I want to know that in order to become a police officer, does one need a college degree?
2006-06-14 03:34:30 · 13 answers · asked by Kathy 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
not necessarily, but a college degree (especially in criminology) will increase your chances of getting hired. however, you CAN apply for it, if you are at least a high school graduate. my uncle is a police officer, he didn't graduate college but he WAS in college -- he studied, then quit.
try taking some criminology classes in a community college -- so that you will gain information about the career. and good luck
2006-06-14 03:39:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Requirements, including educational requirements, to become a police officer vary depending on the police department. As far as education goes, some departments only require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or ged, some departments require applicants to have at least a certain amount of college credits (30 or 60 for example) or a 2 year degree, and some departments require applicants to have at least a 4 year degree. You should consider getting a college degree if you don't have one. Getting a college degree is one of the best things that you can do. Many departments require or prefer applicants to have college. Having a degree could help you get hired by some departments. Some departments pay their officers more if they have a degree. Having a degree could also help you get promoted during your career.
2014-08-11 05:30:03 · answer #2 · answered by J.W. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One doesn't necessarily HAVE to have a college degree, but it will help your chances of getting through all the prelimenary testing if you have one. Depending on how large the department is, their may be 1000s of applications taking the written test to see if they can get through to the interviewing/physical testing stage. The only way to weed through all of those applicants is to pick the best of the best - the college grads. It will help your chances a lot if you have a degree, plus you get paid more than those who don't have a degree. My mother is a police officer and got a 5% pay increase when she got her bachelors. You can also get a pay increase for being bilingual (speaking 2 languages). If you have a degree in Criminal Justice, it will help you a lot.
2006-06-14 03:39:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states don't require any college to become a police officer. You have to go through their training academy, though. I have known policemen with college degrees in sociology and psychology and probably other areas which I think would make them a better policeman just as any education broadens your world and ideas.
2006-06-14 03:41:08 · answer #4 · answered by Surfgirl2go 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if you want to be a regular traffic cop. If you want to get into a higher paying position like forensics or criminal justice, you'll need some more brains than your average Barney Fife. Don't forget, getting an education is never a waste of time or effort and it's something that will appreciate in value.
2006-06-14 03:39:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not in some states usually the police department will test your ability & knowledge, then send you thru training.
2006-06-14 03:39:32 · answer #6 · answered by hazyangelgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope
they have couple test you need to pass.. just like you would take to join the military
2006-06-14 03:38:39 · answer #7 · answered by Oracle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in mayberry...no...
but most cities do require some college background.
get a degree in criminal justice or forensic science
2006-06-14 03:38:24 · answer #8 · answered by fluorescentsurfer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in Detroit you need a degree if you want to get higher than lieutenant.
2006-06-14 03:37:49 · answer #9 · answered by sunny_fluff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you do need to pass some tests however.
2006-06-14 03:37:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋