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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Public Safety Leadership and Administration (MPSLA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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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:

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.


Required

Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security


Required

Geographic Information Systems and Analysis


Required

Public Budgeting and Finance


Required

Public Human Resource Management


Required

Organization Behavior


Elective

Leadership for Innovation in Public Fire Services


Elective

Foundations of Emergency Medical Services


Elective

Emergency Services Operations Analysis and Planning


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:

Chief of police

Emergency medical technician

Firefighter

Paramedic

Police officer

Learn from leaders in safety management

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent 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 are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent 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.

Application requirements

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 public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

#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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