5 answers
Amy
Student
Denton, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
947 views
What degrees for becoming a police officer?
I want a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree and maybe even a Master of Criminal Justice degree. Should I go to a community college for my first two years of undergraduate education and then move to a 4-year college for my bachelor's/master's? Are the degrees even necessary? Also, since I'm going to start as a cop and then move up to homicide detective or maybe even as an FBI (special) agent, what classes should I take? What colleges are good for my degree? I really like writing, but my parents say a writer can't live off of books. So I guess it could be a hobby kind of thing. I'm also planning to take 4 years of study in French (of high school). What should I major in? Should I also minor in other studies and if so, which ones?
5 answers
Divita Washington
11
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Divita’s Answer
Educational requirements vary depending on the law enforcement agency. If you want to go Federal you will at least need a Bachelor Degree but also law enforcement experience. Maryland State Police you only need a high school diploma and while in the agency you will earn an Associate Degree in Police Science. You can contibue your education thru our college partnerships while you are working as a Trooper.
Divita, thank you!
Amy
ian villebrun
Correctional specialist
115
Answers
Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Updated
ian’s Answer
To become a police officer, you generally need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate1. However, some agencies may require higher education, such as:
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
College credits in relevant fields like Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Law Enforcement12.
Learn more:
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
College credits in relevant fields like Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Law Enforcement12.
Learn more:
Thank you for giving me advice.
Amy
a perez
Law enforcement police officer
47
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
a’s Answer
To start with your first question you could Start at a community one then move to the other one if you need to save on costs or you need to be closer or you want to try it out first but remember you have to ensure you know that the credits you take are transferable to the uni one also think about just going to the uni one since you already intend to get a BA and stay for 4
You don’t need to get a BA fir regular law enforcement but might need it for the rest you could get 2 years snd go well in regular law enforcement but you will need it or might need it to get promoted or tesnsfer to other places you want you could get 2 years eork fir regular law enforcement and go to school if you wish to move or transfer and they might skid pay gir dime if the schooling and you will be earning money you don’t need those degrees to get hired but you might be better off with those if that’s the only thing you want yo do but if you ever want to leave the field of law enforcement you will not have anything else fir any other work type job also remember that if you want to work in special units you should chose departments that are larger do you can get a chance at a position on the unit in small departments you might have only a couple of persons sssigned snd you might have to wait 25 plus years to get there also remember to apply fir positions early and be ready gir the life style you will have to live wait her hours snd relocate snd other things you may have to decide if that’s the life you want and don’t forget you have to meet the physical requirements to start at done and continue to have to meet them every year at others and when you get older it might be more difficult to meet them good luck
You don’t need to get a BA fir regular law enforcement but might need it for the rest you could get 2 years snd go well in regular law enforcement but you will need it or might need it to get promoted or tesnsfer to other places you want you could get 2 years eork fir regular law enforcement and go to school if you wish to move or transfer and they might skid pay gir dime if the schooling and you will be earning money you don’t need those degrees to get hired but you might be better off with those if that’s the only thing you want yo do but if you ever want to leave the field of law enforcement you will not have anything else fir any other work type job also remember that if you want to work in special units you should chose departments that are larger do you can get a chance at a position on the unit in small departments you might have only a couple of persons sssigned snd you might have to wait 25 plus years to get there also remember to apply fir positions early and be ready gir the life style you will have to live wait her hours snd relocate snd other things you may have to decide if that’s the life you want and don’t forget you have to meet the physical requirements to start at done and continue to have to meet them every year at others and when you get older it might be more difficult to meet them good luck
Thank you so much!
Amy
Charissa Gonzalez
Executive Assistant
4
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Charissa’s Answer
Hi Amy,
To answer your question on going to community college first or a 4 year college, I wish I had done 2 years at community college first. It is cheaper, you get more from your classes being smaller, and it allows you the freedom to really explore topics you are interested in without being forced to take certain classes like in a 4 year college. With that being said, you can take care of your prerequisites in community college so if you do end up transferring later on they are out of the way.
If it is at all possible, try finding classes in your high school that offer dual enrollment as this will help you get ahead before going to college. Explore online videos/classes that are on career topics/subjects you are exploring to help you decide. See if you can talk with your school or local professionals and pick their brain on how to best navigate your higher education so you can get into the specific field you want that would be ideal.
Best of luck to you!
To answer your question on going to community college first or a 4 year college, I wish I had done 2 years at community college first. It is cheaper, you get more from your classes being smaller, and it allows you the freedom to really explore topics you are interested in without being forced to take certain classes like in a 4 year college. With that being said, you can take care of your prerequisites in community college so if you do end up transferring later on they are out of the way.
If it is at all possible, try finding classes in your high school that offer dual enrollment as this will help you get ahead before going to college. Explore online videos/classes that are on career topics/subjects you are exploring to help you decide. See if you can talk with your school or local professionals and pick their brain on how to best navigate your higher education so you can get into the specific field you want that would be ideal.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you, for this advice!
Amy
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
176
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Amy, To become a police officer, you typically need:
Associate's or Bachelor's Degree: Degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, or related fields are common.
Military Experience: Service in law enforcement or security roles can be beneficial.
Police Academy Training: Completing a police academy program is often required.
Research the specific requirements of the police department you're interested in, as they may vary.
Associate's or Bachelor's Degree: Degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, or related fields are common.
Military Experience: Service in law enforcement or security roles can be beneficial.
Police Academy Training: Completing a police academy program is often required.
Research the specific requirements of the police department you're interested in, as they may vary.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Amy
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