Online Law Enforcement Schools: How to Choose

Students with an interest in online law enforcement degree programs can consider certificate programs or associate's and bachelor's degrees. Subjects discussed in an online law enforcement program include law enforcement operations, criminal investigation and criminal justice ethics.

How to Select an Online Law Enforcement School

Award Levels

Associate's and bachelor's degree programs online in law enforcement are available. Prospective students also have the option of enrolling in a certificate program in the field. A student's career goals form the primary criterion for choosing among these degree levels.
For example, an online associate's degree in law enforcement prepares students for a career in entry-level law enforcement positions, such as police officer, private investigator or homeland security agent. In contrast, an online bachelor's degree or a certificate program in the field is designed to augment existing law enforcement skills and knowledge and provide students with the opportunity to apply for administrative positions within law enforcement.

Course Selection

Prospective students considering enrolling in an online law enforcement degree or certificate program should inquire about any research project classes that are offered by their preferred school or university. Not all educational institutions offer research-based capstone project courses in their law enforcement curriculum.
Capstone research courses offer students an opportunity to apply law enforcement theories to real-world scenarios by developing an original research paper based on first-hand evidence. This gives students a chance to break up the online format of learning and experience how criminal justice and law enforcement theories can work in reality.

List of Common Online Law Enforcement Programs

Online Associate of Science in Law Enforcement

Many schools offer associate's degree programs in criminal justice that allow students to choose a concentration in law enforcement. These criminal justice programs are similar to law enforcement degree programs, with some slight differences in the core courses. Online associate's programs in law enforcement focus on criminal procedure, investigation and evidence, but some curricula may also include courses on forensic psychology and forensic science.

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement Specialization)

Online bachelor's degrees programs in criminal justice all require students to complete a general education component. The core requirements for these degrees often include courses on the American criminal justice system and criminal investigation. Other degree programs include courses such as victimology, principles of sociology and criminology, and may have a more expansive offering of law enforcement classes.

Online Certificate in Law Enforcement

Online certificate programs in law enforcement are generally designed for working professionals in the field who want to gain additional skills and knowledge in policy development and community management. The length of these online law enforcement certificate programs can vary from nine credits to 12 credits. Some of the courses include police leadership and ethics, policies in policing, issues in terrorism and law enforcement intelligence operations.