Law Enforcement Degree

Become a leader in public safety

Earn Your Law Enforcement Degree

About the law enforcement Degree:

The Associate of Science in Law Enforcement at Missouri Southern State University provides a foundation in criminal justice, policing, and corrections. The program combines practical training in police procedures with coursework in criminology and the justice system.

This program is designed for students interested in careers in law enforcement or planning to continue into a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Students gain essential knowledge and skills to begin working in public safety or advance their education.

Is this Program Right for You?

The Associate of Science in Law Enforcement at Missouri Southern State University is a strong fit for students interested in starting a career in public safety or continuing their education in criminal justice.

This program may be right for you if you:

Want to become a police officer
Are interested in working as a correctional officer
Want to pursue a career in border patrol or federal law enforcement

police officers standing in a line being sworn in

What You'll Learn in the Law Enforcement Program

In the Associate of Science in Law Enforcement at Missouri Southern State University, you’ll build foundational knowledge in criminal justice and develop skills used in policing and public safety careers.

Apply constitutional and criminal law to real-world situations
Understand the role of the criminal justice system in society
Follow law enforcement ethics and professional standards
Demonstrate fair and equal enforcement of laws
Develop strong written communication skills for reports and documentation
Analyze issues related to crime, justice, and public safety

Law Enforcement Careers

A Law Enforcement Associate of Science degree from Missouri Southern State University prepares students for entry-level roles in policing, corrections, and public safety, as well as continued study in criminal justice.

Graduates of MSSU’s Law Enforcement program often work as:

Police officer
Correctional officer
Border patrol agent
Security officer or public safety officer
Federal or state law enforcement officer

curriculum & courses

The Law Enforcement AS at Missouri Southern State University includes structured coursework in criminal justice, policing, and public safety, with required credit hours across foundational topics.

Students can choose between two tracks:

Law Enforcement Major (Option A) – traditional academic pathway in criminal justice
Law Enforcement Major (Option B: Basic Law Enforcement Academy) – includes academy training for students pursuing certification

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On campus
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Pace: Full-time (part-time options may be available)
Time to Complete: Typically 2 years

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