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: 08/17/2023
Total classes: 11
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 33
Degree questions, answered.
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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:
- 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'?
Featured 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.
Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Geographic Information Systems and Analysis
Public Budgeting and Finance
Public Human Resource Management
Organization Behavior
Leadership for Innovation in Public Fire Services
Foundations of Emergency Medical Services
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.
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.
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 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.
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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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