10 Top Double Majors With a Law Enforcement Degree

Law enforcement degrees are for those wanting to go into roles like policing or corrections. Double majors with law enforcement include forensic science, social work, and emergency management.

Law enforcement majors train students to work in various areas of law enforcement, including policing and corrections. These programs usually cover the criminal justice system and criminal behavior.

Those who want to work in certain areas of law enforcement or with people accused of crimes may want to consider a double major. Keep reading to discover some of the best double majors with law enforcement.

Law Enforcement Double Majors

Law enforcement is usually a facet of criminal justice, and several double majors can train you to do your job in a way that better serves your community or in a way that allows you to work in specific facets of law enforcement. Below, we've listed several of the best double majors with law enforcement.

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to the law. Topics often covered in forensic science degree programs include:

crime scene investigation
evidence collection and analysis
genetics and DNA
toxicology

A double major in forensic science and law enforcement can help you secure roles as a forensic scientist. Forensic scientists may work as crime scene investigators or as analysts in a lab setting.

Social Work

Social work majors learn the ins and outs of the welfare system and how to best help those inside the system. Students often learn topics like:

caseload management
human behavior
social justice
social work ethics

With a double major in law enforcement and social work, you'll be able to help those within the criminal justice system. You can look for roles like probation or parole officer or in fields like advocacy or corrections.

Legal Studies

Legal studies is a field that studies the law and legal system. These programs often cover specific types of law, as well as:

courtroom procedures
investigations
legal research
legal terminology

Many legal studies students use their degrees to enter law school or to become paralegals. Earning a double major in law enforcement and legal studies could also put you in higher roles in law enforcement.

Social Justice

Social justice is concerned with human rights and the variety of ways human rights can be impacted. These programs often cover social justice in relation to:

gender
race and ethnicity
sexuality
socioeconomic status

A double major in law enforcement and social justice can put you in a unique position to make positive change. You could work in advocacy, policy, social services, and more.

Emergency Management

Emergency management majors learn how to step in and help in the face of emergencies, like hurricanes or mass shootings. Students often learn topics like:

disaster and emergency preparedness
emergency policy
public service ethics
risk management

Emergency management pairs well with law enforcement, as officers are often on the scene when emergencies happen. This double major will help you manage emergency response more efficiently.

Psychology

Psychology is a field concerned with the mental processes that drive human behavior. There are multiple fields of psychology, including:

Earning a double major in law enforcement and psychology can make you better at your job. You'll better understand why certain people act the way they do and why people commit crimes.

Computer Science

Computer science is focused on the theory behind computation, operating systems, and programming. Computer science programs often cover topics such as:

algorithms and data structures
operating systems
programming
statistics and probability

A double major in law enforcement and computer science can lead you to a career in digital forensics. Digital forensic investigators look for evidence on computers, cell phones, and other types of technology.

Sociology

Sociology majors learn how society impacts individuals and how individuals influence society. Students often cover topics like:

crime and society
human behavior
race and ethnic relations
research methods

Double majoring in law enforcement and sociology will give you a better idea of how society and law intersect. You can use this to further your law enforcement career or for a career in areas like corrections or advocacy.

Forestry

Forestry is a field of study focused on the conservation and management of forests and forest systems. Topics in these programs usually include:

forest conservation
forest ecology
wildfire prevention
wildlife biology

Earning a double major in law enforcement and forestry is perfect for those wanting to work in law enforcement within national parks and other areas. You could work for the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or your state's Department of Natural Resources.

Foreign Languages

The goal of a foreign language major is to teach students to be fluent in that language, as well as to understand the linguistics and culture associated with the language. There are many languages you can major in, including:

A double major in law enforcement and a second language can greatly help you in your law enforcement job. You'll be able to effectively communicate with people who speak that language.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major means that you're earning one degree but pursuing two fields of study. Usually you'll need to complete course requirements for both majors, but won't need to complete two final projects.

Double majors require rigorous coursework. With careful planning, you can still graduate with a double major in the same amount of time that you would with a singular major.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

A dual degree also means you're pursuing two fields of study, but you're earning two separate degrees at the same time rather than one degree with two majors. This is often very difficult and requires you to fulfill all requirements of both programs.

A common type of dual degree is a bachelor's-to-master's dual degree. In these programs, students earn a bachelor's and a master's in the same field in less time than it would take them to earn each degree individually.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Law Enforcement

Below, we've answered some commonly asked questions about double majoring with law enforcement.

Can You Double Major With Law Enforcement?

Most schools will allow you to double major with law enforcement. However, they may have restrictions on what double major you can choose.

Is a Double Major With Law Enforcement Worth It?

For students wanting to work in specific facets of law enforcement, a double major can be worth it. It can also help give you law enforcement knowledge while working in fields like advocacy or social work.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Law Enforcement?

The most significant benefit of double majoring with law enforcement is increased knowledge and skills. This allows you to work in particular areas of law enforcement.

Will a Double Major With Law Enforcement Improve My Career Outlook?

Many students find that a double major with law enforcement can improve their career outlook. A double major can help you get law enforcement jobs in areas like forestry or emergency management. It can also give you a broader skill set for careers outside of law enforcement.