Online Master’s in Law Enforcement Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for qualified police and detectives continues to rise. In fact, the BLS projects a job outlook growth of 5% between 2019 and 2029 for this occupation. This data marks good news for individuals considering a master's in law enforcement.

Individuals with a passion for justice, an eye for detail, and who enjoy making observations typically thrive in this role. This article examines the top five master's programs for aspiring law enforcement officers, the benefits of pursuing this degree, and certifications for this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Law Enforcement

What can you do with a degree in law enforcement?

Most graduates become police officers. Others pursue careers as detectives, private investigators, or public safety officers. Some of these positions require academy training as well.

What is the highest paying job in law enforcement?

The BLS lists similar occupations for police officers and detectives and their respective salaries. According to BLS data, emergency manager directors make the most with a median annual salary of $76,250.

How much do police officers make with a master's degree?

According to August 2019 PayScale data, professionals with a master's in law enforcement earn an average salary of $65,000. Salary.com reports a salary range of $56,850-$59,260 for these same professionals.

Why Get a Degree in Law Enforcement?

Earning a master's in law enforcement presents many benefits. For starters, this advanced degree allows individuals to qualify for higher-paying leadership positions in the law enforcement field. With this degree, individuals could even apply for high-profile positions with the United States Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Or, they could work as head sheriffs for local county departments.

Additionally, this degree translates well to online coursework. This means current police officers can maintain their full-time jobs while pursuing advanced education. Online degrees typically cost less than in-person degrees, and online learners save money on commuting costs.

How Much Does a Law Enforcement Degree Cost?

The exact cost of a law enforcement degree varies by school. For example, public universities tend to cost less than private colleges. The National Center for Education Statistics gathers data on the average tuition rate for graduate degrees. Accounting for each type of school, the average tuition for a graduate degree for the 2018-2019 school year cost about $19,310.

With increasing tuition rates in mind, attending an accelerated program may save students money in the long term. Additionally, online learners typically pay fewer fees than in-person students since virtual students do not use campus equipment or facilities. When creating a college budget, learners should also factor in living expenses. Online learning prevents the need to relocate or find new housing.

Additional Online Student Fees for Law Enforcement

While we briefly mentioned fees for an online law enforcement degree in the previous section, we discuss them in more detail here. For starters, every virtual student must own a quality computer with reliable WiFi access. This degree does not require an expensive or advanced operating system. However, learners should also consider computer maintenance costs, such as repairs.

Textbooks also make up a fraction of a college budget. Purchasing digital versions of books when available saves money. However, learners who prefer physical book copies save money by buying used books or participating in a textbook rental program.

How Much Do Law Enforcement Majors Make?

According to the BLS, police and detectives earn a median annual pay of $67,290. The highest 10% earn more than a median $113,000 annually, and the lowest 10% earn a median $39,130 annually.

Fortunately, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management publishes a helpful law enforcement salary calculator. Researching current job postings that include salary information may also provide a clearer picture of how salaries vary by geographical location. For example, jobs in larger cities may pay more than positions in rural areas to account for the cost of living differences.

PayScale also offers data on how salary varies by years of experience. According to May 2021 PayScale data, police officers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $48,000, while police officers with more than 20 years of experience earn more than $76,000.

Courses in Law Enforcement

During their studies, individuals earning a master's in law enforcement learn the correct protocol for tasks like conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, obtaining search warrants, and patrolling. Students fine-tune their observation skills and practice recording statements in detail. Graduates should possess the knowledge needed to uphold the law responsibly and lead teams.

In this section, we examine three common courses included in a law enforcement master's degree. Keep in mind exact courses vary by program, but this list offers a sample curriculum. Additionally, most master's programs also require a thesis or capstone project.

• Best Practices for First Responders

  Police officers sometimes arrive at accident scenes before emergency medical care professionals. In this course, learners acquire the knowledge needed to care for injured individuals and temporarily sustain life. Class participants learn how to identify traumatic injuries and respond accordingly under pressure using basic life support actions.

• Crime Scene Investigations

  This course examines best practices for searching crime scenes and protecting the integrity of investigations. Students learn how to preserve and collect physical evidence and dust for fingerprints. Learners also practice documenting sites using photography and diagramming. Upon course completion, individuals should know the correct protocols for leading teams on successful crime scene investigations.

• Patrol Procedures

  A patrol procedures class discusses how to conduct proper duty tours in assigned areas. Learners take notes on what to observe and ways to spot potential crimes. This class also discusses the proper techniques and protocols for police response. Part of a patrol procedures course examines the theories behind today's procedures in community policing.

How to Become a Private Detective

Some graduates pursue careers as private detectives with this degree. According to the BLS, 39% of private detectives and investigators work for investigation, guard, and armored car services. However, this career also allows for the possibility of self-employment. In fact, 3% of all private investigators run their own businesses.

BLS data also reveals that the need for these professionals should grow much faster than average at 8% between 2019 and 2029. Private detectives and investigators earn a median annual income of $53,320.

This career typically requires several years of on-the-job experience, typically in the law enforcement field. Pairing years of experience with a master's degree positions professionals to earn leadership positions as private detectives.

Certifications and Licensure for Law Enforcement

Currently, 37 states and the District of Columbia require statutory law enforcement certification. The National Conference of State Legislatures publishes an interactive map to help individuals learn about the specific requirements in their state. Aside from required certifications, individuals can also advance their careers with voluntary certifications. We discuss a few below.

Online Master's in Law Enforcement Programs