Employed: 18,890
Projected Job Growth: +9.4 percent
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Washington
Median Annual Salary: $78,600
Number Currently Employed: 9,940
Projected Job Growth: +10.5 percent
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West Virginia
Median Annual Salary: $43,050
Number Currently Employed: 3,770
Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent
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Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary: $60,800
Number Currently Employed: 12,160
Projected Job Growth: +5.8 percent
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Wyoming
Median Annual Salary: $56,240
Number Currently Employed: 1,180
Projected Job Growth: +4.7 percent
What Courses Can be Taken for an Online Law Enforcement Degree?
A bachelor’s in law enforcement program familiarizes students with the law and the legal implications of crime. Learners study the judicial system, how it works, and how it affects citizens. Students also learn the function of police officers and other law enforcement officials within the system. The sample curriculum listed below gives readers an overview of the course requirements and learning objectives for a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement.
Ethics and the Criminal Justice Leader
Students explore the ethical dilemmas law enforcement officials face as they navigate the judicial justice system. They also learn how leaders in these positions use their judgement to make ethical decisions.
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Students adopt a theory-based approach to crime and its origins. They study the different branches of the justice system such as correctional facilities and its purpose.
Criminal Law
This course examines the development of criminal law in the past to present day. Students identify and classify the names of different crimes.
Juvenile Justice System
Students learn the differences between the juvenile and adult justice systems as it relates to due process of the law, hearings, and constitutional mandates.
Judicial Administration
This class trains learners to understand the differences between civil and criminal litigation. Students research case calendars and dockets used in a court of law.
How to Choose the Best Online Law Enforcement Program
Prospective students often have many questions regarding online bachelor’s degree in law enforcement programs. They wonder about course delivery, program requirements, and curriculum. The following Q&A section seeks to answer some of these questions while offering general advice regarding college programs. In addition to these questions, students can examine the school’s reputation, cost, faculty, and university services. Students must thoroughly research schools before making a final decision.
How should I select my course load?
As a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement major, you must take core courses rooted in foundational principles of law enforcement. These mandatory courses mirror the courses listed in our sample curriculum. For elective courses, students can choose classes that appeal to their specific interests. Consider the topics that interest you and speak to instructors to get a feel for certain courses.
Is the law enforcement concentration different from the major?
Some schools offer law enforcement as a concentration within a criminal justice program. Instead of majoring in law enforcement, students major in criminal justice and select elective courses that focus on law enforcement principles. Despite the delivery format, these programs boast the same learning outcomes as a law enforcement bachelor’s degree online. Students in both types of programs receive training that prepares them for law enforcement careers.
Should I complete an internship?
Completing an internship while pursuing your bachelor’s degree in law enforcement offers many benefits. However, correctional facilities and police departments take a unique approach to interning. They require interns to take a drug test and maintain a clean record. At some stations, interns ride in patrol cars with officers and respond to calls. At others, interns help with administrative tasks in the office.
Will I still have to attend a police academy even if I have my degree?
Many police departments want applicants with some college credits or a college degree. However, this does not mean college graduates get to forego the police academy. College graduates must still attend and graduate from a police academy if they want to work as certified police officers. Police academy training lasts 6-12 months.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Law Enforcement Programs
Students seeking financial aid resources should consider applying to scholarships geared towards law enforcement majors. In addition to grants, these merit-based scholarships cover tuition costs and introduce students to mentors that help them further their careers. Typically, specialty organizations administer these scholarships and open them to all students that meet eligibility criteria. This list highlights five scholarships for students pursuing a law enforcement bachelor’s degree online.
Operation Thank an Officer began as a small grassroots effort to support local police officers and grew into a program that helps the community. In 2016, the organization began providing scholarships to exceptional students in high school and college. The Darius Quimby College Scholarship supports high school seniors planning on majoring in law enforcement. Winners receive $1,000 towards their education. To apply, candidates must submit transcripts, an essay, and the application.
The Operation Thank an Officer foundation also offers this award to college students with a parent who serves in law enforcement or has retired from law enforcement. Community donations almost entirely fund these scholarships. Recipients get $1,000 towards their college education. Qualified candidates must submit an application, transcripts, and an essay. The selection committee also evaluates the applicant’s extracurricular activities and academic status.
This scholarship gives student members of the LGBTQ+ community the support they need to pursue law enforcement careers. Students use the scholarship to pay for police academy training or other law enforcement education programs. The committee asks that applicants identify as gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual. Additionally, applicants must be currently enrolled in a law enforcement program and show positive role-model qualities. Scholarships range from $500-$1,000.
The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum started the Police Family Survivors Fund to honor the children and spouses of law enforcement officials killed in the line of duty. Qualified applicants need a 2.0 GPA and copy of their college transcript. They must be enrolled in at least six credit hours of study. Students entering college must submit their ACT or SAT score and a college acceptance letter. Winners receive $1,000-$4,000.
This scholarship honors Sheryl A. Horak, a law enforcement explorer who became a police officer. After her death, one of her colleagues started this fund for young upcoming students.The scholarship offers financial assistance to law enforcement explorers in 12th grade planning to attend college. Candidates must submit three recommendation letters, transcripts, and a 500-word essay.
