Master in Law Enforcement, Policing and Investigation

Law and order is regulated through a number of agencies such as the police, border patrol, and homeland security. Their services are crucial for making sure civilians abide by laws and avoid criminal activities. Without the proper application and enforcement of law, individuals and organizations cannot function properly. Thousands of students attend college every year and move on to pursue professions in law enforcement agencies. This field has acquired a lot of popularity in recent years due to the security situation. If you think this is the career for you, you need to determine whether you are committed, dedicated, and have a complete understanding of the criminal justice system in the United States.

To start your pursuit of law enforcement education, you need to first complete college and high school. Both levels of education will help develop a strong base of knowledge and familiarize you with the field. You can earn a bachelor degree in criminal justice or law enforcement from any accredited institute. It is recommended that the academic field you pursue at undergraduate level is relevant to law enforcement.

What Do Students Learn in a Law Enforcement Masters Degree?

In most cases, students begin their professional career after completing a bachelor degree. But if you really want to succeed professionally and qualify for high paying job positions, having a master’s degree in law enforcement is advised. This is basically a graduate qualification that focuses on advanced study. The program can be completed in two years from any criminal justice school. However, the duration may vary slightly from school to school so you must get in touch with the institute and find out what they offer.

The coursework of a master’s degree in law enforcement entails various theory-based subjects, projects, research studies, case studies, and even practical training. The program will cover the following objectives:

• Provide students with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system
• Shed light upon issues related to terrorism and war
• Outline functions and responsibilities of various law enforcement agencies such as the homeland security department and the border patrol authority.
• Allow students to analyze and interpret security measures being used today

Each subject in the program carries credit hours that have to be earned. Another important point that makes a masters degree in law enforcement useful is that the program takes into account developing trends and the impact of technological factors in law.

Career

The career options are numerous and diverse. With a master’s degree in law enforcement, students can work at administrative posts, executive posts, managerial positions, or even in the field. Each law enforcement agency or sector has its own hiring criteria and training requirements. Those interested in joining the police force may need to complete a training program from a police academy. On the other hand, those looking for a career in the administration section of the homeland security department may need to undergo relevant training. The income level will vary according to the nature of work and the law enforcement sector.