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This program prepares students for careers in law enforcement agencies such as municipal police departments, county sheriffs' departments, state police and private security concerns. The program includes general education courses and provides an emphasis on criminal justice courses and supportive social science courses.

Nature of Work and Employment

Law enforcement majors pursue careers as municipal police officers, sheriffs' deputies, state troopers and private security guards. The job market in law enforcement is closely tied to legislation to fund it. If funding of tax supported law enforcement does not meet society's demand for law enforcement, growth will occur in the market for trained personnel in private security. 

Special Considerations

Law enforcement students should cultivate their communications skills. Much of effective law enforcement is based on the communication skills of arresting officers. Students should also be aware of the strength and agility standards required of applicants by law enforcement agencies in Illinois. The College offers a wide range of physical education courses and a super circuit fitness center for those who are concerned about meeting these requirements. Younger students should seriously consider studying for a bachelor's degree as the job market for law enforcement majors is competitive. Previous criminal record and felony convictions can negatively impact the opportunity to gain employment in the field.

Estimated Program Cost

The following figures are based on 2024-25 tuition and fee rates and the course fees in the Class Schedule for the required minimum number 61 credit hours.

  In-District Out-of-District Out-of-State
Tuition $9,150.00 $21,960.00 $24,522.00
Fees $1,098.00 $1,098.00 $1,098.00
Course Fees * $360.00 * $360.00 * $360.00
Total Tuition and Fees $10,608.00 $23,418.00 $25,980.00

* Note: Course fees may vary depending upon the classes that a student completes within an academic program. The course fee above is only an estimation and represents the maximum course fees possible; it is likely that course fees will be lower than the estimation above.