Do you have to have a college degree to become a police officer?

Question

I have always wanted to become a police officer its always interested me however i just finished my first yr in college and do not really enjoy it that much would i need a degree to become a police officer

Answer 1

College requirements vary from department to department.
It is best to check with the police department you are looking into and see.

However, a college degree (at least an Associate degree) will always help you get the job, especially in today's world.

Answer 2

As far as education goes, some police 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.

Answer 3

More and more departments are asking for at least an Associate Degree. Still, most departments will accept a High School diploma. However, if you apply and the others that apply with you have the AS degree, guess who gets picked first.

Answer 4

Some agencies require it and some don't. Our agency requires an Associates Degree but it can be waived for experience. It can't hurt to get the degree. Investing the time to get the degree lets the agency know you were seriously interested in a career in law enforcement and it will put you ahead of the guys who have no degree.

Answer 5

Cops don't go to college. They are high school grads who trained in a police academy. Paid training, that starts in the $50k in Connecticut upon graduation.

They direct traffic, drive in circles all day looking to give tickets, take calls, break up spats between neighbors in the projects, and file reports all day while chomping down donuts. What college do they need for that?

Answer 6

no, but as with anything, the more the better. just get an associates degree. the benefit of college is you can just take one or two classes at a time.

also if your going for a law enforcement or corrections degree, usually the electives are taken care of by attending the police academy

Answer 7

Depends entirely upon which jurisdiction you are applying for

all Federal Agents need a 4-year degree

For many state and local law enforcement agencies, the requirement is only a H.S. diploma. Here is a good resource for further details:

Answer 8

To be a regular cop you only need a HS diploma (or GED) in most states.

If you want to move up, though, you'll find it hard without a degree.

Here are the requirements in San Diego (for example...)
http://www.sandiego.gov/police/join/cadet.shtml#Requirements

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

More and more are requiring it.
So, go for a degree in criminal justice.

{PA state police want an Assoc degree, or 60 credits.

Answer 10

High school is enough, but college degree will really help to advance.