Are you thinking about a career in the law enforcement field? The University of Oklahoma’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminal Justice Leadership could be the boost you need to land a lucrative career in this growing industry.

Law enforcement careers are among the most critical occupations in Oklahoma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in law enforcement are expected to grow 7% by 2030. With an average of 67,100 openings for police and detectives, the odds of finding employment in the field are in your favor.

When you earn a Criminal Justice Leadership degree from OU, you could be setting yourself up for higher pay in an industry where the average annual income is more than $66,000.

Research shows a bachelor’s degree can lead to a 49% increase in salary, as well as added job security, networking opportunities and jobs that offer benefits like paid vacation and sick leave. The criminal justice leadership degree can be a great entry point. In addition to police and probation officer jobs, you’ll be qualified to work as a criminal investigator, intelligence analyst, victims advocate and more.

Since many employers in law enforcement promote from within, the Criminal Justice Leadership degree can also serve as a pathway to promotions and better pay. With the leadership courses embedded right into the curriculum, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills, making you a prime candidate for career advancement.

In addition to the flexibility of an online program, you’ll get a world-class education from the No. 1 research university in Oklahoma. You’ll learn from experienced OU instructors in a program that consistently ranks among the best online programs in U.S. News and World Report.

As an online student, you’ll be supported with several resources to help you succeed. Once you graduate, you can build your professional network by joining OU Connection, a community-based career development and mentoring platform for OU alumni.

If you’re at least 25 years old and have at least 60 hours of college credit, you may qualify for the online Criminal Justice Leadership degree, one of OU’s degree completion programs. Depending on the number of transfer credits you have, you could be able to complete the program as quickly as 12 months.

Visit OU Online to learn more about the Criminal Justice Leadership degree and other flexible online degree programs offered at OU.