Why Choose a Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration?
Getting a Master’s in Law Enforcement is a great way to focus on saving lives and working in the criminal justice system. Students in this field can advance their careers more quickly by gaining more education. Some who wish to teach may also appreciate the postsecondary training received in a master’s program.
Most Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration take between 20 months and two years to complete, but some are faster than others. Accelerated programs may take as little as a year.
Choosing a Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration
People are able to enter the policing and detective fields without any postsecondary education, but obtaining an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree will help students move forward with their careers more quickly and stand out against others.
Between 2019 and 2029, it is expected that the jobs in the field of law enforcement will increase faster than average. As of 2019, there were 813,500 jobs, but that number is expected to grow to 40,600 by 2029.
Below are our top 15 choices for schools offering a master’s degree in law enforcement administration. If you don’t see a program that you’d like to join here, let us help you search based on your specific requirements.
The Best 15 Schools with a Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration
1. Tiffin University
Tiffin University offers a degree in law enforcement through its Master’s in Criminal Justice. There are six concentration areas in forensic psychology, criminal behavior, crime science and others.
- Tuition (in-state): $12,600
- Enrollment: 2,926
2. Columbia College
Columbia College offers a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Students involved in this program can study a management track or go into corrections administration or law enforcement administration.
- Tuition (in-state): $8,584
- Enrollment: 9,913
3. University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky offers a Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration. The program offers online classes for those who need more flexibility. The program also offers several flexible specialization tracks (ten in total).
- Tuition (in-state): $4,282
- Enrollment: 16,966
4. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers a two-year Master’s in Law Enforcement program that consists of 36 credit hours. The degree is fully accredited and is available both on campus and online.
- Tuition (in-state): $5,765
- Enrollment: 21,558
5. University of New Haven
The University of New Haven offers a Master’s in Criminal Justice. This program does not require the GMAT or GRE, so it is easy to apply to. Students can opt to focus in areas such as police behavioral studies, crime analysis or leadership and management.
- Tuition (in-state): $17,370
- Enrollment: 6,793
6. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a Master’s in Criminal Justice that focuses on forensics, fraud prevention and more. There are two specialization paths as well, so students can opt to study information technology or fraud management if they wish.
- Tuition (in-state): $9,000
- Enrollment: 12,670
7. Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers a Master’s of Administration of Justice. This program has concentrations in homeland security, criminal behavior, and leadership and administration.
- Tuition (in-state): $8,784
- Enrollment: 14,730
8. Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a federal law enforcement concentration. This program helps students prepare to work in law enforcement. Other tracks include intelligence and crime analysis, homeland security and behavior analysis. The MS is made up of 30 credits and takes between 18 to 24 months to complete.
- Tuition (in-state): $17,802
- Enrollment: 7,362
9. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University offers a Master’s in Criminal Justice in an accelerated format. The coursework can be completed within two years. Students may graduate and go on to work in private or public organizations, the U.S. Coast Guard, the FBI or with other organizations.
- Tuition (in-state): $14,568
- Enrollment: 10,912
10. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers a Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration. This program is specifically designed for people who are currently working, so the classes are able to be taken online when necessary.
- Tuition (in-state): $6,350
- Enrollment: 39,336
11. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a 33-credit-hour program for its Master in Public Safety Leadership and Administration. The degree has 11 classes that run 7.5 weeks in length each. Three concentrations are available as well.
- Tuition (in-state): $6,516
- Enrollment: 45,073
12. University of San Diego
The University of San Diego offers a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership. This program is available online and provides credits that can be transferred into San Diego Regional Leadership Institute, California Command College or others. This program takes just five semesters to complete.
- Tuition (in-state): $27,936
- Enrollment: 9,181
13. National University
National University offers a Master’s in Law Enforcement as well as a Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. These programs come in four-week courses, which makes them easier to start. Students focus on one subject each month.
- Tuition (in-state): $15,480
- Enrollment: 16,670
14. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a Master’s of Law Enforcement degree with 33 credit hours. The program goes over applied statistics in criminal justice, crime mapping and the practice of law enforcement. Most students finish full-time studies within one year.
- Tuition (in-state): $13,224
- Enrollment: 39,263
15. Michigan State University
Michigan State University offers an accredited Master’s in Law Enforcement program designed to help students learn more about law enforcement analysis and intelligence. The program consists of 30 credits.
- Tuition (in-state): $18,858
- Enrollment: 49,809
Ranking Methodology
The schools listed in this article have been ranked based on two factors including their tuition rates and enrollment. Additional information has been provided to help students get a better idea about each of those programs, such as how many credits they consist of or how long they take.
The list here cannot be guaranteed, and the information therein may change at any time.
Do You Want to Know More About Your Rankings?
We’re here to help if you want to learn more about your rankings. If your school’s information is not correct, let us know, so we can make adjustments. If your school is not listed, get in touch. We would be glad to take your information and to add your program to our lists.
