Are Online Law Enforcement Degrees Legitimate?

If you have a passion for justice and law enforcement, then a professional career in this field may be a good fit. Law enforcement professionals are necessary in any society to help ensure that laws are being followed and criminals are served justice.

However, you may be wondering if an online degree is legitimate. As long as your online law enforcement degree comes from an accredited school it will be viewed as legitimate as one earned on campus.

There are many different programs available through distance learning, but to pick the right one, you should check for accreditation, reputation, and other important factors.

Do Employers Respect Online Law Enforcement Degrees?

Yes, as long as the degree was obtained at a college or university that offers high-quality online programs. Most accredited colleges teach the same curriculum for their online or in-person students.

Going to one of these universities helps to ensure that you are going to achieve a high-quality education no different than if you were attending on campus.

Most employers are more interested in applicants with relevant education and experience to help prepare them for the role. However, depending on the type of enforcement you choose, you may have to complete in-person training through a precinct.

What To Look for in an Online Law Enforcement Degree Program

Not all law enforcement degree programs available online are created equally. Some programs are meant for specific licensure, or may only provide a certification rather than a degree.

The main levels of online law enforcement degrees are:

• associate degree in law enforcement
• bachelor's in law enforcement

Make sure you thoroughly review each university you choose to apply to using the points below.

Accreditation

Choose a college with a national or regional accreditation. Accreditation is achieved through a third-party council, that reviews the specific program or university for quality assurance.

This council may review the curriculum based on standard practices, regulations, and specific teaching philosophies for that program.

Verifying accreditation for online universities may also be essential for some students as many financial aid programs are only available to those enrolled in an accredited university.

Reputation

Choose a college with a positive reputation from both the faculty and students, as well as within the public eye. Universities that have a positive reputation are usually known for their quality of education, the commitment of professors, and the overall success of the students.

You can easily sign the reputation of a school by searching online. Often you can find student forums where they discuss what it's like to be enrolled at a university. You can also search online rankings which give an overall rank number based on several factors.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

A nonprofit degree is usually less expensive overall than a for-profit degree. Nonprofit schools are typically managed through the state and may charge a lower tuition fee, plus give additional discounts to in-state students. Nonprofit schools are usually larger and may have a higher volume of students in each class.

For-profit universities may be beneficial to students with specific interests or wish to be within a certain campus culture. For-profit, universities may have niche, concentrated areas of study with more student resources towards success.

The benefit of for-profit universities may come from the networking opportunities and professional connections associated with the institution.

Graduation Rates

The graduation rates of a university can tell you a lot about the overall student success. Students who graduate on time can get into their working field faster.

If a school has a high graduation rate, it may indicate that they have a focus on student success. Sometimes these types of universities offer resources, like free textbooks, lower tuition rates, free, tutoring, or significant faculty office hours.

Differences Between Online Law Enforcement Degrees and Traditional Law Enforcement Degrees

An online law enforcement degree versus a traditional law enforcement degree is offered through a remote learning portal. Universities that offer online courses, give this option to students who typically can't make it onto campus. This option is best for students who live far away, are currently working, or want to save money on transportation costs.

There is usually no difference in curriculum between an online online and traditional law enforcement degree with the only difference being the availability online.

Benefits of Earning Your Law Enforcement Degree at an Online School

Earning a law-enforcement degree online can prove extremely beneficial for those who are unable to commute to campus. In some cases, students must hold a full-time job, while completing coursework, making it impossible for them to attend classes at a specific time.

In other cases, some students may live far away or have limited access to transportation. Regardless of the specific reason, online programs can offer a convenient way to earn a college degree from anywhere in the world.

Featured Online Law Enforcement Degree Programs

Students interested in obtaining a law enforcement degree online should look for a credited university with a good overall reputation. Ideally, the program will offer a curriculum identical to on-campus studies and have several resources available to students.

These programs are among the top online law enforcement degrees.

1. Arizona State University

For students interested in a law enforcement career, the Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice at Arizona State University (ASU) has a concentration in policing. This program consists of 40 classes with a 120-credit requirement to graduate. This program can be completed as part of an accelerated master's program at ASU.

2. Liberty University

From two-year associate degrees up to advanced master's programs, the online campus at Liberty University (LU) has something for every career stage.

Liberty University offers the following programs related to law enforcement:

• Associate of Arts in criminal justice
• Bachelor of Science in criminal justice

Depending on the program chosen, students will graduate with the skills needed to be well-prepared for careers as a/an:

• administrator
• caseworker
• corrections officer
• homeland security officer
• juvenile probation officer
• police detective
• police officer

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice entirely online. This nationally accredited program has a high emphasis on student success, with multiple options to graduate early.

4. University of Massachusetts Lowell

As part of the University of Massachusetts state school system, the Lowell campus has an online curriculum for global students. The online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice readies students for successful careers in law enforcement. The core curriculum includes an introduction to corrections, policing, and the criminal justice system.

5. Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers degrees in criminal justice at the associate and bachelor levels.

These programs can be completed in two or four years, respectively, and teach the essentials of social responsibility, leadership, law enforcement, and the criminal system.

• Online AS in criminal justice
• Online BS in criminal justice