Best master’s degrees for police officers: Boost pay, promotions, and career growth

If you’re a police officer looking to advance your career, earning a graduate degree is one of the most strategic moves you can make. Whether your goal is to qualify for a promotion, take on a leadership role, or pursue high-paying careers in law enforcement, online degrees for police officers—such as those in legal studies, public administration, or criminal justice—can help you stand out from your peers.

Law enforcement master’s degrees are increasingly tied to salary incentives, promotion eligibility, and access to specialized roles. With flexible, 100% online options, continuing your education while working full-time has never been more achievable. 

Salary incentives for police officers with degrees 

One of the most direct benefits of earning a degree as a police officer is the potential for higher pay. Many departments offer educational incentives, such as monthly stipends, annual bonuses, or percentage-based raises, for earning associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. 

For example, the Houston Police Department pays an extra $6,240 annually to officers with a master’s degree. That’s on top of base salary. A Massachusetts program known as the Quinn Bill allows participating agencies to offer a 30% increase in pay for receiving a master’s degree in law. 

A national survey conducted by California State University Fullerton (CSUF)’s Center for Public Policy and the Police Foundation reveals that, even in agencies that do not formally pay more for a master’s degree, officers with one still earn 5–7.49% more on average than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Some unionized agencies offer 15% or more!

For officers asking, “What are the best degrees for police officers?”, those that directly lead to high-paying careers in law enforcement often include criminal justice, legal studies, and public administration. 

Education and promotion: Degrees that help you rise 

If you’re aiming for a leadership role, a degree can help you stand out. In many agencies, holding a degree is required, or at least strongly preferred, for promotion. 

Departments increasingly see higher education as a sign of professionalism, leadership readiness, and adaptability. College-educated officers tend to have fewer injuries and liability cases, receive fewer complaints, use force less often, and are more open to innovative policing strategies like community and intelligence-led policing, according to research. 

In Ohio, the Dayton Police Department provides officers additional points on promotional exams for having a college degree. Plus, agencies led by highly educated chiefs are more likely to promote degree completion across the ranks. 

The survey’s data reveals that officers with college degrees are perceived to be: 

• Better report writers (61.6% agreement). 

• More adept with modern technology (46.1%). 

• More open to organizational change and new policing methods (36.3%). 

If you’re exploring degrees that support advancement opportunities for police officers, aim for those that build legal knowledge, leadership skills, and critical thinking. 

Legal studies master’s degree: Legal confidence for every rank 

A Master of Legal Studies, like Ohio State’s Master in the Study of Law (MSL) program, is an increasingly popular option among professionals who interact with the legal system. For police officers, it’s especially relevant. 

A legal studies master’s degree can: 

• Improve your understanding of criminal and constitutional law 

• Sharpen your report writing and legal research skills 

• Strengthen your ability to collaborate with prosecutors 

• Help you navigate legal procedures and effectively communicate your actions in court 

Whether you’re in patrol, investigations, or command, the Master in the Study of Law helps officers work more strategically and within the law, while building credibility for future leadership roles. 

Public administration degree: Lead beyond the badge 

The Master of Public Administration (MPA), such as Ohio State’s online MPA or Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL), is another highly valuable degree for officers preparing to step into supervisory or administrative roles.  

Focused on public sector leadership, budgeting, personnel management, and policy, the MPA is especially beneficial for officers who want to transition into command-level positions, municipal leadership, or broader public service careers.

An MPA can help you: 

• Improve skills in organizational leadership and strategic management 

• Understand public finance, HR policy, and administrative law 

• Strengthen your qualifications for roles like lieutenant, captain, or chief 

• Transition into non-sworn or civilian leadership roles after retirement 

MPA programs—especially those offered online and designed for professionals—can help working officers grow their influence beyond day-to-day law enforcement into broader public impact. 

If you’re asking, “What are some good degrees for law enforcement professionals who want to lead departments or shape policy?”, the MPA is a top contender. 

Graduate certificates: A flexible first step 

If you’re just starting your education journey or testing the waters, a graduate certificate can be an ideal way to build specialized skills.

While they typically do not meet formal requirements for educational incentives or promotions, certificates from top-tier programs can still add weight to a resume and help you grow professionally.

Some graduate certificates can be a first step toward an accredited master’s degree. For instance, 100% of the credits you earn from Ohio State’s online Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Certificate can apply toward an MPA. Similarly, you can build toward an MSL with a certificate in Compliance or Business Law.

Which degree is right for you? 

Choosing the best degree for police officers depends on your long-term goals: 

• Want to take the first step towards a college education? An associate’s degree in general studies or social and behavioral studies can help you get there.

• Need flexibility? Explore online degrees for law enforcement professionals, which allow you to continue working while pursuing your studies. 

• Looking to lead a department or move into administration? A Master in the Study of Law (MSL) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) may be your best bet. 

No matter the path, investing in your education as a police officer can pay off. Beyond just dollars, you’ll reap the benefits of confidence, capability, and career longevity. 

Ready to take the next step? Compare accredited programs that offer online options tailored for working law enforcement professionals. And don’t forget to ask your department about tuition reimbursement. You might already have support available. 

Learn more about Ohio State’s 100% online MSL and online MPA programs designed for working professionals in law enforcement.