5 Law Enforcement Careers for Security Studies Graduates

Written by: East Carolina University® • Mar 4, 2025

According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), about 54 million Americans come into contact with the police each year. Police initiate about 10% of contacts during traffic stops, arrests, and other encounters, while citizens initiate about 12%.

However, while millions of Americans encounter uniformed officers patrolling their communities, those professionals only make up a portion of the country’s law enforcement network. The network also includes local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who perform more specialized duties.

This highly skilled force, while not always visible to the average citizen, plays an important role in national and personal security at every level. For future law enforcement professionals who are curious about their options, here are five unique law enforcement careers. For those interested in law enforcement at a local, state, or federal level earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies can help them get started.

What Is a Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies Program?

BS in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies programs help students prepare for law enforcement careers and careers in related fields, such as intelligence analysis , global security, and border protection. Students must typically have already completed general education classes, such as English and math.

Security studies programs offer a diverse, security-focused curriculum that covers multiple disciplines. Students typically take classes on topics such as the following:

Criminal justice
International relations
Political science
Research and security data analysis

However, security studies students can also customize their experience by choosing from electives related to their future careers. For example, a student who wants to become a law enforcement officer might take electives on organized crime, disaster planning, criminology, and law. Classes on cybersecurity can also be helpful for students on this path.

5 Law Enforcement Careers to Consider

Graduates of BS in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies programs often pursue frontline law enforcement careers with local, state, federal, and even international agencies. Applicants for such positions are often required to have a bachelor’s degree, but it can usually be a degree in any subject. However, applicants with degrees in security studies can position themselves as skilled applicants for both new jobs and future promotions.

For students considering earning a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies , here are five enforcement-focused careers to consider after graduation.

1. Detective

Detectives are experienced criminal investigators who can work for any number of local and state law enforcement agencies. They investigate complex cases that typically require conducting interviews, examining evidence and crime scenes, and acting as liaisons between victims and law enforcement agencies.

Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but detectives must typically have some experience in roles such as patrol officer or crime analyst. Many jurisdictions require detectives to have bachelor’s degrees. Detectives must typically go through police academy training if they haven’t already done so.

2. Border Patrol Agent

U.S. Customs and Border Protection employs border patrol agents to watch over the movement of people and goods through the country’s points of entry. While many border patrol agents are stationed along the borders, they also work in all 50 states to secure airports and seaports and help local law enforcement investigate international crimes. Their duties are often similar to those of police officers and detectives, but they often investigate cases involving smuggling, human trafficking, and other crimes that threaten national and border security .

Border patrol agents can qualify for their positions with experience in similar roles, a bachelor’s degree, or both. While applicants can qualify without a degree, government employees with degrees often qualify for higher salaries on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale: the federal government’s system for determining salaries.

3. FBI Special Agent

FBI special agents perform numerous investigative tasks in the field and the office. They make arrests, gather intelligence and evidence, and can even perform forensic laboratory services. Typically, FBI agents focus on crimes that cross state and national borders, acts of domestic terrorism, and organized criminal activities. Along with intelligence officers , they also help local law enforcement agencies conduct complex investigations.

FBI special agent applicants must have two years of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree. They must also meet the FBI’s physical fitness requirements, go through academy training, and pass a thorough background check, so they can qualify for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

4. Secret Service Special Agent

Though Secret Service agents are primarily known for protecting presidents and other high-level political leaders, this law enforcement career is much more diverse. Secret Service special agents also investigate financial crimes and cybercrimes and coordinate security for political events, such as speeches, rallies, and visits from foreign dignitaries.

To become a Secret Service special agent, applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, pass physical fitness exams, and go through extensive background checks to qualify for the proper security clearance. Throughout their careers, special agents must be willing to travel and maintain proficiency with firearms.

5. Air Marshal

The Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS) is the investigative and enforcement branch of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In addition to providing undercover in-flight security for domestic and international flights, air marshals are deployed to intercept suspected terrorists and criminals at bus stations, train stations, and other transportation hubs. They’re often involved in smuggling, human trafficking, and counterterrorism operations.

Federal air marshal applicants can qualify with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice , security studies, or a related field, or with experience in law enforcement. Similar to other federal law enforcement professionals, they must go through specialized training, pass physical fitness exams, and undergo background checks.

Jump-Start Your Own Law Enforcement Career

Whether you want to help the Secret Service protect potential targets or aid in the TSA’s mission to keep America’s borders secure, the online BS in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies program at East Carolina University® can get you started.

Future law enforcement professionals can build their schedules around many unique, career-focused electives. Classes on criminal justice, political science, terrorism, and national security policy prepare students to become informed law enforcement officers at any number of agencies. Also, with classes on organizational leadership, students can equip themselves for high-level decision-making roles.

The BS in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies program is designed for students who need a balance of both flexibility and hands-on guidance. To find out more about ECU’s transfer credit policies and what kinds of classes you might take, contact a member of the admissions staff today.

Recommended Readings

Intelligence Operations Explained

What Is Intelligence Collection, and Why Does It Matter?

What Is Risk Analysis?

Sources:

Bureau of Justice Statistics, Contacts Between Police and the Public, 2020

FBI, Special Agent Application and Evaluation Process

FBI, What Tasks Do FBI Agents Typically Perform?

Indeed, How to Become a Detective (Plus FAQs)

Indeed, How to Become an Air Marshal in 4 Steps (With FAQS)

Indeed, “21 Careers in Law Enforcement (With Salaries)”

Transportation Security Administration, TSA Law Enforcement