in order to deal with the increasing level of crime rates, threats of criminal activities, and terrorist attacks, law enforcement workers are required to seek formal education and training.
law enforcement master's degree
while some universities may offer programs titled 'master in law enforcement' degrees, there are many institutes that offer law enforcement as a concentration subject within a master's degree in criminal justice program. similarly you may find some combination degrees such as:
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law enforcement and correction
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law enforcement intelligence and analysis
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law enforcement and policing
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security and law enforcement
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law enforcement and justice administration
therefore, you should look through the details of these programs and then decide if the program structure and content is relevant to your academic interests and professional aspirations. it may prove to be an appropriate choice for you if you are currently working as a law enforcement professional or corrections and probation officer, and you wish to move into higher level management positions.
what will you learn?
the program objectives vary across institutes, but you'll generally:
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gain knowledge and skills that may help improve the efficiency of the delivery of law enforcement services
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learn to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of crime prevention programs
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improve communication, leadership, and public relations skills
program curriculum
the names and types of courses offered may vary at each school; however, the following list will provide a general guide as to the type of courses that are typically offered. you should look through the details of these courses before you enroll in the program:
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critical issues in criminal justice
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criminal investigations
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organizational behavior and leadership in criminal justice
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ethics and liability for policing and corrections
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exploration of law and public policy
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restorative justice
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research methods
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criminal law
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administration of corrections organizations
online master's degree in law enforcement
since more and more people are turning to online education, many schools offer master's degrees in law enforcement as a distance learning program. online courses provide many benefits as compared to conventional campus based programs. you'll be able to study virtually from any location, and manage your professional responsibilities alongside your education. online programs are relatively cost effective, and provide a great deal of flexibility in terms of class and study schedules.
careers with a law enforcement degree
there are various opportunities that graduates with a degree in law enforcement may pursue. they may work for local, state or federal agencies. alternatively, they may look for jobs in the private sector as well. some of the career options with a degree in law enforcement include:
probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
they provide rehabilitation services to offenders in order to prevent them from committing new crimes.
median salary: $48,190 per year
private detectives and investigators:
they are responsible to locate and evaluate information about personal, financial, and legal matters. they may conduct background checks, find missing people, and resolve complex electronic crime.
median salary: $45,740 per year
police and sherriff's patrol officers:
they perform various duties such as patrolling a particular area, monitoring traffic, investigating accidents, arresting suspects and criminals, and dealing with legal matters.
median salary: $58,720 per year