A bachelor's degree in police science can help you land an entry-level law enforcement position or advance your career. Keep reading to learn about career options, job outlook and earnings info for police science program graduates.
Overview of Police Science Bachelor's Degree Programs
Police science bachelor's degree programs are usually geared towards students who have already completed a police academy or associate degree program in areas like criminal justice. However, first-time students can also earn one of these degrees. Program coursework covers areas such as ethics, police leadership, diversity and policing technologies. Additional specializations are sometimes available in areas like forensics or security management.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutBachelorSDegreesInPoliceScience">Important Facts About Bachelor's Degrees in Police Science</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma required; police academy graduation or baccalaureate coursework may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Fully online programs available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree Fields </td><td> Police Studies, Law Enforcement Technology</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education </td><td> Master of Professional Studies in Security and Safety Leadership</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---CareerOptionsForGraduates">Career Options for Graduates</h3><p>As a graduate of a police science bachelor's degree program, you could pursue a career as a law enforcement officer with state and local government agencies or advance in the field if you're already employed as a police officer. A bachelor's degree could also qualify you for positions with federal agencies, such as the FBI or U.S. Border Patrol, though keep in mind that these positions might require applicants to have previous work experience. Some career options include:
</p><ul><li>Bailiff
</li><li>Police patrol officer
</li><li>Criminal investigator
</li><li>U.S. marshal
</li><li>Border patrol officer
</li><li>Immigration inspector
</li><li>Fish and game warden
</li><li>Private investigator
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SalaryAndJobOutlook">Salary and Job Outlook</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in some law enforcement fields, such as corrections, was expected to be limited by cuts to government budgets, though concerns over security could spur job growth for professionals working in the private sector.
</p><p>For example, detectives and criminal investigators employed by state and local governments could see 3% employment increase over the 2021-2031 decade, while private detectives and investigators could see a 1% decline in jobs. These professionals earned median salaries of $59,380 in 2021.
</p><p>The BLS projected a 3% increase in employment opportunities for police and sheriff's patrol officers over the same 10-year period. They earned a median salary of $64,610 in 2021.
</p><p>Similarly, $% decline expected for bailiffs, while fish and game wardens were projected to experience a 3% employment decrease between 20201 and 2031. Bailiffs earned a median salary of $48,320 in 2021. The median salary for fish and game wardens was $60,730 in 2021, per the BLS.</p>
