What degree is needed for law enforcement?

Hi Bianca,

I have been in law enforcement for thirty-five years, taught at the police academy for ten, and been involved in recruiting. It is not possible to answer your question directly because each agency has its own educational requirements. The college requirements may range from none, a two year degree, a four year degree, and then finally to a four year degree in very specific fields of study. Your first step is to do some research and see what the requirements are for the agencies you are interested in. Either way I would encourage you to pursue some kind of four year degree. There are some agencies that will actually help their officers with educational expenses after they have been hired. This may be an option if the agency only requires an AA to get hired and then you can complete your BA/BS while working.

Here is a bit of advice strickly coming from my own personal perspective. I would discourage you from getting a criminal justice degree! What, you say? Law enforcement agencies are looking for good solid responsible, thinking entry level people. They do not expect you to have any law enforcement experience. You will learn everything you need to know about "police stuff" in the academy and field training. I would rather see you get a degree in something that is more portable in case the law enforcement thing doesn't work out. You may get injured, don't like it, or just not be cut out for the job. At least you have a degreee to fall back on. There are many other degrees that will ultimately help you in both law enforcement and the public sector such as: sociology, business administration, computer science, public administration, teaching, psychology, etc. All of these areas will be applicable to law enforcement especially if you are interested in climbing the ranks.

Law enforcement has been a great carreer for me and I wish you well,

Scott