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What kind of work can you do with a Law Enforcement degree?
A law enforcement degree has a great range of places where you may be able to work. Law enforcement officers may work for cities, counties, states, and the federal government (the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, etc.). The daily activities of police and detectives vary depending on their particular specialty, and you could choose special weapons and tactics (SWAT), arson, homicide, vice squad, bomb squad, canine unit (K9) among others, or earn a master’s degree so you can climb the administrative chain of command ladder.
I’d like to start working soon. How long does school take?
It depends. If you want to join the FBI and become a special agent, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and many other law enforcement agencies now require some college. The most logical degree is an associate’s degree in law enforcement. An associate’s takes two years to complete, and it’s important to remember that while entry-level positions and many police officer roles do not require a college degree, if you want to move into roles with leadership responsibilities, education may be the best recommendation.
My budget is limited. How much does it cost?
According to Educationdata.org, a 2-year associate’s degree costs $3,400 per year just for in-state tuition alone. You may want to plan on attending an accredited school or online program so you can apply for federal financial aid, or if you’re currently working, you could consider asking your employer about tuition assistance programs.
It’s been a while since I’ve been in school. How hard are the classes?
Classes may focus on effectiveness in communities, and depending upon your area of interest, you’ll could learn about crime analysis, crisis intervention, patrolling and operations in your town or city, and leadership and management in law enforcement organizations.
How much money can I make in Law Enforcement?
As an example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says in 2022 police and sheriffs earned a median annual wage of $72,280, while correctional officers earn $53,300. Those who worked as investigators, such as an FBI Special Agent, earned a median annual salary of $91,100. Your salary may depend upon the branch of government you work in, as many federal agencies use a grade level pay system. Figures based on national data, not school-specific information. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience, and a variety of other factors.
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