Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I've been looking around here and seeing some mixed opinions.

Right now i have the two CJ associates offered from my community college and am now taking the classes i need to transfer to a university, however, there seems to be some mixed opinions on how useful a CJ bachelor's degree really is.

Would it be a smarter move for me to just minor in CJ in case i can't get in w/ a department?

If you can't get into a dept what will you do with a CJ degree?

One reason not to get a major in CJ is because you may not get a LEO position. If you really like CJ studies, think you can get really good grades, and can get a good job with that degree then go for it.

You don't need a CJ degree to get into law enforcement. What ever degree you do get make sure you get good grades and it's an accredited college.

Where do you ultimately want to work? I know of a police department near me that requires a 4 year degree to be a city cop. In Minnesota, you are essentially only required to have the equivalent of a 2 year degree (an Associates degree), but as a practical matter there are so many very well qualified applicants, that some agencies, even though their posted requirements don't specify a BA/BS degree will sometimes narrow the applicants down immediately by just eliminating those without a 4 year degree. Of course they have other ways of doing that, too, whether published or not. One of the problems is you may or may not know ahead of time what those factors are. For example, one PD might decide to only hire a guy or gal that speaks fluent Spanish. A different agency, or even the same previous agency at a different point in time, might decide to only hire a military veteran. To take that one step further, again that same agency or other nearby agencies, might decide to only hire a cop from another nearby department. While they may not post it that way, as a practical matter they might want to have someone that can "get up to speed quickly" after they are hired.

Anyway, back to planning for your situation specifically. I would encourage you to find out about the possibility of a double major. Some organizations will compare candidates and if one has a major in something desirable, but the other only has a minor, that could be a significant factor. Also, think long range on this. Some people only think for the short term or the minimum requirements to achieve something. Sure, some places might not even require an AA/AS to get hired, who are they likely to promote in the future?

Even though the police aren't the army (and the army isn't the police) an analogy can be made here. Do you have to have a degree to enlist in the US Army? Absolutely not. On the other hand, do you think a full bird Colonel in charge of an important task has only a GED? Highly unlikely.

Again, this is probably more than you want to know, but I would do everything you can to make yourself a very competitive candidate for wherever you want to work. Get a BA/BS with a double major if you think it will help. Get the CJ major and something else unrelated for the second major. Maybe it is business, aviation, or something you like, but is also marketable. Learn a second language. It doesn't have to be Spanish, but that is a very popular one. Get experience as a police reserve or reserve deputy. Get paid experience as a Community Service Officer. Don't put all of the proverbial eggs in one basket meaning don't focus on just one agency. Look at all levels of government. Be aware of city, county, state, and federal requirements. If you end up getting hired somewhere that isn't your first choice, then be the best you can be there. Get a few years in and re-assess. You might decide that you like where you are or you might decide to apply again at the agency of first choice.

Good luck! (And sorry the post is so long.)

Where do you ultimately want to work?

I wish I had a good answer to that question. I'm still figuring that out and i majored in CJ because i found it really interesting.


I know of a police department near me that requires a 4 year degree to be a city cop. In Minnesota, you are essentially only required to have the equivalent of a 2 year degree (an Associates degree), but as a practical matter there are so many very well qualified applicants, that some agencies, even though their posted requirements don't specify a BA/BS degree will sometimes narrow the applicants down immediately by just eliminating those without a 4 year degree. Of course they have other ways of doing that, too, whether published or not. One of the problems is you may or may not know ahead of time what those factors are. For example, one PD might decide to only hire a guy or gal that speaks fluent Spanish. A different agency, or even the same previous agency at a different point in time, might decide to only hire a military veteran. To take that one step further, again that same agency or other nearby agencies, might decide to only hire a cop from another nearby department. While they may not post it that way, as a practical matter they might want to have someone that can "get up to speed quickly" after they are hired.

Anyway, back to planning for your situation specifically. I would encourage you to find out about the possibility of a double major. Some organizations will compare candidates and if one has a major in something desirable, but the other only has a minor, that could be a significant factor. Also, think long range on this. Some people only think for the short term or the minimum requirements to achieve something. Sure, some places might not even require an AA/AS to get hired, who are they likely to promote in the future?

Even though the police aren't the army (and the army isn't the police) an analogy can be made here. Do you have to have a degree to enlist in the US Army? Absolutely not. On the other hand, do you think a full bird Colonel in charge of an important task has only a GED? Highly unlikely.

Again, this is probably more than you want to know, but I would do everything you can to make yourself a very competitive candidate for wherever you want to work. Get a BA/BS with a double major if you think it will help. Get the CJ major and something else unrelated for the second major. Maybe it is business, aviation, or something you like, but is also marketable. Learn a second language. It doesn't have to be Spanish, but that is a very popular one. Get experience as a police reserve or reserve deputy. Get paid experience as a Community Service Officer. Don't put all of the proverbial eggs in one basket meaning don't focus on just one agency. Look at all levels of government. Be aware of city, county, state, and federal requirements. If you end up getting hired somewhere that isn't your first choice, then be the best you can be there. Get a few years in and re-assess. You might decide that you like where you are or you might decide to apply again at the agency of first choice.

Good luck! (And sorry the post is so long.)

Its a lot of info, but certainly useful. I'm gonna have to keep my eye open for any nearby community service officer positions opening up. Although i wonder if those positions come up all that often being here in broke Ca.

I did a quick search and turned up that a double major is possible at the school i plan to attend, so this may be the best option.