Police officers play a vital role in protecting communities and upholding justice. Every day, police officers risk their lives to keep others safe and preserve justice in their communities. These first responders maintain public safety and enforce laws passed by local, state, and federal jurisdictions to prevent and resolve criminal incidents. If you’re drawn to a career in law enforcement, the path typically begins with training, and often, with a strong academic foundation in criminal justice.
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice program from Aurora University (AU) prepares officers with the skills to communicate effectively, understand legal procedures and navigate the criminal justice system to protect the peace when on the job. Learn more about how to become a police officer, how long the process takes and how a college education can support long-term career success.
How Much Does a Police Officer Make?
Police officers earned an average annual salary of $77,270 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Transit and railroad police made over $82,320 that year, while detectives and criminal investigators earned $93,580.
Like most professions, police officer salaries tend to increase with additional experience and education. Students should also research police officer salaries in the areas they plan to work to get more specific salary information.
Basic Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer
Each state and city has its own requirements for becoming a police officer. However, the general requirements to become a police officer include:
- Being between the ages of 20 and 35
- Holding a high school degree or a General Educational Diploma (GED)
- Graduating from an officer training academy
- Passing rigorous physical tests, including eye tests, health physicals and fitness exams
- Having a clean criminal record, including no felonies
In addition to these basic requirements, police officer applicants should possess strong leadership skills, a thorough knowledge of the law, and a demonstrable ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.
A BA in Criminal Justice Can Help You Achieve Career Goals
Discover How a Criminal Justice Degree Can Help You Become a Police Officer
Explore DegreeDo You Need a College Degree to Be a Police Officer?
A college degree isn’t a requirement for becoming a police officer, but there are many benefits to earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology or social work, as well as other related degrees in the law enforcement field. Having a college degree makes you a highly desirable candidate for police academies or law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, police officers with higher degrees are less likely to use excessive force and more likely to be promoted into elevated ranks with higher pay. The academic experience and practical knowledge gained through a college education, particularly in areas such as legal procedures, ethics and communication, can help officers perform their duties more effectively and responsibly.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Police Officer?
Becoming a police officer typically takes between six months and two years, depending on the police academy you’re entering. Most states require between 600 and 1,000 hours of training in the academy.
After being hired as a police officer, you’ll complete hundreds of additional hours of training on the job and ongoing professional development each year. Those who advance into supervisory or specialized roles undergo additional training throughout their careers to meet evolving law enforcement standards.
What Is the Application Process for the Police Academy?
Once you’ve decided to apply to a police academy, you’ll need to complete a multi-step application process. While the exact process varies by state or agency, most academies require candidates to:
- Submit an application and/or questionnaire
- Complete a written exam and reading assessment
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Participate in an in-person interview with the academy admissions department
- Pass a background check, which may include fingerprinting, polygraph tests and character interviews with several references
- Receive clearance through medical and psychological examinations
As you move through each step of the application process, your chances of being admitted into the police academy increase. Most police academies provide application guidance and study materials to help applicants prepare. Check with your nearby state or city requirements to ensure you’re prepared with the correct requirements.
Continuing Education and Career Growth for Police Officers
Even if you have been a police officer for years, earning a college degree can significantly advance your career. You will strengthen and develop essential, applicable skills in your degree program, increasing your opportunities for promotion or for pursuing a broader range of criminal justice careers.
Earning a college degree while working as a police officer is achievable, especially through an online degree program. First, find out how much financial aid you qualify for by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ensure that your program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or another accreditation agency, and decide whether a full-time or part-time class plan best accommodates your current schedule.
Become a Prepared Police Officer With a College Degree
Although a college degree may not be a job requirement to become a police officer, Aurora University’s BA in Criminal Justice online program can set you apart in the hiring process. It can also help you become a stronger officer in your everyday job, equipping you with the communication and problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts and keep the peace more effectively and efficiently.
