Law Enforcement Concentration in Criminal Justice
A law enforcement concentration focuses on a defined area within criminal justice. It typically builds on the program core and adds courses that deepen subject knowledge and applied skills.
Quick Answers
What is a law enforcement concentration in criminal justice?
A law enforcement concentration is a focused set of courses within a criminal justice program that emphasizes this subject area.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover core concepts, applied methods, and domain-specific tools related to law enforcement.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Criminal Justice Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Policing operations, investigations, and public safety management
- Key career: Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers – $76,290 median salary (BLS, May 2024)
- Related career: First-Line Supervisors of Police – $105,980 median salary (BLS, May 2024)
- Job outlook: Patrol Officers +3.1% growth, 53,700 annual openings (2024-2034)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Criminal Justice Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Policing Strategies | Community policing, problem-oriented policing, and patrol operations |
| Criminal Investigation | Interview techniques, evidence collection, and case management |
| Police Administration | Leadership, budgeting, policy development, and organizational management |
| Use of Force and Ethics | Legal standards, ethical decision-making, and accountability |
| Traffic and Public Safety | Traffic enforcement, accident investigation, and community safety programs |
| Specialized Investigations | Narcotics, gangs, white-collar crime, and organized crime units |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How criminal justice concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections | Correctional Officers | $57,970 | -7.8% |
| Courts | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $61,010 | +0.2% |
| Criminology | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $93,580 | -0.7% |
| Forensic Science | Forensic Science Technicians | $67,440 | +12.8% |
| Homeland Security | Information Security Analysts | $124,910 | +28.5% |
| Law Enforcement | Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $76,290 | +3.1% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.