How to choose a bachelor's in law enforcement

Written by: Amanda Phagan, Edited by: Joey Morris

Published: July 24, 2025

Have you always wanted to be a police officer, detective, or counterterrorism analyst? Pursuing a bachelor's degree in law enforcement may help you achieve your career goals.

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 browsing , ensure that your chosen school is regionally accredited. You may also want to consider the following factors:

Law enforcement 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

Program duration

A bachelor's in law enforcement program typically takes around four years to complete. If you have college credits, such as exam or advanced placement (AP) credits, it may take less time.Depending on your specific program and chosen concentration, however, your degree could take a little longer.

Program tuition and fees

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.

Admissions requirements

Law enforcement programs can be competitive. Take some time to look through the admissions requirements for your top choices. Then, narrow your search to programs that match your educational, career, and cost requirements.

General bachelor's program tracks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores, transcripts, and an essay or recommendation. Some programs may be specifically designed for current or former officers or first responders and may require prior law enforcement experience or education, such as graduation from a police academy.

Advanced degree pathways

A bachelor's in law enforcement can lay the groundwork for various 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 launch your law enforcement career? Browse edX's law enforcement courses and programs and learn the skills you need to succeed in the field.

Frequently asked questions about getting a bachelor's degree in law enforcement

Is a law enforcement bachelor's degree worth it?

If you want to build a career in law enforcement, pursuing a bachelor’s degree is generally a worthwhile endeavor. Some low-level positions may not require it, but it is often essential for higher-level roles.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in law enforcement?

A bachelor’s in law enforcement typically requires four years of full-time study to complete. Part-time programs or a highly technical concentration could extend this by another year or so, while those with existing college credits may finish in less time.

What are the benefits of getting a bachelor's degree in law enforcement?

A bachelor's degree in law enforcement can provide several benefits, including:

Versatile career options: Law enforcement is a broad field with many different potential career paths. This gives you the opportunity for lateral transfers as well as promotions, which can help you build a potentially stable career.
Higher earning potential: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detectives earned a median annual salary of $77,270 as of May 2024. This is significantly higher than the median annual salary across all occupations for that same time period, and those in specialized law enforcement fields could earn even more.
Fulfilling work: Many people in law enforcement feel a true passion for their work, which they see as making a difference in society. If this describes you, earning your bachelor's degree could be the first step in your quest to positively impact the world around you.

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