6 answers
Jayla
Student
Woodbridge, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
692 views
Which degree do I need for law-enforcement, masters degree or bachelors degrees?
Law-enforcement. Masters degree. Bachelors degree.
Login to comment
6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jayla at the very least, the you must have a high school diploma. However, some police departments and federal agencies may require you have a associate college degree. The steps to becoming a police officer start with meeting the basic prerequisites or requirements. If the you choose to earn a degree you can choose from an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
Associate degrees are two-year programs available at most community colleges, regional and technical colleges, online universities, and some traditional four-year universities. You have to earn a total of about 60 credit hours, which includes courses in your chosen major as well as general education courses like English, math, and science. Several popular associate degree programs could give you the education you need to get started in a law enforcement career. Aspiring police officers who wish to become detectives, investigators, or FBI agents are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree.
In almost all cases, a aspiring police officer must graduate from the agency or department’s police training academy. In addition to having the educational training, most cities require their police officers meet the following basic requirements.
Be at least 18 to 21 years old
Be a U.S. citizen
Be of good moral character
Have a clean criminal record
Have a valid driver’s license
Meet personal and physical qualifications
Pass the Law Enforcement Entrance Exam
Complete on-the-job training
I hope you find this helpful Jayla
Associate degrees are two-year programs available at most community colleges, regional and technical colleges, online universities, and some traditional four-year universities. You have to earn a total of about 60 credit hours, which includes courses in your chosen major as well as general education courses like English, math, and science. Several popular associate degree programs could give you the education you need to get started in a law enforcement career. Aspiring police officers who wish to become detectives, investigators, or FBI agents are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree.
In almost all cases, a aspiring police officer must graduate from the agency or department’s police training academy. In addition to having the educational training, most cities require their police officers meet the following basic requirements.
Be at least 18 to 21 years old
Be a U.S. citizen
Be of good moral character
Have a clean criminal record
Have a valid driver’s license
Meet personal and physical qualifications
Pass the Law Enforcement Entrance Exam
Complete on-the-job training
I hope you find this helpful Jayla
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Jayla,
Each state has its own licensing agency that sets minimum standards. Each department within the state can set higher standards, but not lower. So, if the state says a Bachelors degree is required, you will not be able to get hired with an associates. So, the state licensing agency website is the place to start.
After that, look at a few websites for agencies you are interested in working for. IF you can get hired with as Associates degree, make that your goal. Also try to get involved through the Citizens Police Academy. Many police departments have college tuition assistance. Once you get hired somewhere, start working on your Bachelors, taking advantage of tuition assistance!
Each state has its own licensing agency that sets minimum standards. Each department within the state can set higher standards, but not lower. So, if the state says a Bachelors degree is required, you will not be able to get hired with an associates. So, the state licensing agency website is the place to start.
After that, look at a few websites for agencies you are interested in working for. IF you can get hired with as Associates degree, make that your goal. Also try to get involved through the Citizens Police Academy. Many police departments have college tuition assistance. Once you get hired somewhere, start working on your Bachelors, taking advantage of tuition assistance!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
When I was a police officer, the most emphasis was getting a bachelors.
It really depends on how high you wish to go. Many of the upper level command and administators had masters degrees, and I encountered one (chief of police), who had a doctoral degree.
So, a bachelors degree is a good goal to aim for.
It really depends on how high you wish to go. Many of the upper level command and administators had masters degrees, and I encountered one (chief of police), who had a doctoral degree.
So, a bachelors degree is a good goal to aim for.
Daniel Dunnigan
Lieutenant
8
Answers
Corona, California
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Here in California the minimum is a high school diploma, however the more education you have the better your resume looks. In California you also have to be 21 at the time of appointment so why not spend the time after high school pursuing your education. It shows dedication to something as well. Some agencies do require a bachelors degree as well. My suggestion is to always pursue education.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
For a career in law enforcement, the typical educational requirement is a bachelor's degree. Most law enforcement agencies, including police departments and sheriff's offices, require candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree in any field as a minimum qualification. However, the specific requirements can vary by agency and region.
A master's degree is generally not required for entry-level positions in law enforcement. Master's degrees in related fields, such as criminal justice or law enforcement administration, can be beneficial for career advancement, specialization, or leadership roles within law enforcement agencies. These advanced degrees can enhance your knowledge, skills, and qualifications, but they are typically pursued after gaining some experience in the field.
Here's a general path to consider:
1. **Bachelor's Degree:** Start by earning a bachelor's degree in a field of your choice. While criminal justice or related fields can be beneficial, law enforcement agencies often value a diverse range of educational backgrounds.
2. **Police Academy:** Upon completing your degree, you'll typically need to attend a police academy for training. This academy training is essential for becoming a certified law enforcement officer.
3. **Entry-Level Position:** After completing the police academy, you can apply for entry-level positions in law enforcement agencies, such as a police officer or deputy sheriff.
4. **Gain Experience:** Work in law enforcement to gain valuable on-the-job experience. Many agencies have requirements for the number of years of experience needed for certain specialized roles or leadership positions.
5. **Advanced Education (Optional):** If you aspire to move into higher-ranking positions, such as detective, sergeant, or lieutenant, you may consider pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. This advanced education can open doors to leadership roles and specialized units within law enforcement.
In summary, while a bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for law enforcement, a master's degree can be beneficial for career advancement and specialization. It's essential to research the specific requirements of the law enforcement agencies you're interested in and consider your long-term career goals when deciding on the level of education to pursue.
A master's degree is generally not required for entry-level positions in law enforcement. Master's degrees in related fields, such as criminal justice or law enforcement administration, can be beneficial for career advancement, specialization, or leadership roles within law enforcement agencies. These advanced degrees can enhance your knowledge, skills, and qualifications, but they are typically pursued after gaining some experience in the field.
Here's a general path to consider:
1. **Bachelor's Degree:** Start by earning a bachelor's degree in a field of your choice. While criminal justice or related fields can be beneficial, law enforcement agencies often value a diverse range of educational backgrounds.
2. **Police Academy:** Upon completing your degree, you'll typically need to attend a police academy for training. This academy training is essential for becoming a certified law enforcement officer.
3. **Entry-Level Position:** After completing the police academy, you can apply for entry-level positions in law enforcement agencies, such as a police officer or deputy sheriff.
4. **Gain Experience:** Work in law enforcement to gain valuable on-the-job experience. Many agencies have requirements for the number of years of experience needed for certain specialized roles or leadership positions.
5. **Advanced Education (Optional):** If you aspire to move into higher-ranking positions, such as detective, sergeant, or lieutenant, you may consider pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. This advanced education can open doors to leadership roles and specialized units within law enforcement.
In summary, while a bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for law enforcement, a master's degree can be beneficial for career advancement and specialization. It's essential to research the specific requirements of the law enforcement agencies you're interested in and consider your long-term career goals when deciding on the level of education to pursue.
Michelle Flahive-LeFebvre
Latent Print Examiner
63
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I see other answers here that are great. Yes, it depends on what you want to do with that career. The higher you promote, go beyond being a street police officer/ Deputy, promoting up the ranks and going on into Administration, you will need a degree. Bachelor degrees are great for getting started, but to move up a Master's degree would be best. Not only is the pay more, the experience and knowledge you have acquired will benefit you in the long run in whatever position you get to.
Best of luck to you in your endeavors.
Best of luck to you in your endeavors.