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Law Enforcement Degree Online Bachelor’s in Police Administration

Tim McMillan, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2015, wearing his police uniform with a police cruiser in the background.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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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
Tim McMillan, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2015, wearing his police uniform in an office working on a computer with an SNHU pennant on the wall in the background.

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.

Degree Courses

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

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: June 30, 2025 | September 1, 2025

Next term starts:
May 5, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

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
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

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

It's easy, fast and free.

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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!)

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.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

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 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 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.

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.

Guard people in penal institutions and in transit between jail, court, prison or elsewhere.

Maintain order and security in courts of law, enforcing courtroom procedures that protect the integrity of the legal process.

Protect lives and property by observing people and activities to ensure order and safety.

Conduct interviews, examine records, monitor suspects and participate in raids and arrests.

Supervise people on probation, ensuring they are meeting the terms and conditions of their release.

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

David Lemieux '18

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

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.

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.

While a law enforcement degree is not necessarily required to become a police officer, more and more police departments are looking for one.

Hector Garcia with text Hector GarciaRetired 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.