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Law Enforcement Degree Online Bachelor’s in Police Administration
Program Overview Why get a law enforcement degree online?
Become the kind of leader law enforcement needs with the help of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Police Administration and Operations online degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Once enrolled, you’ll explore the demands, functions and evolving state of the modern police force. You'll also learn the many roles of police agencies across the country and gain a foundation in criminal justice principles as you dive deep into psychology, American politics and criminal law.
Skills you'll learn:
- Crime analysis techniques
- Police operations comprehension
- Workplace and performance assessments
- Critical thinking and problem-solving tactics
- Community policing best practices
- Intervention and negotiation strategies
Courses & Curriculum Law enforcement degree online classes designed to serve the community
As a criminal justice student at SNHU, you’ll focus on cultural competency in both your law enforcement electives and core courses. You’ll become knowledgeable of cultural awareness, communication, discretion, problem-solving and other essential criminal justice principles. You’ll also learn how to align best practices for managing police operations with public safety goals.
Law enforcement degree online courses
This program covers topics ranging from crime analysis to policy development. It also instills soft skills you'll find critical in the workplace. Each class is taught by faculty with real-world experience as criminal justice leaders. Their firsthand insights into the field will enhance your education and help you get more out of your own career.
Courses may include
Leadership and Management in Criminal Justice Organizations
Course ID:
CJ 330
This course will cover the vital and progressive information concerning workplace performance in the criminal justice profession. It will entail a discussion and analysis of the traits and characteristics of criminal justice professionals at work, along with analysis and development of performance evaluations, assessment and desired objectives for the practitioner.
Effective Patrol and Community Policing
Course ID:
CJ 331
This course will cover the principles and effective practices of police patrol and operations. It will analyze and discuss the preparation and the expectations of patrol and how to effectively perform all duties and functions. In addition, the course will entail an awareness and understanding of the fundamental aspects and best practices of community policing.
Crisis Intervention for Police
Course ID:
CJ 332
This course will introduce the student to crisis theory, concepts, intervention and strategies required for the first responder. The student will learn how to be personally effective, recognize threat levels, active listening, conduct effective mediation and negotiation for application to situations such suicidal persons, hostage taking and barricaded subjects to cite but a few.
Crime Analysis and Effective Police Service
Course ID:
CJ 400
This course provides the student with the assets and tools of progressive crime analysis techniques and the intrinsic relation to the delivery of effective police services. Theory, data collection methods and basic use of statistics will be introduced and applied to various goals of policing.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Criminal Justice - Police Administration & Operations curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Earn a certificate along the way – no extra coursework required
This program integrates new learning resources that build to a criminal justice communication certificate – a bonus if you want to move up the ranks. Designed to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills to communicate effectively with a range of communities, the certificate focuses on enhancing your ability to accurately convey essential information.
Have a background in law enforcement training?
If you've completed a basic police, corrections, or probation and parole academy training, you may receive up to 12 credits toward your criminal justice degree at SNHU. This will save you time (and money!) on your way to graduation.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: September 1, 2025 | October 27, 2025
Next term starts:
June 30, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
Career Outlook What can I do with an online law enforcement degree?
The criminal justice field is changing – and so are degree requirements. As a growing number of employers require a college education from candidates for jobs or promotions, more and more criminal justice students are benefiting. SNHU’s online law enforcement degree is designed to help working officers gain the skills and insights they need to move up in criminal justice careers.
Occupations
Earning a bachelor's in criminal justice can help you prepare for the following career paths, though it's important to note that law enforcement positions may involve additional training and eligibility requirements.
Correctional Officer
Guard people in penal institutions and in transit between jail, court, prison or elsewhere.
Bailiff
Maintain order and security in courts of law, enforcing courtroom procedures that protect the integrity of the legal process.
Police Officer
Protect lives and property by observing people and activities to ensure order and safety.
Detective
Conduct interviews, examine records, monitor suspects and participate in raids and arrests.
Probation Officer
Supervise people on probation, ensuring they are meeting the terms and conditions of their release.
Correctional Treatment Specialist
Advise probationers and parolees, develop rehabilitation plans and evaluate their progress.
409,500
Openings per year for protective service occupations through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Every instructor had a vast array of knowledge. They also know that life happens and were able to work with you if an incident came up.
David Lemieux '18
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree in law enforcement worthwhile?
A law enforcement degree can definitely be worthwhile if the program's outcomes align with your career goals.
Whether you need a bachelor's degree for a role in law enforcement depends on the employer's job requirements. While there are a number of positions that only ask for a high school diploma, there are federal agencies and police departments that look for candidates with college degrees.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that a significant number of applicants for entry-level police jobs have completed a college degree and that agencies like the FBI may require a bachelor's, as well.1
Not only can a degree help you be considered for more law enforcement roles, but the skills you learn in the BS in Criminal Justice program from Southern New Hampshire University can help you on the job.
For example, included within the program's curriculum is a criminal justice communication certificate. Like with so many careers, good communication skills are necessary to work at your best and to collaborate well with others.
A conversation with an admission counselor can help you decide if a law enforcement degree is the best path for you.
What skills do you need to become a police officer?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers routinely perform a number of duties, including:1
- Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls
- Patrol assigned areas
- Conduct traffic stops and issue citations
- Obtain warrants and arrest suspects
- Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes
- Prepare cases and testify in court
While partly administrative, a police officer’s job often involves high-stress situations. That’s why excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making are among an officer’s most important skill sets. Cultural awareness, compassion and emotional intelligence are also key.
Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) online law enforcement degree is designed to enhance these skills. The program also builds leadership skills.
“Wherever you work in the criminal justice system, you’ll need high emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, excellent stress management and terrific communication ability,” said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, adjunct faculty at SNHU.
Ultimately, says Czarnec, the criminal justice system's mission is to help people. So you’ll want to give some thought to why you’re drawn to a helping profession and what skills or experiences you can bring to the job.
What do I do to become a police officer?
While a law enforcement degree is not necessarily required to become a police officer, more and more police departments are looking for one.
Retired police chief and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) associate dean Dr. Hector Garcia addressed this topic, stressing that America’s police force needs to return to basic concepts of policing – police as a part of the community.
“It cannot be us against them,” he said. “It’s not to see how many people you can arrest – it’s how many people can you serve. What’s going to make you a good officer that can connect with the community.”
SNHU’s online law enforcement degree was designed to help aspiring officers get the education they need to succeed in the field. The program’s specialized curriculum focuses on soft skills like communication as well as crime analysis, crisis intervention and policy development.
Law enforcement positions may involve additional training and eligibility requirements, which can vary by department.
Can you study law enforcement online?
Absolutely. In fact, there’s no reason not to and plenty of reasons you should. Flexibility is one of the main reasons, especially if you’re already working in law enforcement full time and doing shift work.
Even if you’re not in the workforce yet, there’s a lot to like about online education. That’s why so many people decide to become online students.
Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) online law enforcement degree, like all of our online degrees, lets you create your own schedule. There’s no specific time you need to log in to participate in class. As long as you turn your assignments in by your weekly deadlines, you can fit them in around your schedule.
“I’m really proud of the way SNHU has developed their courses to be more realistic and more helpful,” said Mark Evenson, chief of police in Brentwood, California, and adjunct faculty in SNHU’s criminal justice program. “They do a much better job preparing people for careers in criminal justice than other schools that I’ve seen.”
At just $330/credit (120 total credits), SNHU’s online degree programs are also among the nation’s most affordable. What’s more, we’re one of the most transfer-friendly schools you’ll find. Undergraduates can transfer in up to 90 credits, and students can receive up to 12 credits for basic police, corrections or probation and parole academy training.
What degree is best for law enforcement?
There are many sides to law enforcement and many directions you can take your career. Ultimately, the best law enforcement degree is the one that’s best for you.
In addition to police administration and operations, Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) BS in Criminal Justice program offers a choice of 8 concentrations:
- Corrections
- Criminology & crime analysis
- Cybercrime
- Homeland security & counterterrorism
- Human services & advocacy
- Police administration & operations
- Security management
- Substance abuse
In other words, you have several options when it comes to law enforcement. If you see yourself as a leader and like the camaraderie of police work, our police administration degree might be your best option. If you’re good with people and your heart pulls you toward family or community work, you might find your fit in human services and advocacy. If you’re tech savvy, you might excel at a career in counterterrorism.
We’re used to seeing police officers and detectives portrayed in the media. Seldom do we see corrections, human services or probation officers in TV series and movies. Dr. Jeff Czarnec, adjunct faculty at SNHU, calls the criminal justice field a “matrix of support,” noting there are many different areas people may qualify for.
How difficult is a criminal justice degree?
That depends. Pursuing a college degree, whether online or on campus, can be challenging. But online classes are no more or less difficult than campus classes – just different. Plus, certain criminal justice college degrees might come more naturally to you, especially if you know your strengths (and weaknesses).
Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) law enforcement degree is a 120-credit program consisting of 13 major courses and 4 concentration courses, plus general education courses and free elective credits. You’ll do a fair amount of research and writing in all of these classes. You may also need to take a statistics course to fulfill your general education requirements.
The good news? SNHU provides a ton of support, all included in the cost of your degree.
As an SNHU online student, you’ll have a dedicated academic advisor to help you stay on track every step of the way. If you’re a military student, you’ll get matched up with an advisor who’s served in or is affiliated with the military. And you’ll get one-on-one counseling from our full-service career development team.
You’ll learn from top-notch instructors who pride themselves on being there for our students. And if you need special help with writing or math, you can always turn to our online writing center or tutoring services.
What college degree is best for FBI?
The intrigue and excitement of working for the FBI appeals to many criminal justice students.
Just bear in mind that while crime shows may promise excitement, real-life criminal justice is a different story. “It’s a vast field under the umbrella of service,” said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, adjunct faculty at SNHU. Its mission: to help people from all walks of life.
Southern New Hampshire University's homeland security degree is tailor-made for FBI work. It explores topics like the nature and history of terrorism and how to respond to domestic and international terrorist threats. Plus, it prepares you for employment in government roles such as border patrol agent and federal air marshal. It's important to note, however, that federal law enforcement positions may involve additional training and eligibility requirements.
At the same time, our law enforcement degree can serve as a runway to FBI work. The program’s specialized focus on crime analysis, crisis intervention and police administration and operations sets you up for many facets of law enforcement, including the FBI.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm (viewed May 17, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.