Law enforcement is an integral part of society and involves the agencies that prevent, investigate, and detect crime and apprehend criminals to maintain the safety of citizens. The primary goal is to pursue truth, prevent crime, and bring perpetrators to justice.
If public order, public safety, due process, and criminal justice interest you, earning an online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement is the ideal route.
An online Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement degree helps you prepare to pave a career path as a police officer, investigator, and other law enforcement professionals.
This undergraduate program develops in each student the skills for success in the challenging law enforcement career such as strong work ethic, discipline, and critical thinking. With a degree tucked in their belt, graduates also demonstrate their knowledge of the law enforcement systems.
METHODOLOGY
Our 10 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement highlights some of the country’s top distance learning programs featuring the degree.
These online academic institutions have designed their undergraduate programs to give students possible careers in Law Enforcement an opportunity to successfully earn the degree with little to no disruption to their work or family obligations.
- Each online degree offered by the top-rated schools on this list is characterized by rigorous coursework,
- The schools share a common goal of maintaining the high quality of education that students need to emerge as highly trained and skilled members of the force,
- Accreditation plays a key role in ensuring the credibility and quality of the online Law Enforcement degrees,
- Depending on their location and other factors for accreditation, the online schools are duly recognized by the United States Department of Education and the accrediting bodies detailed on the list.
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Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement
Union College
Online Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement
The Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement is one of Union College’s undergraduate programs being offered online. This is a 120-credit hour curriculum that costs $540 per credit hour. It is a fully online program given in an 8-week schedule. It is open for veterans and those who are actively working in the military.
As part of their requirements, 36 credit hours are earned in Union College, a suitable educational opportunity for those who are living in a nearby state. This institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Penn State World Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Through Penn State’s World Campus, they offer a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice suitable for students seeking to pursue a higher degree using previous work experience, previous criminal justice credits, or already earned an associate degree.
This is a 120-credit course with an expected cost at about $362 to $540 per credit hour. Military Grant-in-Aid provides a lower tuition rate suitable for those actively serving the military or their spouses. Penn State World Campus is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Drury University
Online Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement with Leadership Concentration
One of this institution’s online programs is the Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement with Leadership Concentration. The course is for adult learners from nearby states with work commitments looking to take on leadership roles in a federal justice system.
This is a 124-credit hour curriculum with 36 hours credited from upper division courses and 30 hours taken in residence. This is a good choice for students with eligible 45-credit hour prior enrollment. Drury University is a Higher Learning Commission accredited institution.
University of Massachusetts- Lowell
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Through UMass Lowell Online and Continuing Education, students planning to pursue law enforcement as a major can look into a fully online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This is a 120-credit hour degree costs about $340 per credit hour.
Students with prior learning experience or have an associate’s degree can opt to have their credits transferred to get into an accelerated program. Graduates of this program are also eligible for a BA/MA program. The UMass Lowell is recognized by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Colorado State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Through the CSU-Global Campus, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice paves a way for students looking to earn a higher degree from previous learning experiences or a step-up from an associate’s degree. Blending modern and traditional knowledge, CSU’s fully online platform covers topics on:
- technology,
- security,
- cybercrime,
- white collar crime,
- international crime,
- and terrorism.
CSU also has 19 specializations (15-credit hours) to choose from according to your area of interest. This a 120-credit hour staggered in 8-week courses program and costs around $12,331 per annum. CSU also provides an alternative credit option to lessen the time and money spent in earning this degree. This institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
City University of Seattle
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Situated in Seattle, Washington, City U provides an online platform for distant learners who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This is a 180-credit hour degree that’s done fully online. Unlike other degrees of the same nature offered in other institutions, this program uses a practical approach to law enforcement by combining business and public administration.
Approved prior experience credits whether military experience or through criminal justice training academy, a student is eligible for 25 lower division credits This program is also recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education from the National Security Agency and Homeland Security. The City University of Seattle is an institution acknowledged by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and University.
State University of New York (SUNY)
Online Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Leadership
This fully online Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Leadership is a 122-credit hour curriculum and regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The focus for most of its curriculum is technology-related to help students blend traditional and contemporary disciplines.
It usually takes four years to accomplish this degree for a full-time student. This is a Yellow Ribbon University that welcomes veterans who want to enhance their education by accomplishing this degree. Internships and hands-on experience are available for students within or near this state.
Trine University
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Law Enforcement is an online program offered by Trine University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies suitable for students planning to pursue studies in law school or take a professional career in criminal justice.
Most of its curriculum has a psychology component to it and is regarded as the only U.S program that offers correctional and forensic psychology. Students with police, academy, military training, and fire experience can look into an accelerated learning program for this course.
Prior learning experience may also be eligible for transfer credits. This 120-credit hour curriculum is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Excelsior College
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Home Security
This New York-based institution has a special platform available for working professionals looking to home their education in law enforcement. Through the online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, students can choose from:
Students with prior academic training from agencies accredited by the school’s assessment program are eligible for credit transfers. This is a 120-credit hour degree and is a regionally recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
New England College
Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement is one of the undergraduate programs in New England College using an online platform. Through this course, students will tackle through the changing laws and the use of technology in assessing and investigating cases.
This is a 120-credit hour degree that allows credit transfers up to 90 credits to speed up your learning program. This institution is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who should consider earning a Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement degree?
During your study, you find that taking a law enforcement degree requires more than just being an intellectual. Since you’ll be dealing with people most of the time, cultivating an exceptional communication skill may come in handy.
The adage ‘the best way to win a fight is to avoid it’ may ring true for your future profession. Using force as a last resort, law enforcers need to refine assessing, interviewing, and resolving conflicts.
Mental and health fitness are the second attributes to consider. Physical workout is a necessity when you’re considering this path. It’s also wise to develop a strong mental habit especially in pursuit of a crime investigation with less sleep and mental acuity.
How long does it an online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement take to complete?
While taking this degree on campus and online have its perks, there are some exceptional nuggets with each platform.
An on-campus program will help you develop inter-relational skills through group work and interaction with your professors. This is more amendable for students who prefer the ‘classroom experience’ and physical interactions with peers.
Earning a degree online, however, will require organizational skills, determination, and a lot of grit to succeed. Since you will be the one handling your schedule, it is important to find a balance between work, school, and family (if you’re a working parent).
For full-time students, earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement may take three to four years (more for part-time students). However, some schools accept credit transfers if you have a military background, work experience (related to this field), or prior learning experience from college or an associate degree.
Do Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement students have access to financial aid?
Some schools have various financial aid programs both for fresh students and veterans. If you’re a veteran planning to take on this degree, consider a Yellow Ribbon University institution. For professionals serving the military, military grants may be available in your selected institution.
Federal grants are also available for specific cases such as the Wisconsin Professional Police Association for Wisconsin-based residents pursuing a career in law enforcement. For most institutions, eligible transfer credits from 40 to 90 credit-hours help cut down the time to finish the degree.