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how many years are recommended of college to be a police officer or state trooper?

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Jason’s Answer

Requirements vary by agency. Some do not require college, some require a bachelor's degree. Most federal agencies (FBI, DEA, etc) require at least a bachelor's degree. I encourage you to get an associate's degree before you start working, a bachelor's is even better. Police work has crazy hours and it can be difficult to do college while working. Some agencies have tuition reimbursement programs but they don't just include anyone who wants to participate, they may require you to have some college credits or have a waiting list for the program. If you pursue education for a criminal justice career, please consider majoring in something broader than criminal justice, but do minor in criminal justice. Sociology, psychology, and pre-law are all good choices but not the only choices.

Jason recommends the following next steps:

Contact the agencies you are interested in working, many have recruiters. Schedule an appointment or a phone call and have a list of critical questions to discuss. Ask about pay and bonuses related to education, education requirements for entry level and for higher ranking positions. Ask about benefits and retirement, some agencies have better deals than others. Also ask about training and career development opportunities.
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James’s Answer

Most don't "require" a degree. I would go in with at least an Associates. The reason being is you might get hired without any degree, but you will not make yourself attractive for promotion at all. You want to set yourself up for long term career growth. That is the way to do it.
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Michael W.’s Answer

I would suggest obtaining a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Many Officers I know worked on their Masters degree part-time after they are employed, and knew that they in-fact liked being employed in the criminal justice field. As you probably know, earning a Masters degree is very expensive, so you would want to be sure you are going to be in that field for "the long haul".


If you are able, minor in another subject such as : computer science, forensics, chemistry ect that interests you. This could assist you in obtaining employment or once employed, being selected for a specialty unit like: Computer Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Services Unit, ect...


Consider working at least part-time in the criminal justice field (Security Guard, Store Detective ect) if you haven't already done so. This not only gives you an idea of what a career is like, but this hands-on experience will allow you to meet (network) and work with local law enforcement agencies, and will be very valuable, when it come time for your oral interview for employment, when they ask you to speak of your work experience in the field!


Lastly, consider volunteering (like I am doing right now on Career Village). Everyone should give-back to the community, plus it looks great on a resume or employment application!


Wish you the best...

-Michael-

Michael W. recommends the following next steps:

Obtain a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree.
Minor in another subject that interests you, such as: Computer Science, Chemistry, Forensics ect, which could enhance your Major, and assist you in entering a specialty unit, once you are employed.
Consider at least part-time employment within the criminal justice field, for valuable hands-on experience, and networking abilities.
Consider Volunteering, and give-back to the community...
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