If you wish to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, you will need a new degree. Most federal positions now require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many of the better-paying positions require at least a master’s degree. The best degree for the job can vary from position to position, but these degrees must come from accredited schools.
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Becoming a federal law enforcement officer takes time and effort, and the proper education is a necessity for those following that path. Degrees in criminal justice and law are often a necessity, but many also seek degrees in accounting and computer science. Federal law enforcement jobs include not only catching criminals on foot, but doing the necessary research to make sure that criminals go to jail for their crimes.
About the best degrees for becoming a federal law enforcement agent
Undergraduate degrees for federal law enforcement
Most entry-level positions in federal law enforcement require an undergraduate degree. The best undergraduate degrees are those that put future officers in a position to understand the law and their specific role in maintaining it. Good bachelor’s degrees typically include degrees in criminal justice and pre-law, but an increasing number of individuals are hired with degrees in accounting and computer science. Classes in the former fields focus on understanding the law and its applications, while the latter tend to focus on very specific applications. Understanding basic accounting principals or the functioning of computers can be a necessity for those that want to work in the financial or technical parts of a federal organization, while understanding the law may be better for field officers.
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Master’s degrees for federal law enforcement
The best master’s degrees are those that prepare a future officer for greater positions of authority. The FBI, for example, has a tendency to hire individuals with master’s degrees in criminal law. This course load helps individuals to understand the applications of federal law as well as an agent’s role within it, and helps to show the agency that an individual is dedicated to law and order. Other good master’s degrees include those in computer science, accounting and business, as they do help to provide specialized information that some employees may need. Those these degrees are less likely to result in a field position, they are quite valuable for those that play support roles in the federal agencies.
Online degrees for becoming a federal law enforcement agent
The best online degrees for federal law enforcement tend to be those related to criminal justice. These degrees are fairly common online, and the top online degree programs do tend to offer such degrees. These courses of study are perfect for those already in law enforcement, as one can attend class without interrupting work. It is fairly easy to find an applicable online program, and most students that wish to work in federal law enforcement will find these degrees to function in the same manner as a traditional degree.
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