Career Outlook for Individuals with a Degree in Law Enforcement Administration
Career News February 17, 2016Contrary to popular opinion, it is possible to pursue a law enforcement administration degree program up to a bachelor’s degree level. To learn more about the education details, skills, job growth rate and salary info for this degree program, read the article below.
Degree Programs in Law Enforcement Administration Overview
Pursuing a degree program in Law enforcement administration helps someone get a higher position in the police force or other security agencies. Most programs related to Law enforcement administration are offered as certificates and associate’s degrees, but students who enrolls into the bachelor’s degree program will be taught how to manage file reports, supervise crime reduction efforts and lead other police officers in general. They may also have to undergo courses in psychology, sociology, management and behavioral sciences before graduation.
| Career | Police Supervisor | Sheriff | Customs and Border Protection Supervisors |
| Education details | Bachelor’s degree | Post high school education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Additional information | Work experience in the police force | Police academy training | Work experience |
| Estimated job growth rate | 5% | 6% | 5% |
| Average salary in 2014 | $84,260 | $59,560 | $79,200 |
Career Options for those with a Law Enforcement Administration Degree
A degree program in Law enforcement administration is probably what you need if you would like to climb the ladder in various police ranks. The program offers important leadership and development skills. Thus, it offers you skills that could lead to a job in being a protection supervisor, police supervisor or sheriff.
Police Supervisor
They delegate assignments to lower ranked police officers, complete departmental work, enforce new and existing policies and ensure that their juniors work in good and safe conditions. They also coordinate and make plans in their specific departments. Police supervisors may also go with the titles of sergeant, police lieutenant or detective. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in this career field are expected to grow at a rate of five percent up to the year 2022. On the other hand, the average salary for police supervisors was $84,260 in 2014 (BLS).
Sheriff
They are in charge of the police force at county levels. Therefore, they manage and supervise their deputies and other juniors in the police force in such levels. However, the work duties of a sheriff are not that many, as their roles somehow overlap with those of municipal police officers. In most cases, sheriffs who manage those areas tend to locate outside of the municipal borders. Also, they manage county jails and offer extra services to city police departments if need arises. According to the BLS in 2014, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $56,130. In 2012, the job growth rate for sheriffs is expected to grow at five percent up to 2022.
Custom and Border Protection Supervisors
The profession is part of the Department of Homeland Security. So, a custom and Border protection supervisor controls entry or exit of illegal goods and people across the country’s borders. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the average annual salary for supervisors is $57,709. Jobs are likely to grow at a rate of five within the next few years.
