The best defense against crime is prevention. Unfortunately, legislation, patrolling, and education are not always sufficient to keep crime statistics at bay. Bad things can do happen in society, and as a result, demand for those trained in police science is not likely to go down any time soon. However, what exactly is police science and how can a degree in this field help you keep communities safer?

What Does a Police Science Degree Involve?
Police science is an umbrella term that encompasses many different disciplines, including psychology, jurisprudence, forensic science, criminology, corrections, and more generally, criminal justice. With a degree in this field, you master the essential skills necessary to track, capture, and incarcerate those who commit crimes within society. Your specific training might be more lab-oriented, along the lines of CSI forensic-style investigation. Or your focus could be on profiling, accounting fraud, interrogation, or any number of related fields.

Aspiring police science graduates typically supplement their high school education with one or two years at the associate's level. Some go on to complete a four-year degree in police science, but this is not always necessary, depending on your intended career track.

What Can You Do with a Police Science Degree?
Not surprisingly, the majority of graduates work directly or indirectly within the legal justice system, usually as officers of the law. In some cases, your police department might cover all or some of your tuition. Some degree holders work as private detectives, while others work as consultants who advise police departments. According to the US Department of Labor, career prospects should be excellent over the next eight years, especially for those who meet the "psychological, personal, and physical qualifications." Opportunities within local law enforcement agencies are expected to be particularly favorable for those who successfully complete police science degrees from accredited institutions.