Online Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PSLA)
If you're a public safety professional looking to elevate your leadership skills, Arizona State University's Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration degree online is designed for you. In this program, you'll develop the expertise to manage and lead law enforcement, fire protection and emergency services organizations.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 11
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 33
Become an agent of positive change in public safety agencies
Public safety administration involves managing public resources and people to anticipate and respond to events that threaten the health and welfare of the general public. In this program, you'll develop the strategic mindset and practical skills to guide public safety agencies through both daily operations and transformational change.
Courses emphasize the skills needed to manage and coordinate emergency response services. You’ll also become prepared to work behind the scenes to ensure fire, police and other crisis response teams have the resources and support to deliver lifesaving assistance to communities in need.
Tailor your studies to fit your career goals
This program offers flexibility, allowing you to explore the field broadly or specialize in your studies. If you're passionate about a specific area of public safety administration, you can customize your learning path by pursuing one of ASU’s online concentrations, such as:
- Emergency medical services – mobile integrated healthcare
- Prepares professionals to lead emergency response teams, manage crisis situations and develop strategies for community resilience.
- Executive fire administration
- Focuses on developing advanced leadership skills for experienced fire service professionals, including expanding management and decision-making abilities to enhance fire service operations and community safety.
- Executive police administration
- Equips senior police officers for top leadership roles, emphasizing advanced strategies in police management and operational oversight.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Public safety leadership and administration courses
Courses cover a variety of topics from emergency management and homeland security to public policy and public budgeting and finance. In addition to core classes, you'll complete five electives if you pursue this general MPSLA. If you select a concentration, you'll take a set of courses in that topic area.
The jobs in public safety administration you’ll be prepared for
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to pursue management, leadership and administrative career paths in public safety agencies and organizations. These can include advanced positions within law enforcement, hospitals and rescue services, fire departments and more. Additional career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn from leaders in safety management
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Learn from leaders in safety management
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
How to apply
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Study with one of the best schools for public safety and social work
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
#2
best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#2
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.
Top 5
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.
Top 10
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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