What Can You Do With a Law Enforcement Degree? 10 Career Options to Consider

If you're interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, there are many different types of specialized roles that are available. Law enforcement professionals may pursue a criminal justice degree and help maintain public safety, enforce laws, investigate crime, assist with forensics, cybersecurity and much more. Read on to explore more options and see which career you'd be interested in pursuing.

Each federal, state, or local agency determines its own requirements for licensure of law enforcement careers. Minimum educational standards for licensure in law enforcement careers range from a high school diploma to a college degree and can vary widely. Some agencies require graduation from an agency-approved academic program or training academy. Rasmussen University’s Criminal Justice Associate’s and Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor’s degree programs are not a training academy or approved program with any federal, state, or local agency. It is important to understand whether licensure is required for a desired career by consulting the appropriate federal , state, or local agency requirements.

Police Officer

Police officers work in local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to protect their communities and properties. Their job duties vary depending on the employer and function, but may range from responding to both emergency and non-emergency calls and complaints to patrolling assigned neighborhoods. They often interact with witnesses, victims and make arrests. Police officers often write detailed reports, fill out forms and help prepare cases for legal hearing if they go to trial and may testify in court if necessary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics¹, if you're interested in becoming a police officer, the education typically required ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Some agencies may require some coursework or a criminal justice degree or academy training for specific roles. Federal law enforcement agents undergo more extensive training.

Police officers may specialize in areas such as K-9 units, SWAT teams, or forensic science, some are eligible for promotions after a probationary period.

Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Associate’s degree program meets the educational standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who intend to seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer. Upon completing this program, passing a physical fitness test, and completing additional first responder training, graduates will be eligible to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Licensing Exam. This program does not meet standards of states other than Minnesota. This program is only open to residents of Minnesota, or those willing to sign an attestation of their intent to seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer.

FBI Agent

An FBI agent, sometimes referred to as a special agent, works for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI agents may investigate criminal cases that violate Federal law and crimes against public agencies, like crimes that involve espionage, terrorism and organized crime. FBI agents may also join or take over state cases that involve prescription drugs or large amounts of money.

FBI agents typically work in different locations, conduct research and work alongside other law enforcement agencies to complete investigations.

Similar to police officers, FBI agent is a specialized career path that may require a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and at least two years of full-time work experience, or one year of experience plus an advanced degree. Federal officers must be U.S. citizens.

FBI agents may specialize in certain areas like counterterrorism, cybercrime, or forensic science, depending on their job role.

Additional training and/or education beyond the initial training and education may be required to pursue a career as a FBI Agent. It is important to check the educational requirements required by consulting the appropriate federal agency” A disclosure needs to be added at the end of this paragraph “Rasmussen University does not offer a law enforcement degree program at the bachelor’s level. Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Associate’s degree program does not meet standards of states other than Minnesota.

Careers in Investigation and Forensics

Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators typically work at the scene of a crime to analyze, collect and determine why a criminal crime occurred. They may take photos of the crime scene, measure physical evidence, and collect fingerprints, footprints, tire tracks, DNA, ballistics, debris and other items.

If you're interested in becoming a CSI, students typically pursue a criminal justice bachelor's degree or a forensic science, or biology degree program and then specialize in a similar area.

Specific work experience, education, certification and/or licensure may be required to pursue a career as a Crime Scene Investigator. It is important to check the educational, certification, and licensure requirements required by consulting the appropriate federal, state or local agency. Rasmussen University does not offer any programs in Forensic Science or Biology.

Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians help with criminal investigations at crime scenes to collect and analyze evidence. Forensic science technicians have a range of duties, from analyzing crime scenes to determine what evidence needs to be gathered, to photographing and sketching crime scenes to tell a story. They note their findings, collect evidence, then catalog and preserve it for processing at crime labs.

Once in a lab, forensic technicians may use facilities to perform a series of chemical, biological tests on evidence or DNA for significant findings for the investigation. They typically consult with other professionals in specialized areas like toxicology for more information and expertise on their findings.

If you're interested in become a forensic science technician, students typically pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in physical science or biology. Advanced degrees may specialize in toxicology, pathology or DNA.

Rasmussen University does not offer any programs in Forensic Science, Physical Science, or Biology.

Careers in the Criminal Justice System

Probation Officer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics², Probation officers and corrections officers "may help to rehabilitate law offenders in custody or on probation or parole." Instead of serving prison time, some offenders are placed on probation. They work with probation officers to make sure they're "not a danger to the community and help in their rehabilitation by visiting frequently."

Probation officers may interview probationers, their friends or family in order to assess their progress and determine the best course of rehabilitation.

Probation officers work with parolees who were released from correctional facilities and ensure they follow the terms and conditions of their parole, sometimes by electronic monitoring to track their movements.

If you’re interested in becoming a probation officer you may want to look at bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, psychology or a related field, additional training may also be required depending on the state, local or federal government regulations. Specialized casework may also be available, for example if one officer may deal with domestic violence probationers where another may only deal with substance abuse cases.

Additional training, certification, licensure and/or education may be required to become a Probation Officer. It is important to check with federal, local, and state agencies regarding the requirements.

Careers in Intelligence and Analysis

Intelligence Analyst

According to U.S. Apprenticeship³, intelligence analysts "gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems." That information is used to "anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism."

Some responsibilities of intelligence analysts include examining records or other data sets to investigate criminal activities, prepare investigation or incident reports, investigate illegal or suspicious activity, interview people to gather information and evidence and much more to assess potential security threats.

If you’re interested in becoming an intelligence analyst, students may wish to look at a bachelor’s degree in political science, criminal justice, or more specifically Intelligence Analysis.

Additional training, specific work experience, and/or education may be required to become an Intelligence Analyst. It is important to check with federal, state, and local agencies regarding the educational and work experience requirements. Rasmussen University does not offer any programs in Political Science or Intelligence Analysis.

Specialized Careers With a Law Enforcement Degree

U.S. Marshal

The U.S. Marshals Service enforces federal laws to provide security for the federal judiciary. A U.S. Marshal might "protect judiciary, apprehending federal fugitives, managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, housing and transporting prisoners and operating the Witness Security Program."

If you're interested in becoming a U.S. Marshal⁴, students must complete either a four-year bachelor's degree program in law enforcement or a related field, or combine education and experience to meet the minimum job requirements.

Border Patrol Agent

U.S. border patrol agents maintain surveillance and detection, prevention and apprehension of individuals lacking permanent legal status. Other duties might include following up on leads, checking traffic, city and transportation checks, administrative, intelligence and anti-smuggling activities.

If you’re interested in becoming a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, students typically pursue a bachelor’s degree. There are options for combining education and relevant work experience equivalent to a specified level.⁵ Additional training is required at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM.

Private Sector and Nonprofit Careers

Private Investigator

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics⁶, private investigators "gather, analyze, and report information to clients regarding legal or personal matters. Their services [may] include verifying people's backgrounds, finding missing persons, and investigating crimes."

Private investigators may offer services to individuals, attorneys, businesses and more. They may specialize in a specific type of investigation, like missing persons, divorce cases, workers' compensation claims, identity theft, organized crime and more.

In addition to conducting surveillance, private investigators may also write detailed reports based on their findings and share the results with clients in court settings. Although they lack police authority, they are "held to the same standards of conduct as private citizens. As a result, these workers must have a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws."

If you're interested in becoming a private investigator, students typically pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as security and protective service.

Additional education and/or licensure may be required to become a Private Investigator. It is important to check with federal, state, and local agencies regarding the licensure requirements. Rasmussen University does not offer a Law Enforcement degree program at the bachelor’s level. Rasmussen University’s Law Enforcement Associate’s degree program does not meet standards of states other than Minnesota. This program is only open to residents of Minnesota, or those willing to sign an attestation of their intent to seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer.

Loss Prevention Specialist

A loss prevention specialist is considered a type of security guard that is focused on preventing theft and loss in retail or similar industries. They're responsible for patrolling property, enforcing the rules of a business or facility, responding to emergencies, conducting security checks, and writing reports on their findings.

A loss prevention specialist may stay aware of any unusual activity, ensuring that the proper authorities are contacted, like fire, police, EMS, etc.

If you're interesting in becoming a loss prevention specialist, students typically pursue a high school diploma and on-the-job training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics⁷, it's stated that "most states require security guards to be licensed by the state, especially if they carry a firearm." The BLS also states that a bachelor's degree is not required, but some positions seek higher education degrees in security and protective services.

What Comes Next

Before pursuing a career in law enforcement, consider pursuing a degree in law enforcement⁸ from Rasmussen University. Not sure what you'd like to do? Learn the difference between law enforcement and criminal justice.

The Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor’s degree and Criminal Justice Associate’s degree programs have not been approved by any state professional licensing body, and the programs do not lead to any state-issued professional license. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.

In Minnesota, the Criminal Justice Associate’s degree program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer.

Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE): The Law Enforcement programs at Rasmussen University meet standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (MN POST) for persons who seek employment in Minnesota as a peace officer. Graduates of this program may need to successfully complete additional academic coursework, training, practical/skills and fitness standards before becoming eligible to sit for the MN Peace Officer Licensing Exam.

The Law Enforcement Programs at Rasmussen University are not aligned to the standards of any professional licensing body other than the MN POST and are not intended to satisfy professional licensure requirements of any professional licensing agency in any other state.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Police and Detectives, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-4 (visited February 11, 2025).

²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm#tab-2 (visited February 11, 2025).

³Occupation Finder at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations/listings?occupationCode=33-3021.06 (visited February 11, 2025).

⁴U.S. Marshals Office, Deputy U.S. Marshals, Careers, Qualifications, at https://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/deputy-us-marshals/qualifications (visited February 11, 2025).

⁵U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol Agent Qualification Aid, (visited February 11, 2025), https://careers.cbp.gov/s/applicant-resources/bpa-qualification-aid

⁶Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Private Detectives and Investigators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm#tab-2 (visited February 11, 2025).

⁷Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm#tab-4 (visited February 11, 2025).

⁸Rasmussen University, Justice Studies, Law Enforcement Degree, Certificate, Associate's Degree at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/law-enforcement/ (visited February 11, 2025).