College Degree for LE job?

[JoeP]

I know a bachelors degree isn't required to become a law enforcement officer, but nowadays they say having a degree helps in getting jobs. Since I've been thinking about a career in law enforcement, which degree is going to help the most? I've been looking more into criminal justice, but I've also heard psychology is better. For those of you familiar with the hiring process or what is being desired, I would love your input, as well as anyone else's.

Or should I just forgo the degree idea and try and get into the academy first?

I'm also looking for general information on getting started with this career path.

Thanks!

[ElvenSoul]

What Department do you want to work at? First what I would do is talk to the Recruiter there.

[PoorRichRichard]

Go to school no matter what. The BA will help you earn more $ in most LEO jobs departments, and you have something to fall back on if LE does no work out for you. Best degrees for LEO jobs ar psychology, sociology, and criminal justice. Best of luck.

[TASK, LLC]

I highly recommend that if you have the opportunity to get a degree before you go into a career in law enforcement.

Law enforcement is not just about the foot pursuits and searches for suspects which many people see on TV. It is also the documentation, writing of reports, and understanding about the life that comes into play. A degree will help you be a more competitive candidate, along with giving you the skills necessary to do the job more effectively.

Many people assume college is about going to class and going to parties. It is also a chance to meet people from all over the country and the world. To learn how to live with others, work in groups, and how to be independant.

As for the degree, the Academy will teach you all of the specifics that you need to know about law enforcement. A degree in another discipline may give you a chance to learn about something different. It also gives you options in choosing a career field, as you may find out that law enforcement may not work out for you.

A degree in the social sciences, such as psychology or sociology, may give you a broader perspective in dealing with a community.

Some agencies also require a degree for consideration. Some require a degree or some college for promotion. The more options you have in your package, the better your choices can be.

It is extremely difficult to go back to school to get or finish a degree once you start in your career.

Good luck to you.

[Cpl. Haas]

As my old chief used to say, "As long as there are 3 people on this earth, 1 will always be a cop because the other 2 just won't get along". You can always go back and become a police officer... you can't always go back and earn your bachelor's.

Get your degree, and look into student internship programs for local/state/federal agencies near your campus.

[ckim34]

Get a degree and don't major in criminal justice. You are better off getting a degree that has nothing to do with LE work because if being a LEO doesnt work out you can always get into something else.

Task LLC, while I agree with almost everything you said, I don't necessarily believe that a college degree gives you the "skills necessary to do the job more effectively." I know plenty of Officers who don't have degrees and are far better cops than does who do, but that's just my experience. Plus, the majority of people at my department don't have degrees.

[9mmepiphany]

Getting a degree will never be a negative when looking for a job. Don't get a degree in Criminal Justice...get one in something like Public Administration or Organizational Behavior.

I know the local S.O. only required a HS grad, the local P.D. did require a degree.

A 4 year degree will also speed up (I think it's half the time) getting your Intermediate and Advanced P.O.S.T. certificates

[friedokra]

There are some departments that require at least an associates degree in order to be hired. Most larger departments don't require such and simply want a HS Diploma or GED, but even in this case, further education looks good to the selection committee since you're "seeking further education to improve yourself" yada...yada...

HOWEVER, once you are a LEO, a higher education (whether you had it prior or got it while an officer) will allow you to get higher POST degrees, and higher POST degrees = more $$$ and more chances for advancement.

If you have an associate's degree, you can get your Intermediate POST in 4 years, and a bachelor's will get the Intermediate in just 2 years. You can get your Advanced POST with an associate's degree in 9 years, with a bachelor's in 6 years, and with a master's degree in 4 years.

[Ron-Solo]

Public Administration, Business Administration with a focus on human resources is a good choice.

[Meety Peety]

When I was considering going into law enforcement, I was told by more than a few people that a degree of any kind will greatly improve your odds of being sponsored through the academy, as to not have to pay for it yourself. Can't say that I ever tested the theory but I did hear this a lot from friends and family that were LEO. If you have the means, I don't see many reasons not to go for the degree.

[BigKevLA]

For any government job you can never go wrong with Public Administration or Business as a major.

[URBAN COMMANDO]

LAPD pay scale for starting the academy
Recruits with a high school diploma earn $45,226 annually. Those with an Associate's Degree or 60 credits toward a Bachelor's and a 2.0 grade point average start at a salary of $47,043 while those who hold a Bachelor's degree earn $48,880 to start.

[non sequitur]

College Degree

My BA degree was in Int'l Relations. After 6 years on the job, I had my Advanced POST certificate which then made me eligible for an extra 7.5% of pay each month added to my base salary. Also, my POST certificate pay is considered base building towards my final retirement pension calculation!

Get your degree! It really does add up towards retirement. It will also help with promotions, etc.

Good luck.

[1-M-42]

I'm convinced that I'm part of the last generation that could succeed and advance in Law Enforcement without a college degree. I quit college after two semesters and got my first cop job back in 1979. Now, 33 years later, I finally finished and got my BA. Sole reason?, 10% pay incentive so I can get my last, highest year before retirement. Best advise I can give you? Do it NOW. That way, if you happen to go to work for an agency that gives educational pay incentives you will be ahead of the game and over a 25-30 year career that is worth thousands and thousands of $. Good luck to you.

[tahoetarga]

I earned a BS in Criminal Justice as I started my career...I went back 18 years later and got a MS in CJ...definitely helped in promotions!