Popular Schools

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Southern New Hampshire University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Southern New Hampshire University

Associate Programs
Southern New Hampshire University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Colorado Christian University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Colorado Christian University

Bachelor Degrees
Colorado Christian University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
The University of Arizona Global Campus responds quickly to information requests through this website.

The University of Arizona Global Campus

Bachelor Degrees
The University of Arizona Global Campus responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor Degrees
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Purdue Global responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Purdue Global

Associate Programs
Purdue Global responds quickly to information requests through this website.
ECPI University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

ECPI University

Bachelor Degrees
ECPI University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Saint Leo University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Saint Leo University

Associate Programs
Saint Leo University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Keiser University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Keiser University

Associate Programs
Keiser University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Penn Foster High School responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Penn Foster High School

High School Diploma
Penn Foster High School responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Liberty University

Master
Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

Online Law Enforcement Schools and Courses

You can prepare online for a career as a police officer, federal law enforcement agent or homeland security agent through undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs. Read on for more info.

What You Need to Know

Quite a few schools offer fully or partially online degree and training programs in law enforcement. Which school or program to choose should be based on the educational requirements of the state, agency or department where you want to work. At the entry level, you'll need to participate in an in-person training program. If you're already working in the field, online programs could provide you with the continuing education you need to advance or excel in your job.

ProgramsCertificates, Associate, Bachelor's, Graduate Certificate, Continuing education
CoursesCriminology, criminal procedure, juvenile justice, domestic violence, public safety
OnlineAvailable 100% online; some schools have on-campus training or course requirements
Median Salary (2021) $66,020 for Police and Detectives*
Job Outlook (2021-2031) 3% growth for Police and Detectives*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

How Do I Choose Law Enforcement Courses or Schools?

You may want to choose a program where instructors are practicing law enforcement professionals. Some programs are designed by law enforcement professionals who are members of the National Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (NCLEET). Programs may be geared toward aspiring law enforcement officers while others are intended for you if you're already working in the field. You may be required to attend a brief orientation session on campus.

Online degree completion programs may allow you to earn credit toward your degree for any police training you've already completed. This may apply to basic law enforcement training or continuing education in subjects like investigation techniques or using a breathalyzer unit in the field. An online law enforcement program may also offer you remote access to library materials for use in your studies.

What Will My Courses Be Like?

You might take courses in a law enforcement program or as a concentration in a related discipline like criminal justice. Students enrolled in undergraduate certificate, graduate certificate or associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs typically take classes in subjects like policing and patrolling, emergency response, civil and criminal law, crime scene investigation, psychology, criminal justice, and homeland security. Graduate programs are more likely to emphasize leadership and management skills along with topics like budgeting and ethics.

What Is Required to Access My Courses?

You'll need a reliable computer with a high-speed Internet connection to access your course materials, either by e-mail or an electronic course management interface. Courses may be delivered as text-based lessons or multimedia presentations. Some programs may require you to have specialized software applications.

You'll probably submit coursework to your instructor via e-mail. Many online programs also offer you the opportunity to interact with fellow learners by chat, online forums or message boards.