Applicants can search for law enforcement administration programs under a variety of department and subject names. While some schools use the name "law enforcement administration," similar graduate degree programs might also appear under criminal justice studies, criminal justice administration or public safety administration. Prospective applicants should review the required curriculum and available classes at each institution to decide whether the degree program serves as adequate preparation for the type of law enforcement employment they plan to apply for in the future.
Graduate school programs can confer a variety of degrees, include the master's degree and Ph.D. These programs offer both theoretical and practical approaches to law enforcement administration. A theoretical approach focuses on criminal justice policies and ideas, while a practical approach shares law enforcement administration strategies and real-world approaches. Graduate students generally take both types of classes. A master's degree program often entails at least one year of study and a practical component ,such as a project or work placement. A Ph.D., however, can take three to five years of study if the student already has a master's degree, or even five to seven years if the student only has a bachelor's degree.
Applicants to graduate degree programs must have previously completed a bachelor's degree program. Some master's degree schools might require that the applicant have completed the bachelor's degree in criminal justice or another related field. Applicants should be able to submit sealed transcripts from all college studies. While some master's programs do not require standardized test scores, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Ph.D. programs usually do require GRE scores. Additional admissions requirements may include personal statements and letters of recommendation.
Many entry-level law enforcement jobs do not require a college degree, much less a graduate degree. Applicants for higher-level administrative positions, however, must usually have at least a bachelor's degree. Higher-ranking law enforcement officials, such as those ranked at lieutenant or higher, often hold a master's degree. Individuals with graduate-level degrees can aspire to more prestigious, higher-paying positions such as police chief, head of security and other opportunities. Alternatively, a Ph.D. often qualifies an individual to apply for teaching and research jobs with colleges and universities in the field of law enforcement or criminal justice.