How to choose a bachelor's in law enforcement
Have you always wanted to be a police officer, detective, or counter-terrorism analyst? Pursuing a bachelor's degree in law enforcement can be the first step.
Learn about what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in law enforcement program so you can select the one that best matches your career goals.
Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in law enforcement
When trying to select a bachelor's in law enforcement program to enroll in, be sure that the school offering it is regionally accredited. In addition, try these steps to choose the right program for you:
Consider the concentrations
Do you have your eye on a particular aspect of law enforcement? Look for a program that offers concentrations that align with your interests. A few common options include:
- Cybersecurity
- Forensics
- Homeland security
- Policing
- Public policy
Look at the program length
A bachelor's in law enforcement program typically takes around four years to complete. If you have college credits, such as credit by exam or advanced placement (AP) credits, it could take less time.
Depending on your specific program and chosen concentration, however, your degree could take a little longer.
Analyze the costs
Tuition and fees vary widely by school, but the price you see isn't necessarily what you'll pay.
Financial aid programs, from grants and scholarships to student loans, are available at nearly every school. These funds can also vary dramatically, so it's worth looking through your options.
Determine the admissions requirements
Law enforcement programs can be competitive, but just how competitive they are varies. Take some time to look through the admissions requirements for your top choices. Then, narrow your search to those where you have a good chance of being admitted.
Look into further educational possibilities
A bachelor's in law enforcement degree is sufficient for many careers. But if you want to get into management or climb the ladder in a highly technical field such as cybersecurity, you may eventually want to earn a master's or doctoral degree. To keep your options open, consider a school that also offers these degrees.
Explore bachelor's degrees in law enforcement
Are you ready to dive deeper into the wide world of law enforcement? Then check out edX's courses and programs in law enforcement and get started today.