Bachelor of Science in Police Studies
Online
BSc
DURATION
120 hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 462 / per credit **
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* rolling admissions
** per credit hour
Key Summary
EKU offers one of the few programs in the nation dedicated to police studies and has a 40-year history of preparing leaders in law enforcement.
Policing has evolved drastically over the last 30 years, placing higher standards and increased scrutiny on law enforcement professionals. While these changes bring a host of new challenges, there is also plenty of opportunities. Whether you are interested in community policing or federal law enforcement, EKU’s online police studies degrees provide the analytical, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills needed to be a responsive, community-minded law enforcement officer.
Whether you currently work in law enforcement or are interested in beginning a career in the field, we have the degree program for you.
Choose from multiple program options:
- Associate Degree in Police Studies
- Bachelor's Degree in Police Studies
- Master’s Degree in Justice, Policy, and Leadership
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration
What sets our program apart?
Focusing on society’s response to crime through policing, EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as contemporary policing strategies, crime patterns, technology, and ethics.
- Accelerated 8-week terms
- Courses begin 6 times per year
- Generous credit transfer policy
- Reduced tuition for active duty service members
- No campus visits required
- Law enforcement officers that have completed Kentucky's DOCJT training can receive 9 hours of college credit
- Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
- Free online tutoring and career services assistance
- Study anytime, from anywhere
- The dynamic, supportive learning environment
Find Your Scholarship
A scholarship is a financial award given to students to help pay for their education that does not need to be paid back. Scholarships are awarded by schools, universities, and other organizations, and are based on a variety of criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, or professional experience. The money can be used to cover tuition, books, housing, food, and other educational expenses. Please note that institutional scholarships, including merit awards, may not be stacked with other scholarships or tuition waivers and require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merit Scholarships for In-State First-Time Freshmen
Merit scholarships make EKU even more affordable for first-time students.* EKU recognizes the hard work and dedication needed to achieve at a high level. Get rewarded for your high school accomplishments with merit scholarships. If you meet the following criteria, merit scholarships will automatically be applied to your account. No application needed!
Merit Scholarships for Out-of-State First-Time Freshmen
High-achieving students can get rewarded for their work and receive additional scholarships to make EKU even more affordable. If you meet the following criteria, merit scholarships may be applied to your account automatically without the need for an application!
Additional EKU Scholarships for First-Time Freshmen
Kentucky residents who are Pell Grant-eligible may receive this scholarship, which will cover up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for first-year students who have a 3.0 high school GPA. This scholarship is intended to act as “gap funding” for any first-time freshman who has exhausted all avenues of federal, state, and institutional scholarship and grant assistance, and still has a remaining balance for tuition and required fees. This scholarship is for on-campus students only. This cannot be awarded in addition to a Merit Tier scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements: On-campus, Pell Grant-eligible, Kentucky resident, first-time freshman with a 3.0 high school GPA
EKU Scholarships for On-Campus, In-State Transfer Students*
Eastern Kentucky University values the education and experience students from other schools bring to their EKU experience. On-campus students who transfer to EKU with 24 earned college credits are eligible for the following scholarships. If you meet the following criteria, transfer scholarships will automatically be applied to your account. No application needed!
Foundation Scholarships
EKU has made a difference in thousands of lives. Donors who have experienced the life-changing effect an EKU education can have now want to make a difference in your life. Thanks to their generosity, there are hundreds of scholarships available for EKU students.
Eligibility criteria range from GPA to county of residence to degree program and more. Simply fill out the foundation scholarship application, and you’ll learn which scholarships you may be eligible for.
Outside Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by an organization other than the government or university. They are available from several groups, organizations, and entities nationwide. Third-party scholarships can be general in nature or very specialized and tied to the type of work you would be doing after graduation.
If you receive an outside scholarship, you must notify Big E Central so the award can be properly reported as part of your total aid package. Failure to report awards can result in the award not being accepted or a portion of the funds having to be repaid due to overpayment.
Core Courses --- 24
- CRJ 101 --- Introduction to Criminal Justice --- 3
- CRJ 331 --- Perspectives on Crime and Delinquency --- 3
- CRJ 388 --- Criminal Justice Research --- 3
- CRJ 400 --- Applied Criminal Justice Analysis --- 3
- PLS 103 --- Police, Order, Maintenance, and Crime --- 3
- PLS 326 --- Ethical Decisions and Police --- 3
- PLS 414 --- Social Forces and Policing Society --- 3
- PLS 415 --- Contemporary Police Strategies --- 3
Police Studies Electives --- 24
Together with your advisor, select from police studies, criminal justice, or corrections electives. At least 12 hours must be from upper-division courses.
Supporting Course Requirements --- 6-9
Together with your advisor, select up to three of the following:
- HLS 210 --- Cyber and Physical Security --- 3
- EMC 110 --- Introduction to Emergency Medical Care --- 3
- FOR 301 --- Introduction to Forensic Science --- 3
- FSE 250 --- Introduction to Fire Arson and Explosion Investigations --- 3
- TRS 332 --- Traffic Crash Causation and Investigation --- 3
Free Electives --- 26-29
EKU General Education Requirements --- 37
Total Hours --- 120
The criminal justice system employs nearly two million people across the nation and is made up of multiple aspects including, law enforcement, corrections, the court system, probation, and parole.
Law enforcement careers are challenging and rewarding. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics* (BLS) estimates that the number of individuals employed in police and detective positions will see an increase through 2028.
Competition is expected to increase for state and local positions and remain especially high for federal positions with organizations such as the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Those with college degrees will have a competitive edge.
Although education was not historically mandatory in the policing field, it has become increasingly necessary as perceptions about policing change, technology advances, and more agencies implement college credit requirements.
Continuing education and training helps police officers, detectives, and special agents improve their job performance and their chances for advancement. With additional education, graduates can pursue second careers as judges, attorneys or social workers.
Job Opportunities
Police Officers & Detectives
- Median Annual Salary: $63,380 per year / $30 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 808,700
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High School Diploma
Probation Officers & Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Median Annual Salary: $53,020 per year / $25 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 91,600
- Typical Entry-LevelEducation: Bachelor’s Degree
Social Services Assistants
- Median Annual Salary: $33,750 per year / $16 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 413,700
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High School Diploma
Correctional Officers & Bailiffs
- Median Annual Salary: $44,400 per year / $21 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 453,900
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High School Diploma
- Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
- No application fee
- Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
- Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
- Dynamic, supportive learning environment
- Fitness & wellness management program provides students with knowledge & skills needed to successfully certify through ACSM, ACE, NSCA, AFAA, & other professional groups
- Dedicated faculty advisors who work with pre-professional health students on the ins and outs of applying to professional programs of choice
- Pre-professional curricula emphasize inclusion of prerequisite courses, foundational content & additional courses to prepare students for graduate/professional programs
- Diverse faculty are actively involved in the profession & have real-life expertise