Online Law Enforcement Schools and Courses

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.

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.