Although police administration and management is an uncommon field of study, you can pursue related programs in criminal justice administration or law enforcement administration. Examine the prerequisites for enrolling in these programs, and explore the typical coursework. Review your career options with a degree related to police administration.
What Kinds of Bachelor's Degrees in Police Administration and Management Are Available?
Few, if any, schools offer bachelor's degrees in police administration. Instead, typical offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management. Another option you might find is the Bachelor of Science in Police Science.
These programs cover police administration as well as preparing you for careers in various criminal justice related fields. You may also have the opportunity to minor in a related field, such as fire science and security administration.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Fields</b></td><td> Law enforcement and justice administration, criminal justice management, police science</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or GED; some schools require an assessment test for entrance</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Terrorism, criminal law, public safety, organized crime, peacekeeping</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Dispatcher, bailiff, police officer, loss prevention associate, security guard</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $67,290 (<i>for all police and detectives</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 5% growth (<i>for all police and detectives</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3><p>Most programs require little more than a high school diploma or GED. While these programs are often taken by law enforcement officers for career advancement, they are open to students with no previous experience as well. Some programs will require you to take an assessment test given by the school.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSTheCourseworkLike">What's the Coursework Like?</h3><p>Coursework for this program covers all facets of police work and provides students with solid leadership, management and peacekeeping skills. Some programs may also require you to complete a practicum, internship, or capstone project as part of your degree requirements. Course topics commonly explored include:
</p><ul><li>Criminal law
</li><li>Traffic administration
</li><li>Juvenile justice systems
</li><li>Public administration
</li><li>Organized crime
</li><li>Terrorism
</li><li>Police systems comparison
</li><li>Public safety
</li><li>Race and crime
</li><li>Stress management
</li><li>Community policing
</li><li>Police ethics
</li><li>Leadership
</li><li>Police practices
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCareersWillThisDegreePrepareMeFor">What Careers Will This Degree Prepare Me For?</h3><p>Graduates with a bachelor's degree in police administration are prepared for jobs in law enforcement and in a variety of law enforcement related fields. Some popular career choices include:
</p><ul><li>Police officer
</li><li>Security guard
</li><li>Bailiff
</li><li>Corrections officer
</li><li>Parole officer
</li><li>Juvenile detention officer
</li><li>Dispatcher
</li><li>Public safety officer
</li><li>Loss prevention associate
</li><li>Probation officer</li></ul>
