Online Law Enforcement Degree

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is a complex subject with many nuanced factors like policing ethics and community relations. Our online law enforcement classes balance policing principles and in-depth criminal justice concepts aimed at reducing crime.

Taking law enforcement courses online offers flexibility to earn your degree at your own pace. Mobile-friendly coursework allows you to study for your degree while still accommodating your other responsibilities.

You could be eligible to graduate in less time than you think. Speak to an Admissions Advisor to learn how to: transfer up to 75% of qualifying credits toward your degree at AIU¹; get credit for eligible military and work experience¹; and how to customize your education with intellipath^®.

Pursuing an online law enforcement degree with AIU may help you learn key criminal justice concepts and how law enforcement fits into the justice system. AIU’s online law enforcement classes can teach you how to apply knowledge of constitutional principles in relation to law enforcement and criminal justice. This degree is designed to teach contemporary policing in the U.S. and the role it plays alongside other criminal justice functions, like forensics, corrections, and homeland security.

Prerequisite for AIU’s online law enforcement degree program?

There are no prerequisites to enroll in AIU’s online law enforcement degree program. In fact, you may already be eligible to receive degree credit for life experience¹. Your dedicated Graduation Team will help support you along your academic journey, from enrollment to graduation.

Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement curriculum

This online law enforcement degree program has a strong criminal justice foundation and further delves into law enforcement history, policy, and practices. AIU offers a comprehensive law enforcement education that includes courses on community-oriented policing, criminalistics, terrorism and homeland security, and criminal investigation.

Criminal justice components explore drug abuse and policing, crime victim studies, crime and corrections fundamentals, juvenile justice, and other introductory courses on crime, security, and justice.

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1. Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Programs vary by location.
Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
American InterContinental University, AIU, is part of the American InterContinental University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Estimate Tuition and Grad Date

Total tuition for this degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

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Law Enforcement Courses

Degree Requirements

Courses

General Education

Credits

ENGL106 In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition I	4.5
ENGL107 In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition II	4.5
MATH125 An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.	General College Mathematics	4.5
UNIV103 This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.	Academic and Professional Success	4.5
UNIV106 This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Students will learn how to recognize the difference between good and bad information as well as be able to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will learn how to manage data using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace to investigate, design, construct, and communicate responsibly. This course helps students improve technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century and increases the awareness of their impact on society.	Technology and Information Literacy	4.5
UNIV109 This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.	Interpersonal Communication	4.5
	General Education Elective (1 Course)	4.5
	Humanities (2 Courses)	9
	Natural Sciences (2 Courses)	9
	Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses)	9
	Total Credit Hours:	58.5

Core

Credits

CRJS102 This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.	Criminal Justice Today	4.5
CRJS203 This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.	Introduction to Criminology	4.5
CRJS205 This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice.	Introduction to Criminal Law	4.5
CRJS210 This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing.	Introduction to Law Enforcement	4.5
CRJS215 This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined.	Introduction to American Court System	4.5
CRJS220 This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole.	Foundations of Corrections	4.5
CRJS310 This course presents the scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to victims and their situations. It also looks at the different types of victimizations, how victimization rates are measured, and what attempts the government has made to increase the involvement of victims' role in the criminal justice system.	Crime Victim Studies	4.5
CRJS315 This course explores and defines the important components of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This course examines the theories associated with juvenile delinquency, and explores the treatment interventions that are being employed, and the current societal responses to juvenile delinquency.	Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory	4.5
CRJS330 This course examines procedural law and its role in criminal prosecution. It compares criminal procedure and evidence law in the federal and state courts systems, and analyzes the social, political and historical significance of the evolution of Constitutional law. Additionally, this course addresses the way in which laws and legal institutions function.	Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures	4.5
CRJS355 This course examines the various types of evidence admissible by law, including real, demonstrative and documentary evidence. This course addresses the roles lay witnesses and expert evidence play in the legal setting as well as during a criminal trial.	Evidence	4.5
CRJS405 This course is an introduction to social science research methods generally with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students should leave the course with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research, and various methodological and statistical techniques used to answer research questions.	Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice	4.5
CRJS499 This course offers a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key contemporary criminal justice issues through a close review of the theories and policies guiding many crime-fighting strategies. By applying critical thinking and analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, and information systems skills, students will learn of the complex nature of crime and society's response to criminality. This course serves as the Criminal Justice capstone class and involves the student preparing a project agreed upon between the student and the instructor. Each project will require research, report writing, oral presentation, and interactive teamwork.	Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	54

General Electives

Credits

Select 10 undergraduate Elective courses


	Total Credit Hours:	45

General Criminal Justice Track

Credits

In lieu of a Specialization, select 5 Criminal Justice Electives from any of the Specializations below


	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Law Enforcement

Credits

CRJS320 This course examines the relationship between police agencies and the communities they serve. Topics will include traditional relations and public policy as well as new programs designed to involve the community in resolving crimes in the community. Students will also examine issues involving police ethics and the public image of police agencies in the media.	Community Oriented Policing	4.5
CRJS360 This course provides an in-depth analysis and systematic study of the principles of law enforcement and policing. It covers the administration, organization, and activities of the police in the United States. Topics such as homeland security, terrorism, and cybercrime are also addressed.	Advanced Law Enforcement	4.5
CRJS365 Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining ''forensic science''; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.	Criminalistics	4.5
CRJS370 This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.	Terrorism and Homeland Security	4.5
CRJS455 This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.	Criminal Investigation	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Total Credit Hours : 180

Law Enforcement Classes Overview

For an Online Law Enforcement Degree, your classes may include:

Community Oriented Policing

This course examines the relationship between police agencies and the communities they serve. Topics will include traditional relations and public policy as well as new programs designed to involve the community in resolving crimes in the community. Students will also examine issues involving police ethics and the public image of police agencies in the media.

Crime and Substance Abuse

This course examines drug abuse and its relationship to crime. Topics include the statistical relationship between drugs and crime, drug laws and courts, drug prevention programs and public policy concerning the use and abuse of substances.

Administration of Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the challenges administrators face in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students will examine the various organizational frameworks in the criminal justice system and the concepts, organizational principles, and models associated with these criminal justice agencies.

Advanced Law Enforcement

This course provides an in-depth analysis and systematic study of the principles of law enforcement and policing. It covers the administration, organization and activities of the police in the United States. Topics such as homeland security, terrorism and cybercrime are also addressed.

Criminalistics

Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining "forensic science"; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.

Terrorism and Homeland Security

This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.

Criminal Investigation

This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.

Crime Mapping and Analysis

This course introduces basic concepts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in criminal justice. The class is designed to provide an overview of the use of maps in policing. Emphasis is on learning how to properly design, construct, manipulate, and interpret maps.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

Ways to Save on Your Online Law Enforcement Degree

FAQ

What is a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) with a Specialization in Law Enforcement degree?

AIU’s bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a specialization in law enforcement is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities in the law enforcement field. This degree program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of policing communities, protecting rights, and upholding industry ethics. Upon pursuing your law enforcement degree, you will study key criminal justice concepts and how law enforcement fits into the criminal justice system.

How long does it take to earn a BSCJ degree?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your BSCJ can be influenced by course loads, proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

What kind of courses will I take to earn a BSCJ in law enforcement degree?

As you work to complete your BSCJ degree, you will be immersed in courses such as: Community Oriented Policing; Criminalistics; Criminal Investigation; and Terrorism and Homeland Security.

When can I begin my BSCJ classes?

Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Law Enforcement start approximately every five weeks. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation.

How many credits are required to graduate from the BSCJ in law enforcement degree program?

The BSCJ degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a BS in criminal justice with a specialization in law enforcement degree?

Upon earning your BSCJ in law enforcement degree, you should have a strong criminal justice foundation encompassing such topics as community-oriented policing, criminalistics, terrorism and homeland security, and criminal investigation. By studying key topics in law enforcement, you can: have knowledge of the historical context of policing in the U.S. and the essential differences between police services at the different levels of government; work to understand the role of police and their relationship to other components of the criminal justice system including courts, corrections, and forensic science; and be able to identify specific law enforcement strategies to address substantive issues such as community policing, terrorism and homeland security, cultural diversity, and drugs and crime.

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