3 answers
Noah
Student
1
Question
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I'm interested in going into law enforcement are there any specific science classes I should take my senior year?
What sciences classes should I take my senior year?
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3 answers
Scott Johnson
Solution Consultant
7
Answers
Flemington, New Jersey
Updated
Scott’s Answer
So you can’t ever go wrong with computer science classes. Even in this day and age, law enforcement tends to be tech light when it comes to computers. Being able to help out with computer problems is invaluable. As your career advances, being a “tech guy (or gal)” could create opportunities for you in specialty computer crime and digital forensic assignments.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
228
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Noah: Frankly it depends on what type of law enforcement officer you want to be. A regular policeman any science course will do. If you want to be a forensic policeman you need specific courses. I'd talk to my guidence counselor to get on the right road! Good luck.
Thank you so much, DENNIS!
Noah
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're interested in law enforcement, you don't need to dive deep into hardcore science, but choosing the right classes can really help you gain useful skills and make your college or academy applications stand out. In your senior year, if your school offers forensic science, it's a great choice. It directly connects to law enforcement and covers things like crime scene basics, evidence analysis, and lab techniques. This class gives you a feel for how investigations work behind the scenes and shows you're thinking about the practical side of the job.
Another good option is anatomy and physiology. Knowing how the human body works can be really helpful, especially if you're interested in roles that involve first aid, fitness testing, or dealing with injuries. Chemistry is also a great pick because it helps build problem-solving, lab skills, and critical thinking, which are useful in forensic work or any technical parts of policing. If you're more focused on patrol or community policing rather than forensic work, classes like environmental science or physical science are just fine. They still show you can handle analytical thinking and tough coursework.
The key is to choose a science class you can do well in while balancing your other senior-year classes and activities. Colleges and police academies like to see students who are well-rounded, responsible, and think critically. If you pair one of these science classes with social studies, communication, and leadership experiences, you'll be setting yourself up nicely for a future in law enforcement. It's not just about the specific class, but about showing you're committed and capable.
Another good option is anatomy and physiology. Knowing how the human body works can be really helpful, especially if you're interested in roles that involve first aid, fitness testing, or dealing with injuries. Chemistry is also a great pick because it helps build problem-solving, lab skills, and critical thinking, which are useful in forensic work or any technical parts of policing. If you're more focused on patrol or community policing rather than forensic work, classes like environmental science or physical science are just fine. They still show you can handle analytical thinking and tough coursework.
The key is to choose a science class you can do well in while balancing your other senior-year classes and activities. Colleges and police academies like to see students who are well-rounded, responsible, and think critically. If you pair one of these science classes with social studies, communication, and leadership experiences, you'll be setting yourself up nicely for a future in law enforcement. It's not just about the specific class, but about showing you're committed and capable.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Noah