2026 Best 91成人 Law Enforcement Degrees
Compare highly rated online law enforcement bachelor's degrees backed by verified student experiences.
Why Trust Us?
- 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
- Manually Researched Tuition
- 200+ Expert Interviews
- 1,800+ 91成人 Colleges
- 30,000+ 91成人 Degrees
The best online law enforcement degree builds knowledge of criminal justice, public safety, and policing practices. Student ratings provide glimpses into firsthand experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Columbia Southern is the strongest all-around standout. It leads the ranking with a 4.84 rating and 100% recommendation rate while charging $8,340 annually, the second-lowest tuition on the list. Its median salary of $61,453 is also the fourth highest reported.
- Four of the online schools below with law enforcement bachelor's degrees online receive unanimous recommendations.
- UMGC reports the highest earnings despite more moderate student sentiment.
Expert commentary follows our ranking discussion. With nearly 30 years in law enforcement, retired Supervisory Special Agent Brian Townsend shares candid advice for students pursuing online law enforcement degrees.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The 91成人 research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in law enforcement degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in law enforcement qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include median earnings for law enforcement majors five years after graduation when that data is available. By presenting the most complete data available, we aim to give you an honest, well-rounded picture of each program.
2026 Best 91成人 Law Enforcement Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $8,340 | $61,453 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University, 91成人 | 4.76 / 5 | 100% | $17,400 | $56,419 | ||
| Waldorf University | 4.47 / 5 | 95% | $10,200 | $53,890 | ||
| Union Commonwealth University | 4.38 / 5 | 100% | $6,750 | N/A | ||
| Greenville University | 4.33 / 5 | 100% | 86% | $11,130 | $48,978 | |
| The University of Tennessee - Martin | 4.16 / 5 | 94% | $13,710 | $43,797 | ||
| University of Arizona | 4.05 / 5 | 96% | $15,750 | N/A | ||
| University of Minnesota | 3.96 / 5 | 93% | 85% | $15,600 | $65,292 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 3.92 / 5 | 71% | $9,900 | $68,673 | ||
| Western Illinois University | 3.87 / 5 | 91% | $10,296 | $65,120 | ||
| Park University | 3.84 / 5 | 83% | $17,250 | $53,799 | ||
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | 3.82 / 5 | 86% | $13,560 | $53,733 | ||
| Middle Tennessee State University | 3.68 / 5 | 86% | $13,110 | $52,140 |
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The online B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration includes a 12-credit Arson Investigation concentration focused specifically on fire investigation and forensic analysis.
- Other concentration options cover fire behavior and combustion, fire investigation and analysis, crime scene forensics and evidence collection, and fire investigation technician preparation.
- The broader criminal justice curriculum spans law enforcement, courts, corrections, criminal investigation, constitutional law, victimology, and criminal justice administration.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe a largely favorable online experience centered on affordability, flexible pacing, and strong accessibility for working adults, military members, and parents. Many praise responsive advisors, quick instructor communication, included textbooks, transfer-credit acceptance, and practical coursework that fit demanding schedules without group projects. A recurring positive surprise is that classes are often writing-heavy, research-intensive, and more rigorous than expected. Negative feedback concentrates on inconsistent professor quality, generic or limited grading feedback, financial aid and refund delays, advising turnover, and frustration over accreditation or transferability concerns. Several critics also felt some courses were too easy, overly APA-focused, or weak in long-term career recognition.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- 91成人 Enrollment: 12,213 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,340
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,340
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $61,453
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This bachelor's degree includes a Policing concentration focused on policing strategies, management, and accountability.
- The online curriculum examines how modern policing operates and evolves across law enforcement settings.
- It's designed for law enforcement careers at the local, state, and federal levels.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Arizona State University, 91成人 lean positive, with many praising flexible scheduling, intuitive online tools, responsive professors, and abundant academic support that make it possible to balance school with full-time work, parenting, military service, or travel. Students often say the online coursework feels credible and comparable to in-person learning, and some credit advising, career resources, internships, and networking with helping them secure jobs or continue to graduate study. The strongest complaints focus on high tuition, added fees, uneven advising, slow communication, inconsistent grading, heavy reliance on prerecorded lectures or TAs, compressed 7.5-week terms, and some degrees feeling weakly aligned with career outcomes.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- 91成人 Enrollment: 57,610 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $17,400
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,400
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $56,419
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Students can choose from five concentrations, including Forensic Mental Health and Forensic Psychology.
- The curriculum combines criminal justice with coursework in psychology and homeland security.
- Faculty backgrounds include law enforcement, probation, law, judiciary, mental health, and juvenile services.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Waldorf University are overwhelmingly positive, with repeated praise for responsive professors, attentive advisers, and staff who simplify admissions, transfer credit evaluation, and financial aid. Many reviewers value tuition that often includes books, calling the school affordable and practical for working adults. The accelerated eight-week format is seen as flexible, but several note it still demands roughly 20 to 25 hours weekly and strong self-discipline. Coursework is often described as organized, challenging, and useful on the job, though professor quality can vary, interaction may be limited, and career guidance appears weak. One severe review alleges mishandled campus safety and favoritism.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- 91成人 Enrollment: 1,247 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,200
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,200
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $53,890
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 44%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This online degree is specifically built around law enforcement instead of a broader criminal justice major.
- Electives let students explore juvenile justice, probation and parole, victimology, and corrections.
- The program is designed for both aspiring officers and current law enforcement professionals seeking advancement.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Union Commonwealth University as a small, welcoming campus where individualized attention is a defining strength. Students consistently praise the low student-faculty ratio, accessible instructors, and strong mentoring, noting that encouragement and one-on-one guidance help both traditional and returning learners manage demanding schedules and major life responsibilities. The campus is described as attractive, friendly, and well maintained, with staff often seen as caring and supportive. Flexible pacing and useful financial aid are also valued. Criticism is limited but notable: some students report uneven effort among professors and staff, an unhelpful interaction with senior administration, and tuition that feels somewhat inflated.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- 91成人 Enrollment: 63 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $6,750
- Out-of-State Tuition: $6,750
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 32%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- 91成人 classes are taught by former criminal justice practitioners with field experience. Students study intelligence related to domestic and global threats.
- Practicum and field learning are built into the curriculum.
- Restorative justice and ethics are integrated through a Christian perspective.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Greenville University are largely favorable, driven by strong overall ratings and consistent recommendations. You repeatedly praise the school’s flexibility, especially evening and online formats that make it manageable to balance coursework with work and family responsibilities. Several reviews highlight supportive faculty, practical instruction, and coursework that translates well to real-world jobs. Smaller class settings and accessible scheduling are recurring strengths. Less obvious concerns center on online learning tradeoffs, including occasional technology problems, lower engagement than in-person classes, limited internship access for nonlocal learners, and weak structured networking support for graduates seeking job opportunities.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- 91成人 Enrollment: 109 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $32,200
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $42,846
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Stories Behind the Best 91成人 Law Enforcement Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
Built for Intelligence-Led Policing
University of Arizona
UA treats law enforcement through an intelligence and information-operations lens. Its online BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations includes a dedicated Law Enforcement Intelligence track and is connected to the university鈥檚 Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence designation from the Defense Intelligence Agency. Coursework extends into areas such as cyber investigations, digital forensics, and advanced analytics for security operations, including Python-based analysis. That combo may be most relevant for those interested in intelligence units, investigative work, threat assessment, or technology-supported policing.
An Internship Network Spanning 1,400 Agencies
Western Illinois University
WIU has a very strong professional network. The Law Enforcement and Justice Administration program reports partnerships with more than 1,400 agencies for internships, giving students an unusually broad range of potential settings for applied experience. That matters in a field where exposure to actual agencies can help students understand how policing, investigations, corrections, and justice administration operate beyond the classroom. WIU reinforces that applied orientation with criminal investigation and crime scene investigation coursework and access to a crime laboratory. For students considering law enforcement careers, the sheer breadth of the internship network is the standout here.
Built Around Organizational Cohorts
Greenville University
Greenville uses an uncommon delivery model for its online bachelor鈥檚. It's offered by organizational cohort through partnerships with employers and other organizations. Instead of functioning primarily as a conventional open-enrollment online degree, the structure is designed around groups of employees pursuing the program through participating organizations. That can create a more career-connected setting for working professionals who are advancing within criminal justice or related fields. Greenville supplements the cohort structure with practitioner-led instruction, practicum and field learning, and institutional relationships with people currently working in criminal justice.
Veteran Federal Agent on Training the Next Generation of Officers
Supervisory Special Agent, DEA
What do you see as the biggest benefits of earning a law enforcement degree online?
"Flexibility. When pursuing a degree online, you can create a schedule based on your other responsibilities or commitments, like family or work. You always don鈥檛 need to commute to a campus."
Some students worry that online programs lack the hands-on training law enforcement requires. What do you think online students should do to fill that gap?
"Look for internships or volunteering opportunities with your local law enforcement. You can also do ride-alongs and start meeting and interacting with your local law enforcement. Also look for seminars, workshops, or training opportunities."
Any advice for someone considering a career in law enforcement or public safety?
"It鈥檚 a noble profession - remember that. Ask yourself why you want to work in law enforcement.
-
Find work/life balance. (The only person who will ever take care of your mental and physical health is yourself.)
-
Never stop learning.
-
Find good mentors. Stick to good people."
Do you feel having a degree meaningfully improves promotion opportunities or access to specialized roles in law enforcement?
"Many departments will reward degree-holders with more money, and some require for promotion. If you decide to work in federal law enforcement, like with DEA or FBI, a degree is required."
What should students look for when comparing online law enforcement programs?
"For me, it鈥檚 faculty credentials. If it鈥檚 100% academic backgrounds and no experience in law enforcement, I am not interested. And sadly, I see that a lot."
What skills do you think are most important for those entering the field today?
"Communication. You must be able to clearly and calmly communicate with people from all walks of life. You also must be able to write reports. Emotional intelligence is important as well. How to understand emotions and how you react and resolved differences."
EXPERT TIP
"Set realistic expectations. You will likely work with toxic bosses, lazy employees, bad judges, bad prosecutors; and you will see more trauma in the first few years of your career than most people will ever see in their lifetime, but set realistic expectations."
FAQs About Choosing the Best 91成人 Law Enforcement Degrees
What Should You Know Before Choosing an 91成人 Law Enforcement Bachelor's Degree?
Want a profession where you are protecting your community? If so, an online bachelor鈥檚 degree in law enforcement is a great starting point. Prospective students can expect to explore topics such as law, government, forensics, and more.
Obtaining a law enforcement degree is a great stepping stone for those interested in a career in criminal justice. Prospective students can expect each program鈥檚 curriculum to cover topics such as law, criminology, and forensics. In addition, the best degrees for law enforcement provide an abundance of career opportunities. While a career in law enforcement can be stressful and physically demanding, it鈥檚 a rewarding field that aims to protect lives.
Typically, an online degree in law enforcement can last four years for full-time students, though the projected graduation date may be extended for part-time students.
The standard admission requirements for online law enforcement degrees are an online application, an application fee, a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and ACT or SAT scores. In addition, some of the best colleges for law enforcement may require a letter of recommendation and a personal essay for admission.
Employers and professional schools typically accept an online degree from an accredited college or university as 100% valid. An accredited institution implies that the school meets the minimum requirements to deliver high quality education to its student body.
At 91成人, we provide the best degrees for law enforcement from accredited institutions only.
Still undecided? Check our similar undergraduate degrees: criminal justice degrees, law programs, and criminology bachelor's degrees.
Which Courses Should You Compare in 91成人 Law Enforcement Degree Programs?
Most online colleges for law enforcement provide curricula for students that include many introductory courses. These introductory courses may cover criminal justice, law, psychology, cybersecurity, and forensics. Prospective students who want to dive deeper into a specific topic may be able to add a concentration to their online law enforcement degrees.
Consider the following core courses required among most law enforcement degrees online:
- Report Writing: Law enforcement professionals often write reports from crime scenes, court cases, and interviews. With this in mind, these professionals must have strong writing skills. This course helps students develop report writing skills for different contexts. Prospective students can expect to examine crime reports, learn the narrative rules of investigative reporting, and discuss the qualities of an investigator.
- Introduction to Law Enforcement: This course looks at the history of the policies enacted by local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, it鈥檒l cover the general responsibilities of law enforcement officers.
- Introduction to Criminal Justice: This course provides an overview of the criminal justice process, from law enforcement to corrections. Students learn the history and philosophy of these systems, as well as potential career opportunities within criminal justice.
- Introduction to Corrections: In this course, students learn about the major programs within the corrections area of the criminal justice system. Some of the topics that the course covers include probation, parole, community correction, and institutional treatment. Students are expected to understand the components of corrections, discuss the differences between jail and prison, and identify ethical issues within the corrections systems.
- Criminal Investigation: This course examines the concepts and theories surrounding criminal investigation. Students learn about criminal investigators and their job responsibilities. The course also covers investigators' methods and strategies when analyzing a criminal case.
- Criminology: Students generally explore the concepts of crime and criminal behavior in this course. Specifically, they examine the cause of various crimes, reactions of victims and criminals, and different types of criminal behavior. By the end of the course, students should have the skills to thoroughly investigate and analyze the people, behaviors, and crimes within a case.
What Careers Can You Pursue With an 91成人 Law Enforcement Degree?
An online law enforcement degree opens the door to many opportunities in the field. Whether you want to be out in the field or working in a forensics lab, graduates who obtain a law enforcement degree online can choose from several career options:
- are on the front line to handle emergencies and solve crimes. Police officers aim to protect people and property, while detectives gather information to solve crimes. These professionals often work in a police department and frequently travel for their duties.
- may be a great fit if you prefer to be on the back end of a criminal investigation. These professionals collect and analyze evidence from a crime scene.
- can be a very fulfilling role for those who are interested in helping individuals get back on the right track. These professionals assist criminals in rehabilitating while they are in custody, on probation, or on parole.
- plan, design, and implement procedures that address natural disasters and other emergencies. They are often the leaders who help with the response during and after emergencies. Potential work settings for these professionals include hospitals, the government, colleges, or private businesses.
- search and collect information to solve crimes and other matters. These professionals often work irregular hours, as they may be required to work early in the day or late at night. The standard work settings for private detectives and investigators are in the police department, a private office, or home.
Can an 91成人 Law Enforcement Degree Prepare You for CIA Careers?
Students that aspire to work for the CIA may want to obtain degrees that are popular for the agency. For example, a bachelor's degree in data science, a finance degree, a business program, or a law enforcement degree are all acceptable majors for a career in the CIA.
In general, any relevant bachelor鈥檚 degree opens the door for entry-level positions in the CIA. However, those aiming for mid and senior-level positions in the CIA may want to acquire at least a master's degree to accelerate advancement.
Is an 91成人 Law Enforcement Degree a Good Choice for Aspiring Detectives?
To become a detective, any degree related to criminal justice is a great stepping stone to entering the profession. Potential degree options include a homeland security degree, cybersecurity degree, or a criminology program. However, it seems that a degree in criminal justice may be the most preferred degree for detectives.
Fortunately, an online degree in law enforcement covers many of the same topics and courses as a criminal justice degree. With this in mind, an online bachelor's degree in law enforcement can still provide the skills and training to become a detective.
Is Law Enforcement a Good Major for Aspiring FBI Agents?
While there isn鈥檛 a specific major you must have to be eligible to join the FBI, it鈥檚 recommended that aspiring agents pursue a degree related to criminal justice in some capacity, such as law enforcement. This degree sets a solid foundation for obtaining an entry-level FBI position.
Is an 91成人 Law Enforcement Bachelor's Degree Worth It?
The best online colleges for law enforcement degrees are a solid foundation for a career in criminal justice. With a bachelor鈥檚 degree alone, graduates have various career options. However, there are a few downsides to consider with this degree.
Check out the following pros and cons of an online law enforcement degree:
Pros
- Health and retirement benefits: If you鈥檙e looking for a job with great benefits, a career in law enforcement may be the best fit. Aside from a solid annual salary, law enforcement employees receive excellent health and life insurance and retirement benefits.
- Variety of career professions: As mentioned earlier, graduates with a law enforcement degree can choose from several professions. With a bachelor鈥檚 degree, graduates can pursue a career as a law enforcement officer, detective, and corrections officer, to name a few possibilities.
- High job growth: There will always be a need for criminal justice professions, so there isn鈥檛 much concern about losing your job in this industry. The majority of the careers listed above are significantly above the 8% average of growth across all U.S. jobs, meaning that those working in this field can expect to have high job growth through 2030.
Cons
- A job in law enforcement can affect your mental health: Whether you鈥檙e in an active shoot-out or working long hours in a lab examining a body, a job in law enforcement can take a toll on your mental health. Research has revealed that at least a large percentage of police officers will .
- A bachelor's isn't enough to get you jobs in federal agencies: As mentioned earlier, those looking to get into mid- and senior-level jobs in the CIA may need to acquire a graduate degree in a more niche field. While it鈥檚 possible to get a higher-level position with a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, it may take additional time to gain the necessary experience and skills.
- Law enforcement careers require working long hours: Criminal justice professionals typically work long hours throughout the work week. For example, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and deputies often work a rotating 12-hour shift. In addition, these professionals are responsible for constructing incident reports that occur throughout the day, which can be time-consuming.
Student Reviews of 91成人 Law Enforcement Programs
I attended the University of Phoenix and completed the Associates Degree Program. Overall, I would rate the Associates Degree program as acceptable, although it too was expensive.
Financial aid department is actually pretty good, and very helpful. I never had any trouble with obtaining financial aid.
Academic advisers are also helpful, however, I believe they call a little too often. There might be some people who need that to keep them motivated, but I was not one of them. I maintained a great GPA... Read More
My biggest complaints with the UOP are the astronomical costs associated with the degree programs. The Bachelor degree program charges around $550/credit hour and you need 120 credit hours, so that equates out to around 66,000 dollars for an online education (I am not sure how this website determined that tuition was only 9,000).
The second biggest complaint is the over-reliance on learning teams in the Bachelor Degree program (this is not an issue in the Associates Degree program). The learning team assignments equal 30-40% of your grade in each class. The main problem is that there is an overwhelming amount of incompetent and lazy team members who put forth next to not effort and do not complete their fair share of the workload. I am not a hard person to please but it is incredibly frustrating to have 3-4 team members who do not participate in any group or assignment discussions and then turn in sloppy work that will ultimately bring your own grade down, unless you are willing to re-do all of their work on top of your own (which you are forced to do unless you are ok with getting bad grades).
Review Date: 5/2/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
Okay so I attend Ashford University and have for two years now. Since my start of the school I have had to repeat my needs and requirements of what i wanted from them as per my scheduling of classes, veteran affairs, and financial aid needs.
For the military I am allotted Tuition Assistance which requires me to be full time to get everything paid for and my Gi bill/kicker. I have explained that to my advisor too many times, and i am pretty sure it happened every few months. Basically i need to have... Read More
As for financial aid it has been a year and a half and i still have not received my stipend, and they seemed to try to hold on to it or use it for other means than to give it to me. So i ended up using some of it towards two classes due to the fact that two classes that go 5 weeks long with a maximum 4,500 TA basically ends with more than half the year left and no classes.
Overall it has cost me alot of time, wasted energy, i have had to repeat myself i swear probably almost a 1,000 times to them, and i have lost a lot of money and almost went into collections due to not knowing I had a balance for VA.
Review Date: 4/21/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Going to college was one of the best decisions I ever made. I learned to be independent and made friends from all over while living in the dorms. It not only helped me in my career but for success in life in general.
Review Date: 8/19/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes