Online Schools to Become a Cop: How to Choose

Cops, or police officers, must meet rigorous qualifications due to the stressful and dangerous nature of their work. They must be physically strong and healthy, well-adjusted, ethical and well-educated. All law enforcement agencies and states have minimum requirements for U.S. citizenship and a high school education. Nowadays, many police departments also call for a college degree. Criminal justice degrees are a common choice and can be earned online.

How to Select an Online Cop School

Award Levels

Beyond the basics common to all, the process of becoming a police officer in the U.S. varies by agency and state, so prospective applicants should carefully research the specifics of their chosen organization. Even where a college degree is not required, it can provide an advantage in career advancement. Some agencies even pay for or contribute to tuition for law enforcement related degrees. School accreditation is also important since some employers do not recognize degrees from unaccredited institutions.
Online criminal justice degrees can be found at both the bachelor's and master's levels. In general, baccalaureate degrees are designed for those new to the field, while graduate degrees are geared towards working professionals. There are also post-graduate certificates available online for graduates of an unrelated baccalaureate program who want to pursue law enforcement careers.

Academy Training and Examination

Once college coursework is complete, graduates may apply for the police academy. Recruits usually undergo 3-4 months of specialized in-person training on topics such as law, civil rights, first aid, fire-arm use, patrol and accident investigation. They must also demonstrate good physical and mental health and pass knowledge exams before being sworn in as a police officer.

Program Presentation and Requirements

Criminal justice programs are available fully online for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Schedules are flexible to accommodate working persons. Courses may be taught via lectures, live chats, email and CD or video presentations.
Technical needs generally include a newer computer with high-speed Web access and e-mail, with back-up computer access highly recommended. Media software such as Flash Player, Adobe Reader and Java may be required. Students should check with their school to see if computers and other materials, such as printed textbooks, are available at an academic discount.

Career Opportunities and Outlook

Job growth in the law enforcement sector is projected to be 10 percent from 2008-2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is about as fast as average (www.bls.gov). The most opportunities are expected in local police departments, with greater job competition at state and federal levels. Those with college training and who are bilingual will have an advantage.
Salaries vary with position, region and agency. Sheriff patrol and police officers earned a median annual salary of $51,410 in May 2008, according to the BLS. Comparatively, in May 2008 the highest paid law enforcement officers were police and detective supervisors, with a median annual salary of $75,490, while the lowest paid sector was parking enforcement officers at $32,390. Overtime pay can be significant in some positions.

List of Online Police Officer Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Criminology

This certificate takes from 1-2 years to complete and is appropriate for both those with an unrelated bachelor's degree and professionals wanting to update their criminology information. Core studies focus on criminal motivations, examining the cultural and political influences on crime throughout history, as well as methods for researching and solving crimes. The current justice system components of law enforcement, the legal system and corrections are explored separately and in relationship. Students may take electives of special interest, such as criminal rehabilitation or white collar crime.
Some institutions use a learning management system such as Blackboard or ANGEL, which students may need to purchase. These systems often include 24-7 technical support.

Bachelor of Police Science and Law Enforcement

Criminal justice is a complex, interdisciplinary field of study. It incorporates knowledge of criminal motivations, human behavior, economics and culture, in addition to an understanding of how society responds to crime and seeks justice. Online bachelor's programs provide an interdisciplinary approach to these topics, with courses including ethics, statistical analysis, policing and alternatives to incarceration.
Through online lectures, live discussions, reading and writing assignments, students are prepared to be effective problem-solvers working in police departments and the court system, or with populations vulnerable to crime, such as youth, victims of violence and substance abusers. Graduates of this program may wish to immediately enter or return to the work force, or to apply to a master's program.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

An online master's degree in criminal justice is primarily designed for professionals and takes 1-2 years to complete. The curriculum focuses on developing sophisticated leadership and research skills to make positive changes in the current criminal justice system. Such knowledge may help facilitate advancement into administrative and management positions that offer greater responsibilities and income.
Topics are sometimes presented in an online seminar format to promote discussion of issues such as maintaining social order, white collar crime and police effectiveness. Other subjects include statistical research and analysis of the juvenile justice system. A thesis is not required, but some programs may call for an independent research project that evaluates criminal justice policies and practices.