Law Enforcement and Police Science

Overview

Law enforcement and police science programs prepare people to work as police and other security officers.

Law enforcement and police science programs teach people how to handle evidence and talk to witnesses. Students learn how to prevent crime and practice crowd control.

Law enforcement and police science programs include topics such as:

Patrol and investigation
Traffic control
Public relations
Weapon and equipment operation
Writing reports
Crime prevention methods

Concentrations

In law enforcement and police science programs students may be able to specialize in:

Law enforcement investigation
Recordkeeping and evidence
Intelligence analysis
Special police operations
Protective services operations
Cultural resources protection
Maritime law enforcement

Schools

Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in law enforcement and police science. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study. An associate degree prepares students to enter a state-mandated police academy.

Several colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and police science. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in law enforcement and police science. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Most programs require you to pass a background criminal check. In addition, you usually have to pass a physical exam and be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

English Composition
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Command Spanish
Correctional Institutions
Counseling
Crime Scene Procedures
Criminal Law and Justice
Criminology
Crisis Intervention
Cultural Diversity
Firearms Training
Ground Fighting
Hazardous Materials Handling
Interview and Interrogation
Introduction to Law Enforcement
Juvenile Delinquency and Justice System
Narcotics and Drugs
Parole and Probation
Physical Fitness
Police Responsibilities, Ethics, and Rights
Public Safety

Things to Know

Law enforcement and police science programs are different from policy academy training. Many people get an associate degree in law enforcement first before entering a police academy.

Many programs require you to maintain a high level of physical fitness. Often this means that you take courses in health and exercise.

Many law enforcement and police science programs are offered part time, with day and evening classes.