Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Arts in Policing degree and Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing degree are distinct from one another in a variety of ways. The degree path you select should hinge on your career aspirations and the academic material you are interested in. Let’s take a look at the important differences between the two fully online programs so you can make the choice that suits your particular aims.
Admissions Requirement Differences
Enrollment in Laurier’s online criminology and policing degree requires a minimum of a mid-70s average and university-level English at a minimum of 60 percent. No previous law enforcement experience is required. However, those with a full year of education from a university are eligible for Laurier transfer credits.
The biggest difference with the policing degree, is that the policing degree program does require past law enforcement experience. The policing degree is designed for current or retired police officers who have at least one full year of professional police work. Proof of this period of employment in the form of an official letter from the police force’s human resources department must be provided for admission to the program.
Laurier’s Police Degree Vs. Online Criminology and Policing Degree: Differences in Courses
Those pursuing the Laurier online criminology and policing degree will learn how to answer the question of “why did a crime occur” and the social as well as psychological aspects in answering that question. Students take diverse courses ranging from Crimes Against Humanity to Addiction and Crime, Theory of Crime, Psychology of Crime, Qualitative Methods in Criminology and Youth Justice.
The courses in the online BA in Policing program are centered on the primary aspects of policing. The courses include Police Psychology, Models of Policing, Cybercrime, Immigration and Conflict Zones, Communication for Policing and Diversity and Inclusion Within the Force.
Unique Program Goals
Our online criminology and policing degree empowers students to answer the question of why crimes occur. Program graduates are also capable of addressing the psychological and social aspects of motivations for crimes. These students improve their writing, communication and research skills allowing them to pursue a career in the justice system or academic realm.
Laurier’s policing degree gives its graduates an understanding of the main methodological, political and theoretical debates relating to criminal justice. Graduates know which qualitative and quantitative research methods are necessary to study and interpret data. They also know how to apply criminological theories to modern-day law enforcement issues, conduct law enforcement personnel reviews, review and interpret law enforcement programs, and so much more.
Career Outcomes
Those who obtain their policing degree from Laurier typically work as police officers. Those who complete the online criminology and policing degree also work as police officers, yet they often find work in a number of other different positions, ranging from roles in private security to border services, employment as a correctional worker and insurance/insurance fraud.
Find Out More Information About Our Policing Degree and our Online Criminology and Policing Degree
If you would like more information about how a Laurier police degree or online criminology degree can advance your career, contact us today. Our representatives will answer all of your questions, address any concerns you might have and provide additional information about our 100% online degree programs.