Online Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PSLA)
The public safety administration master’s degree is ideal for public safety professionals looking to gain the skills necessary to manage and lead public safety organizations. This online safety degree caters to individuals interested or currently employed in law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 11
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 33
Why study public safety?
The mission of the Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration program is to prepare learners to become strong agents of positive change within public safety agencies. Graduates will gain skills in data analysis, organizational management and leadership, and public policy and administration.
As a student studying public safety administration, you’ll have the option of choosing a concentration in:
- Emergency medical services - mobile integrated healthcare.
- Executive fire administration.
- Executive police administration.
What is public safety administration?
Public safety administration is the management of public resources and people to anticipate and respond to events that threaten the health and welfare of the general public. Public safety administrators manage and coordinate the delivery of emergency response services. These professionals work behind the scenes to enable fire, police and other crisis response workers to provide effective, life-saving support to communities in need.
Do I need a master’s degree to work in public safety?
Getting a graduate degree isn’t always necessary to compete for a leadership job in public safety, but having a master’s degree can give you an advantage when competing with others for a career. A master’s degree updates your safety skills so that you can continue to use modern techniques to manage public safety in your community.
Does my public safety administration degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Public safety leadership and administration courses
You’ll take courses covering a variety of topics, from emergency management and homeland security to public policy and public budgeting and finance. You’ll also complete courses in your chosen concentration. The program culminates with a capstone course in which you’ll complete an applied project of your choosing.
What can I do with a masters in public safety administration?
This advanced degree in public safety administration can help you pursue management, leadership and administrative career paths in public safety agencies and organizations, such as the police force, hospitals and rescue services, the fire department and more. Additional potential career paths 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.
Requirements for a public safety administration degree
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Nationally recognized public service programs
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.
#1
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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