Law Enforcement Schools Near Los Angeles, CA
Learn about law enforcement programs in schools near Los Angeles, California. Read about certificate and degree programs and get college specifics for Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles area is home to a variety of schools offering law enforcement education. Preview four universities and the graduate and undergraduate programs offered.
What You Need to Know
If you intend to pursue a career in law enforcement, you may need to possess at least an associate's degree in criminal justice or criminal justice administration, though requirements may vary from employer to employer. Some institutions, for instance, might prefer a 4-year degree, while others will accept a college-level certificate or diploma. A master's degree could be necessary if you wish to advance into administrative or supervisory positions. These types of programs can be found in many community and 4-year colleges and universities across the U.S. In most cases, further training in a police academy or similar program will be required before beginning a career in law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Certificate Programs in Los Angeles Area Schools
East Los Angeles College
The administration of justice and basic police academy preparation programs are both for a Certificate of Achievement and the rest are for a Skills Certificate. Program lengths vary, because they range in size from single 3.5-unit courses to 18-unit course clusters. The courses were designed to prepare you for entry into law enforcement positions or advancement in law enforcement careers. This school also offers an Associate in Arts degree program for administration of justice.
- Programs: Certificate of Achievement, Skills Certificate
- Specialization: Administration of Justice, basic police academy preparation, community service officer, custody assistant officer, fingerprint classification, LAUSD crime scene investigation for detectives, patrol operations, peace officer of the State of California, public safety dispatcher, security officer, supervisory training, traffic investigator
- Program Length: Varies; see below
- Tuition and Fees: $1,220 per year for in-state; $7,746 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- School Type: 2-year, public, student population about 35,403
El Camino Community College
There is one prerequisite course that's required for all Administration of Justice programs at this school if you're seeking employment in law enforcement. If you're already a working professional, the course can be waived. The certificate programs were designed primarily for those planning on entering the field of law enforcement and are overseen by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Program lengths differ because the Certificate of Accomplishment requires only 14 units, while the Certificate of Achievement requires 27-32 units.
- Programs: Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate of Achievement
- Specialization: Administration of Justice
- Program Length: Varies; see below
- Tuition and Fees: $1,144 per year for in-state; $6,520 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Medical examination
- School Type: 2-year, public, student population about 24,820
Law Enforcement Associate Degree Programs in Los Angeles Area Schools
El Camino Community College
The associate's degree program at this school has the same prerequisite course criteria as the certificate programs, and this program is also overseen by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Some of the courses you can take in this program include studies on the laws of arrests and firearms, criminal investigations, police patrol procedures, and crime analysis. You can also participate in a cooperative program that allows you to earn school credit for work experience.
- Program: Associate of Science
- Specialization: Administration of Justice
- Program Length: 2 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $1,144 per year for in-state; $6,520 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Medical examination
- School Type: 2-year, public, student population about 24,820
Law Enforcement Bachelor's Degree Programs in Los Angeles Area Schools
California State University - Dominguez Hills
This degree program has a broader spectrum, and the courses cover the three main components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, corrections, and the courts. You can incorporate an internship/practicum in your studies for credit after you've completed four of your core courses. Some of your elective choices directly related to law enforcement include studies in criminal law and procedures, gangs and adolescent subcultures, deviant behavior, and criminology.
- Program: Bachelor of Science
- Specialization: Criminal Justice Administration
- Program Length: 4 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $6,942 per year for in-state; $18,822 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- School Type: 4-year, public, undergrad population of 13,899, grad population about 2,833
California State University - Los Angeles
This program also covers various aspects of the criminal justice system. The purpose of this program is to give you the skills and tools you'll need for analyzing and solving problems in law enforcement and in related areas. Electives offer a variety of courses directly related to law enforcement issues and subjects including sex crimes, white collar crime, crime scene management, and legal issues for police officers.
- Program: Bachelor of Science
- Specialization: Criminal Justice
- Program Length: 4 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $6,749 per year for in-state; $18,629 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: 2 pre-criminal justice program courses
- School Type: 4-year, public, undergrad population about 24,223, grad population of 3,813
Law Enforcement Master's Degree Program in Los Angeles Area Schools
California State University - Dominguez Hills
This program was created for the working professional, and you'll find the courses for this degree are offered mostly in the evening. It's recommended that you take statistics and at least three undergraduate courses in administration of justice before you apply, but if you haven't yet done so, you can take advantage of a bridge program that includes three courses. The goal of this program is to prepare you for administrative or managerial roles in the criminal justice system.
- Program: Master of Public Administration
- Specialization: Criminal Justice Administration
- Program Length: 2.5 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $8,376 per year for in-state; $17,880 per year for out-of-state (2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: 3.0 undergrad GPA, GRE
- School Type: 4-year, public, undergrad population of 13,899, grad population about 2,833
Los Angeles has multiple universities offering law enforcement education programs, with certificate (East Los Angeles College, El Camino Community College), associate's (El Camino Community College), bachelor's (California State University - Dominguez Hills, California State University - Los Angeles), and master's (California State University - Dominguez Hills) options to choose from.