The Best Degrees for Law Enforcement Jobs [Federal, State, Local]

There are many opportunities in federal, state and local law enforcement for both current law enforcement professionals and those hoping to enter the field. But because these positions can be highly competitive, candidates must do whatever they can do to differentiate themselves.

One of the most appealing qualifications for hiring committees is an applicant with a law enforcement degree. Both undergraduate and advanced degrees help position law enforcement professionals as a first-choice option for a current job opening, as well as future leadership positions.

Depending on which branch of law enforcement you’re looking to enter, there are certain degree programs that will set you up for success in federal, state or local law enforcement agencies. Because many federal jobs deal with highly sensitive information, there is generally a long list of preferred and required qualifications that each agency looks for in candidates. For local and state level departments, qualifications can be less stringent or specialized. To help differentiate between the groups, here is a breakdown of the education and skill requirements for select federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Education and Skills Requirements for Select Federal Law Enforcement Jobs

Higher education, in particular, is especially important at this level of law enforcement. It is important to note that the majority of federal law enforcement jobs require candidates to have at a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with preference and advancement to certain pay grades given to those with advanced degrees (master’s degree and/or doctorate). There are also requirements that vary by agency that are not listed here. To see if you meet the minimum requirements, visit that particular agency’s website.

Occupation	Preferred Degree (Bachelors and/or Masters)	Required Skills and Attributes	Skills and Experience Worth Special Consideration	Agency
FBI Special Agent	Terrorism (Bio, Counter, International) Criminal Justice Cyber Security Finance Forensic Accounting/Science International Studies Law Enforcement and Public Safety	Leadership Oral communication Initiative and Motivation Adaptability and flexibility Organizing, planning and prioritizing Interpersonal skills Evaluating information and making decisions Writing	Foreign language skills (to interview witnesses) IT skills (to locate evidence within a computer network) CPA certified (to uncover hidden assets)	FBI
DEA Agent	Criminal Justice Law Enforcement and Public Safety Law Finance	Written and Oral Communication Attention to Detail/Memory Decision-making/judgment Interpersonal skills Integrity/Honesty Flexibility; Problem-solving Self-management Teamwork	Finance/Accounting Information Systems/Telecommunications Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Military leadership experience or a foreign language fluency	Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
US Marshal/Deputy Marshal	Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Sociology Law	Interpersonal skills Planning and project management skills Knowledge of law and court procedures Written and oral communication	Superior academic achievement	Department of Justice (DOJ)
US Border Patrol Agent	Law Law Enforcement and Public Safety Police Science Criminal Justice	Logical reasoning Spanish language fluency or the ability to learn Spanish Interpersonal skills Ability to maintain composure and make decisions in a stressful situation Ability to analyze information rapidly	Spanish language skills	Homeland Security (DHS)
Postal Inspector	Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Law Computer Science	Interpersonal skills Written and oral communication skills	Foreign language skills Prior postal experience Academic achievement Military experience Law degree Law enforcement experience Certification in auditing or investigations Computer science education Computer systems certification Bio-terrorism investigation experience	US Postal Inspection Service
US Secret Service Special Agent/Uniformed Crew	Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Law or Pre-Law	Superior academic achievement or a graduate level education Written and oral communication skills Ability to analyze and summarize information Deadline driven Presentation skills	Foreign language fluency Past military or law enforcement experience Graduate level education	Homeland Security (DHS)
ATF Special Agent	Law Enforcement and Public Safety Criminal Justice Sociology Psychology Political Science	Verbal, quantitative and investigative reasoning	Strong writing and leadership skills	Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

In addition to an advanced degree in a related field, most agencies also list a number of additional qualifications such as legal knowledge, financial acumen and leadership skills as highly important factors for successful candidates looking to build a career with a federal agency. Finally, the majority of federal law enforcement jobs require a physical ability test, drug screening, aptitude tests, a citizenship requirement and more depending upon the specific agency and job. All qualifications and application information can be found on the agency websites.

Education and Skills Requirements for Select State & Local Law Enforcement Jobs

Conversely, what’s are the best degree programs for those looking to pursue a state or local law enforcement job? And what other skills do candidates need to be competitive? The below chart outlines a sampling of law enforcement jobs at the state and local level, along with the degrees and skills most highly sought by each department.

Occupation	Preferred Education Level	Required Skills and Attributes	Skills and Experience Worth Special Consideration	Agency/Department
Police Officer I	High School Diploma or GED; or 2- or 4-year degree	Interpersonal Sensitivity Communication Skills Problems Solving Ability Judgment Under Pressure Observational Skills Learning Ability Dependability Physical Ability Desire for self-improvement		San Diego PD
Sargent	High School Diploma or GED plus an Associate’s Degree or 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution	Honor Service Integrity Respect Trust Courage Duty	Complete 4 years of service within the department	Pennsylvania State Police
Chief of Police	High School Diploma or GED; or 2- or 4-year degree. Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Graduation or commensurate experience	Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills Extensive knowledge in the supervision, operations and administration of law. Expert communication skills Ability to work effectively with the governing body, management team, employees and the community.	Experience in supervisory roles Military experience	City of Minden, NE Police Department
Sheriff’s Captain	Graduating from high school, OR Passing the General Education Development (GED) Test, OR Passing the California High School Proficiency Examination, OR Having attained a two-year, four-year or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. Leadership positions require additional examination/certification	Ability to learn California codes Excellent strength, endurance, and physical abilities Ability to stay calm under pressure Excellent interpersonal skills	Special skills, training, experience, and education are considered, including military experience.	Ventura County Sheriff’s Department
Law Enforcement Special Agent II	Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Two years of law enforcement experience with a governmental law enforcement agency. Certified CLEET peace officer or possess a certification by reciprocity agreement from another state. One year of professional experience in conducting criminal investigations for a governmental law enforcement agency.	Must be able to perform, supervise and direct a broad range of highly technical, complex and professional level law enforcement and investigative activity.		Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

Choosing the Best Degree for Your Federal Law Enforcement Career Goals

The broad skill set required of law enforcement professionals looking to advance their careers means that choosing the right education pathway and program is especially important. But perhaps what is even more important when vying for a competitive law enforcement job, and especially a law enforcement leadership position, is going beyond a bachelor’s degree and obtaining a graduate level education. Attaining specialized skills and an advanced education, such as a master’s or doctorate degree, will increase the job options available to you within an agency and give you the ability to attain a higher pay grade and rank, plus offer increased mobility throughout your career.

In order to prepare law enforcement professionals for leadership positions at the federal, state and local level, the University of San Diego created a 100% online Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership degree. This unique degree program differs from a traditional criminal justice degree by offering a more extensive curriculum that goes beyond the criminal justice basics and teaches the contemporary skills that agencies seek. Graduates from this program will learn about social media skills, crisis communication, working with unmanned aerial vehicles and how to perform in the ever-changing law enforcement landscape.