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How to Become a Police Officer

Find programs that will help You get started in a Police Officer Career
What does a Police Officer make?

1) Earn a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree first (A criminal justice degree is the most commonly held degree by police officers) Most state agencies require a college degree. An associate's degree has become a hiring standard in most departments.
2) Review more requirements below.
3) Contact your local police department and request their police officer requirements as well as application materials. (Links to some of the most well known police departments and information on how to become a police officer with those departments can be found on the left side of this page near the bottom)

Police Officer Job Description

In most local or city police departments a uniformed police officer’s job is to patrol a given geography and respond to calls.  Many times the job requires the directing of traffic, investigating a crime or aiding a victim of an accident or crime.  In local, state and federal police related departments a police officer’s career description includes maintaining law and order, collecting evidence and conducting investigations.

Training, Prerequisites and Educational Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer

The majority of police departments require applicants to be 20 years old, a U.S. citizen, GED or equivalent and many now require an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree to become a police officer. State and Federal agency jobs require applicants to possess a 4-year college degree. Being able to speak a second language fluently is a definite plus for applicants.  Police Officer applicants also undergo a variety of tests including physical, medical, written and psychological. Once accepted to a police department you will attend training at an academy for 12 weeks to 1 year depending on the department. 

Request free information from University of Phoenix Online and learn more about how a degree in criminal justice or another field can help you succeed in a Police Officer career.

Keep in mind that the higher paying police officer jobs are in more affluent areas and are therefore much more competitive jobs to apply for.  Make sure you can set yourself apart from the competition by earning a college degree before applying or during the application process.  A college degree will also start you off at a higher salary in any area, affluent or not.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually states that those applicants with college training in criminal justice or police science should have the best opportunities.

Police Officer Job Salary and Job Outlook

The median Police Officer salary as of May, 2004 was $45, 210 a year as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The Los Angeles Police Department offers a starting salary of $56,898 a year for police officers with a bachelor’s (4-year) degree.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that there will be a continued high demand for police officers through 2012.

There are many career paths to pursue once you become a police officer including sergeant, lieutenant, chief and more.  Most of these promotions or specialties require advanced education. A Criminal Justice school in your area will have more information.

Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below and see how a degree in criminal justice can help you succeed in a police officer career.

Online Police Officer Training and Criminal Justice Degree Programs

= Staff Recommended

In a Hurry? Click Here to request information from all of the featured Criminal Justice Degree Programs.

Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

American InterContinental University:

Associate's - Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor's - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's - Forensic Science
Bachelor's - Special Populations Associates in Criminal Justice Administration

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Law Enforcement, Corrections, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's - Investigation/Law Enforcement
Associate's - Criminal Justice
Associate's - Corrections
Associate's - Crime Scene Evidence
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

South University: Online

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Juvenile Justice

Upper Iowa University: The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. UIU offers open enrollment for their Independent Study Programs (distance learning), which means students can enroll and start taking classes anytime.

BS in Public Administration - Law Enforcement
BS in Public Administration - Fire Science
BS in Public Administration
BS in Criminal Justice

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Capella University:

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Public Safety Leadership
PhD Programs - Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Public Safety Leadership

Drexel University:

BS in Criminal Justice (Online)

Lincoln College Online:

BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

Virginia College:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination
PhD in Public Policy - Homeland Security

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