Which College Majors Include Courses in Law Enforcement?
Whether you want to be a police officer, criminal lawyer or homeland security specialist, you're likely going to take law enforcement courses as you pursue your college degree. Read on to find out about some college majors that offer courses in law enforcement.
College Majors Offering Law Enforcement Courses
Law enforcement courses are not offered exclusively to those who want to become a police officer. If you're seeking a career in criminal investigations, criminal law and police management or administration, you'll find college majors relevant to your field that offer law enforcement courses.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Degrees </td><td> Programs include a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security or Cyber Forensics</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> A high school diploma or equivalent is required</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Degrees are commonly available online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education </td><td> Graduate certificates and master's degree programs in such fields as criminal justice and law enforcement administration are available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$66,020 <i>(Police and Detectives)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>3% growth <i>(Police and Detectives)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CriminalJustice">Criminal Justice</h3><p>A large portion of the core curriculum for criminal justice programs is the study and enforcement of criminal law. Some law enforcement course topics covered in many criminal justice degree programs include trends in criminal justice, public policy, corrections issues, and legal and ethical issues in criminal justice investigation.
</p><h3 id="section---HomelandSecurity">Homeland Security</h3><p>Homeland security majors are provided with a variety of law enforcement courses to prepare them for several different career paths in this field. Courses on local, state and federal law enforcement operations, investigation and security management are typically offered to homeland security majors. Some courses offered in these programs cover how to recognize and respond to current threats.
</p><h3 id="section---CyberForensics">Cyber Forensics</h3><p>Those majoring in cyber forensics will learn about information technology security tools, as well as techniques of using them. Students learn to prepare for, detect, and recover from cyber threat incidents. They also learn legal considerations and what types of investigations and evidence can be defended in court.</p>