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what should i major in to be a police officer?

i want ot know

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Paul’s Answer

Really anything in the social sciences will help.

Something that will give you a good background in human behavior (psychology and sociology), law and the legal system (political science and history), and an understanding in forensics (anthropology and biological anthropology).

Some colleges and universities have a bachelors degrees in social sciences, which encompasses all of these subjects.
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Doc’s Answer

Chase there are some law enforcement jobs that do not require a specific type of degree. A good example can be one of the most desired jobs in the field – that of the police officer. The educational requirements to be a police officer will vary by state and by agency. There are some specialties within law enforcement where an advanced degree is required. Even if a bachelor’s degree is not required, having such a degree in a law enforcement-related discipline gives a competitive advantage for each candidate. They not only stand a better chance of hiring but also face an easier path for career growth. There are generally three categories of positions within law enforcement careers – uniformed officers, investigators, and support personnel.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree and choose from a wide array of career paths within all three sectors of law enforcement. Armed with a versatile criminal justice degree, you’re ready for positions in local, state, and federal levels — from airline security representative to corrections officer and from animal treatment investigator to police officer.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Another undergraduate degree that provides a range of career options within law enforcement is the bachelor of public administration. You’ll learn about managing government and nonprofits, from accounting and budgeting to operations and resource management. Whether you learn on campus or online, you may choose to pursue positions in prison or corrections management.

PARALEGAL STUDIES
If your interest lies in the legal aspects of law enforcement, you may want to consider paralegal studies. Paralegals are a critical part of any legal team. An Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies introduces you to the legal system and legal research. You’ll find a more comprehensive curriculum in the Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program. You’ll hone your investigative skills, dig into the major areas of the law, draft legal documents, and help prepare for trials.

PRE-LAW STUDIES
Another option within the legal realm is the Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies. The classes in this program help you develop the critical thinking, verbal, and analytical skills needed to tackle law school. The focus is on building written and presentation capabilities for success in law school, business, or government.

I hope this will be helpful Chase
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Madi’s Answer

Hi Chase - Great options for a degree to get into a Police Officer role are below:

Criminal justice
Criminology
Homeland Security
Police Science
Forensics
Law enforcement administration
Psychology
Sociology
Corrections
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Chase
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Kimberly’s Answer

Great question! I specialized in Criminal Justice, which isn't mandatory but was beneficial during my police academy training. The academy will provide all the legal knowledge you need. However, prior understanding can ease your adaptation process and offer an edge over others. Bear in mind, laws vary by state. So, if your degree is from a different state than where you serve as a police officer, there might be slight variations in the law. Best of luck!
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deborah’s Answer

Hello Chase! I appreciate that you want to go into public service to be a police officer. It looks like Arizona has police training academies. See link I included. You can then obtain associates or bachelor's degree in criminal justice to enhance your skills. I hope my answer is helpful to you. Good luck!

deborah recommends the following next steps:

https://post.az.gov/training/academy-links
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