Almost a quarter of a million people work in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security across the United States, doing their very best to protect their country. Homeland security roles can range from the aviation industry to border security to emergency response agencies and offer students a wide range of varying career opportunities.

About Salem’s Law Enforcement Bachelor’s Degree

With Salem University’s Law Enforcement specialization in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program, we prepare students for an entry-level career in law enforcement. Students gain crucial knowledge in areas of particular interest to law enforcement agencies including police operations and administration, community policing, and law enforcement management. A BA in Criminal Justice degree can also be a great stepping off point toward getting your Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

We’ve designed our bachelor’s degree curriculum with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares you for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and encourage all of our students to read critically, ask appropriate questions, gather information, and apply critical analysis. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement?

A BA in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in law enforcement classes can help you prepare for entry-level employment in careers like:

  • Parole/Probation Officer (Adult or Juvenile)
  • Police Officer (State, County or Local)
  • Fish and Game Warden
  • Bailiff

You could also qualify for a position as an agent with a variety of federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, US Marshals and Immigrations & Customs Enforcement.

What Will I Learn in Salem’s Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement?

One of the most important aspects in the law enforcement field is being able to think critically and prioritize making ethical decisions on an everyday basis. That’s why the core curriculum of our BA in Criminal Justice explores diverse perspectives while providing law enforcement training that is useful in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting crimes. We want you to understand not just the basics, but also the history and philosophy behind the criminal justice system and where it can grow and evolve in the future. All of this is brought together in a capstone course that gives you the opportunity to set up and manage an actual sporting event.

In your specialized Law Enforcement training courses, you’ll cover topics like:

  • Basic police functions, including the historical development of the police, police roles, types of patrol, community-oriented policing, volunteer policing, and crime prevention techniques
  • The internal and external causes of loss in business and industry and the implementation of counter-measures needed to ensure the protection of assets
  • The organizational structures, administrative problems, and principles of administration within police organizations, including employee morale and discipline
  • Policing and patrol operations at the neighborhood and community levels, with a focus on community policing, problem-solving, and the various processes in use under COPPS to prevent and control crime
  • Modern management theory within the criminal justice landscape and the application of those techniques, including civil liability, political power, and ethics

What Law Enforcement Classes Will I Take?

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program with a specialization in Law Enforcement requires the completion of 75 foundational and elective credits, as well as 30 core criminal justice credits that include:

  • CJU205 Criminal Law
  • CJU210 Criminal Evidence and Constitutional Procedure
  • CJU230 Criminal Investigation and Forensics
  • CJU233 Crisis Intervention
  • CJU242 Domestic Violence
  • CJU270 Terrorism
  • CJU405 Constitutional Law
  • CJU408 Criminal Justice Research and Statistics
  • CJU440 Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • CJU499 Capstone

You’ll also take 15 credits in the Law Enforcement specialization:

  • CJU215 Police Operations
  • CJU235 Security
  • CJU300 Police Administration
  • CJU315 Patrol and Community Policing
  • CJU449 Criminal Justice Management

How Long Will It Take to Get My Law Enforcement Bachelor’s Degree?

On average, a full-time student can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Law Enforcement in approximately 40 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It’d be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or online here. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice — Law Enforcement degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.