You’ve probably heard that if you want to become a police officer, you don’t need a college degree. After all, you’ll get all the training you need at the police academy, and street smarts are the real key to success in law enforcement anyway, right? While these statements are true, they don’t tell the whole story. More and more aspiring and veteran police officers are discovering that higher education is worth the pursuit.
While it is possible to become a police officer without a college degree, an increasing number of police departments require candidates to have an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree for certain law enforcement positions. Higher education benefits everyone:
- you increase your chances to land a good job and/or be considered for future promotions;
- the police department gets a better prepared, more skilled officer;
- and the standards of professionalism in law enforcement are raised.
More and more aspiring and veteran police officers are discovering that higher education is worth the pursuit.
Research proves the benefits of higher education to police officers are no myth. Multiple studies show those with college degrees bring more problem-solving skills and creativity to the job, along with other assets, including:
- Broader knowledge for independent decision-making
- Increased maturity
- More diverse experiences
- Solid sense of responsibility
- Deeper understanding of the democratic process
- More flexible value system
- Increased awareness of culture and ethics
- Higher technology proficiency
- Strong work ethic
- Improved communication skills
- Understanding of civil rights issues
- Adaptability to change
- Good analytical skills
If you’re considering a job in law enforcement, do it the right way: with a college degree that adds to your credibility, separates you from other candidates and better prepares you to achieve your dreams.
View Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice Programs