Behind every city is a team of dedicated professionals who work to keep everyone safe. These people work in public safety administration.
Communities are constantly being affected by emergencies, whether they are manmade or natural disasters. Ever since the horrible tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001, our country has seen a major shift in priority in disaster prevention, relief, and issues of security. Although we have come a long way in the past years thanks to brave leaders and new technology, the field of public safety will always need new professionals who are able to constantly improve our systems.
A career in Public Safety Administration involves positions that help coordinate security efforts within a community. These jobs can be at the local or national level, as most security initiatives are carried out by governments. Public safety jobs can also involve non-profit work. Those who wish to work in public safety can expect a well-rounded career; these leaders must have knowledge on politics, emergency prevention and relief, economics, and basic business principles.
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What type of master's in public safety administration degree should you get?
Although the most common degree is a typical master of arts or master of science in public safety administration or management, there are other similar degrees that students can choose from. One may be emergency management or a master of business administration with concentrations in related public health fields like homeland security. While all of these degrees will teach the foundations of the public safety field, non-public safety administration degrees may concentrate on other sub-fields such as fire science or terrorism.
An online degree is ideal for working professionals who wish to continue their education without giving up their normal working hours. Most online programs can be finished in as little as two years with very flexible hours. Classes will either be held at a given time (usually in evenings), or students will be able to work as they please on their own time with given deadlines. Online degrees may also be more affordable, too.
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How much money do people make with an online master's in public safety administration?
According toPayScale, the average salary of those who hold an MS in Public Safety is $64,606. However, an MA in public safety only makes an average salary of $49,328. On the other hand, those who hold only a BA or a BS in public safety make an average of $55,439 or $62,023, showing that a master's degree can improve salary potential. It is important to note that students who got their degree online versus a traditional on-campus program will have no different earnings.
In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that emergency management directors made a median salary of $64,360. The bureau also projects that this career will experience a six percent increase from 2014 to 2024. Other average salaries for various positions include $80,000 for human resources directors or $60,000 for program administrators. In general, those who work in the public versus the private sector will have similar earning potential.
What can you do with an online master's in public safety administration?
This degree prepares students to take on mid-level roles within the public safety sphere. Depending on if your degree allowed you to concentrate on a specific area, graduates may pursue more general jobs such as a non-profit director or an educator rather than positions that may require further training. Although the public safety field is not specifically labeled into categories, the three most common areas are: the Department of Homeland Security, environmental protection, and emergency management.
With further training and job experience, those who specialized in Homeland Security could be a customs officer or a policy analyst. Within the environmental field, common positions include being an EPA inspector or a pollution control technician. Lastly, typical emergency management jobs are a police officer, emergency medical technician, or a firefighter.
What are the requirements for an online master's in public safety administration?
Applicants who are interested in applying for these master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While a bachelor's in public safety administration or a related degree is not required, it will help build upon one's understanding of the master-level coursework. The majority of schools also have minimum GPA requirements, generally preferring applicants with a 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students with Graduate Record Examination or Graduate Management Admission Test scores can also submit their highest score, although many online programs do not require this.
What are the most affordable online master's in public safety administration?
Our data is pulled from trusted sources including:
U.S. News and World Report
Bureau of Labor Statistics
PayScale
Princeton Review
Official college/university websites
The 35 schools listed here offer flexible, quality education at the most affordable rates. These degrees are organized by the average price it will cost you to earn the whole degree, fees and financial aid included. Whatever your goals in the literacy field, these programs can help you achieve them without breaking the bank.
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