By Lt. Eric Burgett
Police departments across the country are constantly searching for top candidates. In 2025, it’s a buyer’s market — qualified applicants often have their pick of departments. A 2024 survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police shows that over 70% of departments face more recruitment challenges than in the past five years, with nearly as many offering fewer services. [1]
Current officers are stretched thin, filling service and staffing gaps — often leading to burnout. [1] Many departments award extra credit during hiring for higher education, but fewer than 1% require a bachelor’s degree. [2] So, is now a good time for police officers to pursue higher education? The answer is a strong “YES!” But to manage the demands of police work, school and life, it takes a Gen Z mindset.
“Without risk, there is no gain”
After graduating from the FBI National Academy Class #281 in 2022, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice administration at Tiffin University in Ohio. I chose Tiffin because I had already earned six graduate credits there through the Police Executive Leadership College in 2019 — an executive leadership school for officers offered in partnership with Tiffin University.
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Tiffin’s motto is: “Without risk, there is no gain.” This is especially relevant for those of us who wear the badge. Every day on the job comes with risk, but we show up because the rewards — protecting our communities — are worth it. I applied this motto to my decision to return to school while working full time and raising a family. So, I conducted a benefit-risk analysis.
What can a degree really do for your police career?
The advantages are clear:
- Personal pride: I joined the 30% of police officers with a bachelor’s degree and the 5.4% with a master’s. [3]
- Increased knowledge: Courses like forensics, budgeting or HR enhance our ability to serve. This benefits both the officer and the agency — a win-win.
- Salary boost: Over time, a bachelor’s degree may bring a 2.5%–5% pay increase and lead to promotions or specialized roles. [3] Even without a raise, a degree can set you apart.
After graduation, I became an adjunct professor at a local community college, teaching criminal justice. This fulfilled both a personal and professional goal — and the income far exceeds my student loan payments. Thinking ahead to life after policing is important. Ask yourself, “What do I want to learn?” It doesn’t have to be police-related — use your imagination!
Can you afford the time and money — or can you afford not to?
Of course, there are challenges:
- Financial cost: Public institutions can cost around $10,000 per year; private ones often double that. [4]
- Look for schools that partner with law enforcement. Tiffin University offers discounts for Fraternal Order of Police members and credits for on-the-job experience.
- I received a substantial discount through my police union and earned the maximum credits from prior learning — thanks to the FBI Academy and the Police Executive Leadership College. I started the program with nearly one-third of it already completed!
- Many agencies offer up to 100% tuition reimbursement.
- Federal loans are available and don’t require repayment until after graduation or if you drop below half-time enrollment. [5]
- Time management: Police departments never close, and our families don’t hit “pause.” So how do we attend scheduled classes? Online learning is the answer. It lets busy officers complete coursework on their own time.
- Online programs also save time on commuting and in-person attendance. According to Franklin University, each 4-credit course requires about 20 hours per week. [6]
This estimate matched my experience. If the subject was familiar, I needed less time. If it was new or difficult, I adjusted accordingly.
Returning to school after 20 years came with a learning curve. But Tiffin University offered training on its learning platform, and professors helped me rebuild my research and writing skills. Online forums allowed anonymous questions, which helped overcome the fear of “raising your hand.” With the right support and motivation, anyone can succeed in an online program.
Officer wellness and the Gen Z mindset
Today, for the first time, five generations work side by side: Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Each group has strengths, weaknesses and values we can learn from.
As a Gen X officer, two things were difficult when I decided to go back to school: finding a better work-life balance and asking for help.
How does Gen Z fit in? Throughout my career, I’ve watched officer wellness evolve. We’ve moved from a “tough it out” culture to one that recognizes stress, trauma and the needs of police personnel and seeks solutions. Still, a 2024 Police1 survey found that while 72% of officers say talking about stress would be helpful, only 51% actually do. [7]
“In a statistically rare move for a police officer, I embraced a Gen Z approach: I asked for help.”
Gen Z currently makes up a small part of the workforce, but their numbers are growing quickly. They are shaking up workplace norms by prioritizing work-life balance and making it a workplace standard. [8] The young officers I work with are dedicated and motivated, but they don’t hesitate to turn down extra duties — something that many from older generations often struggle with. About 75% of Gen Z want flexible schedules, and departments are adapting. [8] My own department switched from rigid 8-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts, giving officers 70+ extra days off annually. Admin and detective roles were granted flexibility to align with their duties. Both sides benefit — tasks are completed more efficiently, and morale stays high.
In a statistically rare move for a police officer, I embraced a Gen Z approach when I was accepted to grad school: I asked for help. I spoke with my chief and received full support. I scaled back work hours — and that was encouraged. My wife supported my evening “absences.” The professors and staff at Tiffin understood adult learners and offered fair, reasonable deadlines for accelerated courses. I took more time off work to stay on track and graduated about a year later.
📘 Tips for balancing school and police work
🎯 Practical steps for busy officers
- 🕒 Choose asynchronous online programs – Flexibility is key for shift workers
- 💰 Ask about tuition discounts through your union – Many schools support law enforcement
- 🗣️ Talk to your chief early and honestly – Communication can lead to support and flexibility
- 🎓 Use prior training to earn academic credit – Leverage your experience to save time and money
Ready to take the first step?
Returning to school in the middle of a policing career isn’t easy — but it’s worth it. With the right support and a mindset that values balance, growth and wellness, any officer can take that first step toward something more. Gen Z isn’t just redefining the workforce — they’re helping us all find a healthier way to serve and succeed.
The entire experience — returning to school with a Gen Z mindset — was transformative. My duties at the department continued with minimal disruption. Most people didn’t even notice I’d reduced my hours. Taking a step back helped me preserve my work-life balance.
Aside from earning my degree, one of my proudest accomplishments is maintaining that Gen Z standard of balance — not just as a suggestion, but as a way of life.
Have you gone back to school mid-career? What helped you succeed? Tell us below.
References
- International Association of Chiefs of Police. (2024). The state of recruitment & retention: A continuing crisis for policing.
- Hilal S, Densley J. (2013). Higher education and law enforcement.
- Gardiner C. (2017). Policing around the nation: Education, philosophy, and practice.
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). Price of attending an undergraduate institution.
- Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). Manage loans and repayment.
- Franklin University. (2025). How many years is a master’s degree?
- Black D. (2024). The police wellness crisis: New research and recommendations.
- Donelan C. (2023). Gen Z in the workplace: How should companies adapt?
- Shumacher L. (2025). President’s welcome.
About the author
Lieutenant Eric Burgett has served with the Middleburg Heights Police Department in the Cleveland, Ohio area for 23 years. He currently oversees the Administrative Services Division and specializes in executive leadership, project management, policy consulting and compliance. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Lt. Burgett is an adjunct professor, teaching courses in Police Supervision, Ethics for Criminal Justice, and Interviews and Interrogations.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Arts in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University. He is also a proud graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) 76 and the FBI National Academy class 281.
