Completing a master’s in law enforcement degree prepares students with the necessary skills for many different careers in law enforcement. By enrolling in a law enforcement master’s degree, students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the many different functions of law enforcement in our everyday lives.
Our editors first reviewed online law enforcement programs in July 2023. This ranking was last updated in December 2023.
Featured Programs
Top Master’s in Law Enforcement Online Methodology
For students who want to pursue a law enforcement master’s degree, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and program quality. All programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Programs that are offered online are denoted as online programs.
| School | Tuition | Score |
| Lamar University | $9,000 | 100 |
| University of the Cumberlands | $9,765 | 99.75 |
| Western Illinois University | $11,187 | 99.5 |
| Texas A&M University | $12,089 | 99.25 |
| Missouri Southern University | $12,600 | 99 |
| University of North Texas | $13,770 | 98.75 |
| Delta State University | $15,912 | 98.5 |
| University of Massachusetts | $17,250 | 98.25 |
| Liberty University | $20,340 | 98 |
| Grand Canyon University | $20,900 | 97.75 |
| Sam Houston State University | $21,708 | 97.5 |
| Saint Leo University | $21,960 | 97.25 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $27,510 | 97 |
| University of North Alabama | $22,200 | 96.75 |
| Michigan State University | $23,220 | 96.5 |
| Angelo State University | $26,327 | 96.25 |
| Saint Joseph’s University | $27,150 | 96 |
| University of San Diego | $28,659 | 95.75 |
| Florida State University | $38,700 | 95.5 |
| Seton Hall University | $46,944 | 95.25 |
Ranking the Top Master’s in Law Enforcement Degree Programs
1. Lamar University
Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Beaumont, Texas
Score: 100 Tuition: $9,000 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students who want to study at Lamar University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. This program is offered entirely online. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Students can expect to earn this law enforcement master’s degree in as little as 12 months. Some of the courses in this program include:
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Justice Leadership
- Homeland Security
This degree is a great option for those who want to work in correctional facilities, homeland security, law enforcement, and more.
2. University of the Cumberlands
Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Score: 99.75 Tuition: $9,765 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of the Cumberlands currently offers this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement degree to its students. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will develop a deeper understanding of the way that law enforcement is handled within the United States and the problems that face modern law enforcement. A total of 31 credit hours are needed to complete this law enforcement master’s degree. Courses in this program include Law Enforcement Administration, Critical Issues in Law Enforcement.
3. Western Illinois University
Online Master of Arts in Public Safety Administration – Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Macomb, Illinois
Score: 99.5 Tuition: $11,187 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
This Online Master of Arts in Public Safety Administration – Law Enforcement and Justice Administration is offered entirely online by Western Illinois University. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this degree program will learn the skills needed to become a member of law enforcement. Students can expect to complete this degree in under two years. Those who have completed this degree have gone on to have careers as police officers, bailiffs, and more.
4. Texas A&M University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Law, Justice & Policy Concentration
Fort Worth, Texas
Score: 99.25 Tuition: $12,089 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students at Texas A&M University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Criminal Law, Justice & Policy Concentration degree. This program of study provides students with the opportunity to gain the skills and training needed to succeed in law enforcement. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this master of law enforcement will work to examine issues that face modern law enforcement.
5. Missouri Southern University
Master’s in Criminal Justice Online
Joplin, Missouri
Score: 99 Tuition: $12,600 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Missouri Southern State University offers this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Missouri Southern State University forecasts that students will be able to complete this program in under two years. Courses in this program of study include:
- Adult Correctional Organization and Administration
- Civil Law and Liability
- Criminal Justice Theory
By completing this degree students will have gained the education and training for a career in law enforcement.
6. University of North Texas
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Justice Policy and Administration
Denton, Texas
Score: 98.75 Tuition: $13,770 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students at the University of North Texas can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Justice Policy and Administration degree. This program was designed from the ground up to be taken entirely online. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Students can expect to earn this law enforcement master’s degree in under two years of studying. Courses in this program include Seminar in Contemporary Policing, Advanced Criminological Theory, World Criminal Justice Systems, and more.
7. Delta State University
Online Master of Science in Social Justice & Criminology
Cleveland, Mississippi
Score: 98.50 Tuition: $15,912 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Delta State University currently offers this Online Master of Science in Social Justice & Criminology degree to its students. This program is great for students who are looking for a master’s in law enforcement that will set them up for a career in policing or other related fields. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Delta State University currently estimates that students will be able to complete this law enforcement master’s degree program in under two years.
8. University of Massachusetts
Online Master of Arts in Security Studies: Industrial and Economic Security Concentration
Lowell, Massachusetts
Score: 98.25 Tuition: $17,250 Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Arts in Security Studies: Industrial and Economic Security Concentration degree is made available by the University of Massachusetts. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students can expect to complete this law enforcement master’s degree program in under two years. Courses in this program included Contemporary Security Studies, Crisis and Emergency Management, and Overview of Homeland Security.
9. Liberty University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Law Enforcement Leadership
Lynchburg, Virginia
Score: 98 Tuition: $20,340 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Made available by Liberty University, this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Law Enforcement Leadership degree is offered entirely online. This online master in law enforcement is the perfect degree option for students who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program are eight weeks long. Courses in this program include Topics and Trends in Criminal Justice, Strategic Intelligence for Law Enforcement Leaders, and more.
10. Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement
Phoenix, Arizona
Score: 97.75 Tuition: $20,900 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Students at Grand Canyon University can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement degree. A total of 38 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Grand Canyon University offers this degree entirely online. Courses in this program are eight weeks long. Courses in this degree include:
- Crime Prevention and Public Relations
- Criminal Behavior Analysis
- Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will deepen their understanding of the skills needed to be effective law enforcement agents.
11. Sam Houston State University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Huntsville, Texas
Score: 97.5 Tuition: $21,708 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree is offered online by Sam Houston State University. By enrolling in this degree program, students will participate in a curriculum designed to prepare them for careers as law enforcement professionals. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Sam Houston State University estimates that students will be able to complete this program of study in under two years.
12. Saint Leo University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
St. Leo, Florida
Score: 97.25 Tuition: $21,960 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students who want to study at Saint Leo University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. This program of study is designed from the ground up to provide students with the skills and information needed to work as law enforcement professionals. A total of 36 credit hours. Careers available to those who complete this degree include police sergeant, secret service agent, CIA agent, and more.
13. Eastern Kentucky University
Online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management
Richmond, Kentucky
Score: 97 Tuition: $27,510 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Eastern Kentucky University offers its students an Online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management degree to its students. This program provides students with all the training and information they need for a career in security personnel or as a law enforcement officer. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. This online master in law enforcement is estimated by Eastern Kentucky University to be able to be completed in under two years.
14. University of North Alabama
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Florence, Alabama
Score: 96.75 Tuition: $22,200 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree is offered by the University of North Alabama. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this degree include Victimology, Theory and Control of Crime Criminal Procedure, and much more. Students can expect to complete this degree in under two years. This is a great master’s in law enforcement degree for those wanting to begin a career as a law enforcement professional.
15. Michigan State University
Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis
East Lansing, Michigan
Score: 96.5 Tuition: $23,220 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Michigan State University offers students an Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis degree. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 30 credit hours. This program is a great option for students who want to become law enforcement professionals, or current working law enforcement professionals who would like to advance their careers.
Courses include:
- Comprehensive Threat Assessment
- Foundation in Homeland Security
- Introduction to Crime Analysis
A total of ten courses make up this degree.
16. Angelo State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
San Angelo, Texas
Score: 96.25 Tuition: $26,327 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students at Angelo State University can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. This online master’s in law enforcement degree provides students with all the knowledge and training they need to become successful law enforcement professionals. Courses in this degree program include Criminal Justice Theory, Police in Society, Legal Aspects of the Criminal Justice System, and much more. This program of study requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete. Students can expect to complete this degree program in as little as eighteen months.
17. Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice with a Federal Law Enforcement Concentration
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Score: 96 Tuition: $27,150 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Federal Law Enforcement Concentration degree is offered by Saint Joseph’s University. Courses in this program include Federal Criminal Justice, Criminal Law and Prosecution, Homeland Security, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Saint Joseph’s University estimates that this degree takes about two years to complete.
18. University of San Diego
Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership
San Diego, California
Score: 95.75 Tuition: $28,659 Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The University of San Diego offers this Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership degree to its students entirely online. This online master in law enforcement degree is great for students who wish to get the education needed for a career in law enforcement. A total of 31 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This program of study can be completed in as little as two years. Those who have completed this degree have gone on to have careers working for the FBI, TSA, border and customs patrol, and more.
19. Florida State University
Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence
Tallahassee, Florida
Score: 95.5 Tuition: $38,700 Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Students at Florida State University can select this Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence degree to enroll in. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will participate in a curriculum designed to teach them all the skills and concepts needed to become a successful law enforcement professional. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Florida State University estimates that students can earn this degree in under two years. Courses in this program include Human Intelligence Collection, Advanced Evidentiary Reasoning for Criminal Intelligence, Profiling Criminal Behavior, and more.
20. Seton Hall University
Online Master of Arts in Human Resources Training and Development – Police Graduate Studies
South Orange, New Jersey
Score: 95.25 Tuition: $46,944 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
This Online Master of Arts in Human Resources Training and Development – Police Graduate Studies degree is offered by Seton Hall University. This program of study is offered entirely online, or in a blended format at the New Jersey campus. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Seton Hall University estimates that students will be able to complete this degree in under two years.
Courses in this degree program include:
- Current Legal Issues of Public Policies at State and Federal Levels
- Ethical Foundations of Professional Helping Relationships
- Ethical Policing
Related Resources:
- Best Online Masters In Criminal Justice
- Best Bachelor’s In Criminal Justice Online
- Top 25 Affordable Online Master’s In Public Safety Administration
