Best Online Master's in Law Enforcement for 2019

Routinely considered one of the best institutions of higher learning in the US, Georgetown University provides several online academic programs through its School of Continuing Studies. This includes a master’s in applied intelligence degree with a concentration in law enforcement intelligence. This program is centered on the best practices in risk management and intelligence analytics. The 33-credit degree plan consists of courses such as ethics, applied intelligence psychology, analysis of organized crime, and a culminating capstone project. While students can certainly earn their entire degree remotely, Georgetown offers flexible on-campus and hybrid options. Most students finish the program in two years, though they can take as long as five. Three start dates are offered each year and tuition is fixed regardless of where a student resides. Georgetown welcomes international candidates who hold the equivalent of an accredited American baccalaureate degree.

Saint Joseph’s University Online offers a variety of certificate and degree programs geared towards working professionals, including an online master’s in criminal justice with a concentration in federal law enforcement. This fully accredited degree prepares students for a wide range of careers, whether they want to work on the frontlines as a police officer or in an advisory capacity as a strategic consultant. The degree plan totals 30 credits and consists of courses like criminological theory, behavioral development, and homeland security. SJU’s program allows entry six times during the year. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree and have prior experience, or otherwise demonstrate considerable knowledge, in the federal law enforcement field. Distance learners are assured institutional support, including a personal coordinator and access to student grants and loans.

The University of San Diego’s master of science in law enforcement and public safety leadership empowers professionals looking for career advancement opportunities. The USD program stands out from other online law enforcement degrees for its integrative capstone experience, which spans the entirety of the program, not just one semester. The capstone allows students to assemble a portfolio of key research and projects that demonstrate their understanding and expertise. The remainder of the 31 credit degree plan consists of coursework in areas like organizational leadership and communication for law enforcement leaders. Students take two classes at a time over a 14-week semester, earning their degree in less than two years. Application materials include an accredited bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Michigan State University offers classes and academic programs that extend far beyond the flagship East Lansing campus, including two online master of science degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement intelligence and analysis. Both programs have a 30-credit degree plan. The law enforcement master’s degree focuses on building technical skills in intelligence, crime prevention, and policy analysis. The program suits those who want to work as policy consultants and program designers. The criminal justice track allows students to specialize in either security management or judicial administration. Remote classes are taught by experienced full-time faculty. Distance learners enjoy access to professional development opportunities like the American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting as well as scholarships specifically for graduate students in the field. Additionally, MSU’s Career Services provide one-on-one counseling and workshops that help students obtain internships and law enforcement administration jobs.

Since 1819 the University of Cincinnati has been providing students of all backgrounds with lauded academic programs. Today, the school has one of the most highly recognized online law enforcement degrees in the US. This master of science in criminal justice consists of 11 classes in topics like research methods, police effectiveness, and applied crime prevention. Students personalize the curriculum through elective hours and a demonstration research project. With three start dates each year and flexible scheduling, full-time students can earn their degree in one year and part-time students can earn their degree in two years. Tuition prices are fixed based on residency status. All students may access financial aid or lessen the overall cost by transferring up to nine credits from prior accredited college work.