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This question is about police officer education.
What degree do you need to be a police officer?
You need a high school diploma to be a police officer. Certain police departments require a bachelor's degree or some college units in order to work for them; however, most only require a high school diploma or GED.
To become a police officer, you must be at least 18 years of age and be a citizen of the United States. Generally, you also need to have a clean criminal history, although some police forces allow minor offenses on a candidate's record.
You also must complete extensive specialized training to become a police officer. This training is normally provided on a local, regional, or state level at police academies. To receive this training, you must pass an entrance exam.
People that choose a bachelor's degree or higher in law enforcement have potentially higher pay and career advancement opportunities. These degrees are essential if you are seeking to work at the federal level with the FBI or United States Fish and Wildlife Service, for instance.
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