Summary of work: More than 47 hours of research. Every online Master in Law Enforcement Administration program in the US analyzed. 19 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 20 of the best programs identified.
Designed to tackle the challenges of leadership and public administration in law enforcement, a master’s in law enforcement program prepares students for advanced administrative duties in the field. These multidisciplinary programs cover theories of criminal justice and incident response strategies, so graduates can approach any situation with critical insight and analysis.
In addition, students can receive specialized training to become voices of authority in specific fields. Many schools offer specializations in areas such as emergency management, corrections, cyber intelligence, and homeland security. Supervised capstone projects and internships allow students to demonstrate skills gained during their studies, which means graduates can feel confident they are prepared to offer value as soon as they obtain a position.
A law enforcement master’s degree can also open the door to well-paying, rewarding careers at senior levels of law enforcement and justice administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady annual job growth for a number of senior-level positions like police lieutenant over the next decade. More importantly, that means graduates can enjoy a career that is both stable and fulfilling.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Law Enforcement Administration program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the Top 20 best online Masters in Law Enforcement Administration programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Michigan State University makes it easy for distance learners to complete the law enforcement administration coursework while receiving a campuslike experience. The asynchronous coursework is delivered via Dream2Learn, a virtual learning system that provides the lessons and gives students a way to collaborate on group projects as if they were in a real on-campus classroom.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science Degree in Judicial Administration
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer or Fall: February 1; Spring: September 1
GPA: 3.2
The University of San Diego offers a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and military-friendly law enforcement and public safety administration program. The program grants benefits for veterans, active military, and current members of a LEA, who want to advance their careers in leadership or administrative roles. Eligible students can benefit from reduced tuition costs and flexible payment options to make earning their master's degree less of a financial burden. Graduates of the FBI National Academy may also transfer up to 12 credits towards the program.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership
Accrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 20 months
Program start dates: Fall: September 4; Spring: January 22; Summer: May 21
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 7; Spring: December 3; Summer: April 22
GPA: 2.75
Colorado State University-Global Campus was created in 2007 by the CSU System to provide high quality online education for modern learners. The master's in law enforcement program develops leaders through distance education and prepares them for advanced roles within their respective fields. The curriculum was designed to establish a strong foundation on traditional criminal justice topics, but also focuses on contemporary, cutting edge areas such as cybercrime, terrorism, international investigations, forensics, white collar crime, data analytics and technology.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
Accrediting Body: HLC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Every month
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Wilmington University designed its master's in administration of justice program for students who are already working in a related field and can't commit to a full-time schedule but want to earn their degree for career advancement. Upon earning their degree, students can transition into management-level positions in homeland security and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Administration of Justice
Specialized Concentration: Leadership and Administration
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 year
Program start dates: January 14
Salve Regina University gives students a way to put into practice what they learn in the master's in law enforcement administration program. Students are able to sign up for both state and federal internships to improve their skills in the field.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Graduate Studies and Continuing Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security
Specialized Concentration: Leadership in Justice
Accrediting Body: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in any undergraduate major from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram start dates: January 22
Students in the online master's in law enforcement administration program at Bellevue University are part of a cohort, meaning they remain together as a group upon enrolling in the program. This format allows them to build lasting relationships and to collaborate on assignments as they work toward earning their degree, as well as to develop networking opportunities for career advancement after college.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Justice Administration and Crime Management
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Sam Houston State University designed its law enforcement administration program for criminal justice professionals who want to move into management-level positions. The curriculum includes subjects in leadership psychology and law enforcement management, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed at the next level.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management
Accrediting Body: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 Credit Hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 16
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
Students in the law enforcement administration program at Georgetown University have the flexibility to tailor the program to their specific educational and career needs. Distance learners can select between online and hybrid classes, enroll on a full- or part-time basis and take as many as five years to earn their degree.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Continuing Education
Program Name: Master's in Applied Intelligence
Available Concentrations: Law Enforcement, Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-5 years
Program start dates: January 9
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 1
GPA: 3.0
The University of Cincinnati offers an accelerated law enforcement administration program for full-time students. Distance learners can complete the entire degree program in one year and even reduce that time with transfer credits from a previous graduate program.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Law Enforcement & Crime Prevention
Accrediting Body: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university
Credit Requirements: 33 semester hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall; Spring: January 7; Summer: May 8
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0
Columbia College takes a hands-on approach to teaching students in the master's in law enforcement administration program. The courses are structured in a way to maximize student interaction, creating a collaborative educational environment for distance learners.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Humanities, Arts & Social Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentrations: Law Enforcement Administration, Corrections Administration
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 7
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 1
GPA: 3.0
University of North Texas gives students a way to shorten their time in the online master's in law enforcement administration program with a generous credit transfer program. Students can transfer up to 9 credit hours into the program, helping them to take only the necessary courses to earn their degree and reducing their time in school.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Health and Public Service
Program Name: MS in Criminal Justice with Concentration
Specialized Concentration: Justice Policy and Administration
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Saint Joseph's University has more than 160 years of educational experience and has developed one of the more rigorous and structured curricula in that time. Students in the law enforcement administration program learn foundational and advanced topics in analytical reasoning, forensic financial analysis and more, gaining invaluable skills and knowledge for use in their careers.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Federal Law Enforcement
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January, March, May, July, August, October
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Students who want a well-rounded knowledge of law enforcement administration should enroll in the online master's program at Bethune-Cookman University. This program not only includes the basics of administrative leadership in public and private criminal justice environments but also covers foundational theories of justice and ethical standards, giving students a solid foundation for leadership careers at the administrative level.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MSCJA)
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: January 14
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: November 1
GPA: 2.75
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers several concentrations and customized focus paths in its master's in law enforcement administration program. Students are able to select a single concentration or a primary focus path to increase their knowledge for assuming leadership positions in the field.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Criminal Justice Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 22
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75
The University of the Cumberlands caters to novices of law enforcement who are entering the field for the very first time. Online students learn the foundations of law enforcement and can customize their degree with specializations such as juvenile justice administration to create a program that's truly their own.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Justice Administration
Available Concentrations: Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, Corrections, Juvenile Justice
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credit
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring I: January 7; Spring II: March 4; Summer I: May 6; Summer II: July 1; Fall I: August 26; Fall II: October 21
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Distance learners in Saint Leo University's law enforcement administration program benefit from state-of-the-art tools, software and resources to improve their productivity in the program. Students can access the university's digital library, receive online tutoring, join online clubs and more at the click of a button.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Available Concentrations: Behavioral Studies, Corrections, Criminal Investigations, Critical Incident Management, Forensic Science, Legal Studies
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 graduate credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Online, Hybrid
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 9
Albany State University offers the most customization options in the master's in law enforcement administration program. Students can customize the program with numerous electives and graduate certificates to enhance their degree for future career advancement.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Humanities
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Law Enforcement
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online, Face-to-face
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or University
Credit Requirements: 30 semester hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers great value for distance learners who are new to the field and have worked professionally for years. Distance learners in the law enforcement administration program benefit from affordable tuition, structured coursework, scholarship support, various start dates and more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Division of Behavioral Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Available Concentrations: Law Enforcement, Corrections
Accrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online, Evening
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 42 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 18-24 months
Program start dates: January 7
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Students in the online master's in law enforcement program learn alongside industry professionals in law enforcement, forensic science and investigation to prepare for leadership careers after college. The faculty members use their knowledge to develop the students' expertise in the field while the Career Development Center helps them with internship opportunities, resume building, interview training and more.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Focus Area: Leadership and Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring; Summer; Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: January 4; Summer: May 6
GPA: 3.0
Tiffin University's faculty members are academic leaders and have administrative experience in the field. These instructors share their expertise with students in the law enforcement administration program, helping them to gain the skills for becoming leaders in their own careers.
Program OverviewProgram Name: MS in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Justice Administration
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January, March, May, July, August, October
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0