Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Majors Overview March 8, 2015Get information about a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and its coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration are trained to pursue careers focused on the administrative side of police work. Those who complete the program can expect to become adept at providing staff and administrative support to security and law enforcement agencies, and they would also be able to provide education to other students on topic areas relating to criminal justice.
Some schools offer concentrations or minors in various related areas; these areas include forensic chemistry, security management, fire administration, homeland security, or forensic science.
Coursework
Coursework within a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration imparts the necessary skills to students through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on practical education via an internship. Core coursework may include topic areas such as the following:
•Organized crime
•Evidence
•Criminal law
•Personnel management
•Security management
•Juvenile justice
•Traffic administration
•Ethics and professionalism
•Organization and administration
•Terrorism
Career Choices
Those who complete a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration can seek employment in a wide range of law enforcement fields. They may choose from traditional career options, such as:
•Fingerprint technician
•Bailiff
•Court clerk
•Security consultant
•Dispatcher
•Corrections officer
•Police officer supervisor
•Juvenile corrections officer
•Probation officer
•Polygraph examiner
Job and Wage Outlook
Police officers and detectives are expected to see negligible changes in job growth over the 2010 – 2020 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $56,980 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may opt for continuing education by earning a graduate degree. Many schools offer master’s degrees; these may be in the fields of police science, forensic science, criminal justice, and related fields. Schools also offer doctoral programs in these fields.