There are many career opportunities for those with law enforcement degrees.
There are different types of law enforcement degrees, including associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. And just as there are multiple degrees, there are multiple positions someone with a law enforcement degree can fill. Although police jobs are the most popular for those who obtain a law enforcement degree, law enforcement skills are used elsewhere, from public service jobs to careers in the private sector.
Police Officer
One of the primary career choices for those with degrees in law enforcement is police work. In addition to obtaining a degree, police officers also must pass a battery of other tests, including a vision test, a drug test, a written entrance exam and a physical test. A number of job subcategories are under the umbrella of police officer, including sheriff, patrol officer and state trooper. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a police officer was $52,810 in 2008.
Private Investigator
A law enforcement degree also can be used to start a career in private investigation. Unlike a police officer or a detective on a police force who is considered a government employee, a private investigator is contracted by an individual or entity to investigate a matter, which does not have to be a criminal issue. It might be an issue related to corporate policy or another civil matter. Some states require private investigators to be licensed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a private investigator was $46,480 in 2008.
Correctional Officer
With a high level of incarceration in the U.S., jobs in correctional facilities are plentiful, and a law enforcement degree can lead to a career as a correctional officer. A correctional officer oversees prisoners who have been convicted of crimes as well as the accused who are jailed while awaiting trial. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a correctional officer was $41,340 in 2008, while a manager made an average of $58,380.
Security Guards
Another area that is often in high demand is private security. Security guards protect their employer's property, and this can be commercial or residential. They are sometimes armed and are trained in interviewing witnesses and writing reports. The average annual wage for security guards in 2008 was $25,840, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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