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Law Enforcement

Completing a degree equips law enforcement officers with the critical thinking, de-escalation skills, and cultural competence needed to navigate today’s complex public safety landscape. By earning a degree, officers build stronger community trust, reduce workplace incidents, and position themselves for long-term career advancement.

UNC System Police Officers

In May 2021, SB 390 unanimously passed both the House and Senate of the NC General Assembly and was signed by Governor Roy Cooper. The law grants all UNC System campus police officers benefits that allow them to attend any of the 17 UNC System universities tuition-free. Officers must be employed full-time at a UNC System university police department to qualify.

CMPD Police Officers

The City of Charlotte provides both a tuition reimbursement program and a tuition prepayment option for officers enrolled in a qualifying higher education degree program. In addition, officers are eligible for permanent base-pay increase for an earned degree. (Source: CMPD Salary & Benefits)

Highlighted Programs

Find the Right Program for You

An education pathway is a map to guide students through a course of study that maximizes career readiness for increased responsibility and advancement. These pathways were developed specifically to guide law enforcement officers through undergraduate degrees in criminal justice or political science and the master’s degree in public administration. A team of experienced law enforcement professionals were convened by Chief Baker to develop an ideal path through these degree programs with the support of a consultant from the School of Professional Studies.

The education pathways below will help you take advantage of this incredible benefit.

On Campus & Online

Criminal Justice, BA

There are two education pathways to getting an undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Charlotte. Everyone needs to complete the general education requirements before completing the major. The Criminal Justice & Criminology department has two options: the Criminal Justice major and the Criminal Justice, Crime Analytics Concentration major. It is important to review what each major entails to determine the best fit for you and note the admissions requirements necessary to pursue the major.

Criminal Justice

Take your career in the criminal justice field to the next level with this academic study of the criminal justice system and learn about criminological theory, research methods and more.

Highlighted Electives:

CJUS 3321 Criminal Procedure
CJUS 3341 The Criminal Offender
CJUS 2360 Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
CJUS 3366 Domestic Violence
CJUS 3367 Problems and Decisions in Criminal Justice
CJUS 2380 Introduction to Law Enforcement
CJUS 3382 Community-Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving
CJUS 4370 Data Analytics and Crime
CJUS 4379 Qualitative Research and Analysis in Criminal Justice

Program Details
Criminal Justice – Crime Analytics Concentration

This concentration provides students with a deeper understanding of how data is used to address issues related to crime.

Highlighted Electives:

CJUS 3321 Criminal Procedure
CJUS 3341 The Criminal Offender
CJUS 2360 Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
CJUS 3366 Domestic Violence
CJUS 3367 Problems and Decisions in Criminal Justice
CJUS 2380 Introduction to Law Enforcement

Program Details
On Campus & Online

Political Science, BA

There are two education pathways to getting an undergraduate degree in political science at Charlotte. Everyone needs to complete the general education requirements before completing the major. The Political Science and Public Administration department has to options: the Political Science major and the Political Science, Security and Intelligence Studies Concentration major. It is important to review what each major entails to determine the best fit for you and note the admissions requirements necessary to pursue the major.

Political Science

Learn about American and International Politics, political science methods, political philosophy, fascism, communism and more with this B.A. in Political Science.

Highlighted Electives:

POLS 1170 Introduction to Political Philosophy
POLS 3154 Cyberspace and Politics
POLS 3175 Philosophy of Law
POLS 3177 Social and Political Philosophy
POLS 3381 Critical Thinking Skills for Intelligence
POLS 3382 Analytic Writing and Briefing
POLS 4110 North Carolina Student Legislature

ON Campus Program
ONline Program
Political Science – Security and Intelligence Studies Concentration

This concentration encourages students to gain an understanding of the ethics, processes, priorities, and outcomes of national security policy.

Highlighted Electives:

POLS 1170 Introduction to Political Philosophy
POLS 3154 Cyberspace and Politics
POLS 4110 North Carolina Student Legislature

Program Details
Online

Professional Studies, BS

This program is designed for students with at least 60 college credit hours—or an associate degree. By allowing the transfer of up to 90 credit hours, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in professional studies in as little as three full-time semesters. Throughout the program, you will develop applied professional skills, explore human social relationships and institutions, and complete a culminating capstone project. This final project involves working in a small consulting group to develop and present viable solutions to a real-world industry problem. Students must complete all general education requirements before completing the major.

Bachelor’s in Professional Studies

Highlighted Electives:

Leadership

PROS 3201 Leadership Essentials: Foundations
PROS 3202 Leadership Essentials: Practitioner
PROS 3203 Leadership Essentials: Specialist

Project Management

PROS 3101 Project Management: Foundations
PROS 3102 Project Management: Practitioner
PROS 3103 Project Management: Specialist

Program Details
On Campus

Public Administration, MPA

There is one education pathway to getting a master’s degree in public administration at Charlotte. Everyone needs to complete undergraduate prerequisites before completing the program unless they successfully completed the courses in their undergraduate degree. The Criminal Justice & Criminology department has more information about the MPA program. It is important to review what the program entails to determine the best fit for you and note the admissions requirements necessary to pursue the degree.

Master’s in Public Administration

The primary objective of the Gerald G. Fox Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is to provide professional training in public administration.

Highlighted Electives:

CJUS 6104 Legal and Ethical Issues in Crime Analysis
MPAD 6142 Grant Writing and Reporting
MPAD 6185 Intergovernmental Relations
MPAD 6187 Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving
MPAD 6188 Research Applications in Public Administration
MPAD 6290 Emergency Management
MPAD 6292 Disaster Management

Program Details

Applying to Charlotte

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Admissions
Take a campus tour
Apply for admission
Requirements for first-year students
Requirements for transfer students
Once accepted, enroll in classes

Graduate Education

Graduate admissions
Take a campus tour
Attend an information session
Requirements for master's degree admissions
Apply for admission

UNC Charlotte

Charlotte has a rich history as North Carolina’s urban research university. Whether you already know what you want to study or are just figuring that out, explore the overview of the seven academic colleges including links to college websites and a complete list of majors, minors, and certificates

View Colleges & Fields of Study

Managing your Academic Journey

There are many resources at the University to help you succeed. However, your college experience can become complex and challenging at times. That’s why Academic Advising created Your Design Team, a structured set of services and academic guides to help you along your journey towards a degree. You can make sure you stay on track by managing your academic journey. You also have access to a professional and faculty advisor, a career coach, and other resources to support you along the way.

Explore Your Design Team

Wherever you're going, let us help you get there

When you are ready to get started, we are here to help. You’ll connect with an Enrollment Specialist who knows all about your program, and they will help guide you through the admissions and registration process.