Best Master's In Public Safety Management Degrees

Overview

The University of San Diego is a private Catholic university in sunny San Diego, California. The school’s mission is to empower ethical, compassionate leaders to create change in society. It’s one of only 41 universities worldwide to earn designation as a “Changemaker Campus.” USD offers a wide variety of programs and degrees, including many online opportunities. This includes an award-winning online master’s in public safety leadership.

Program Features

USD’s Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership is ranked as one of the top programs of its kind. It’s designed for current law enforcement professionals interested in leadership roles. The 31-unit program teaches leadership skills, ethical practices, and legal and policy matters. It lasts five semesters and can be completed in 20 months. Courses include:

• Conflict Resolution and Decision Making
• Budget and Finance for Law Enforcement Leaders
• Critical Issues in Law Enforcement and Public Safety
• Community Engagement
• Organizational Theory and Change

Notables

This program is designed to promote ethical and effective leadership for law enforcement and public safety organizations. It was developed in collaboration with law enforcement associations. Faculty consists of experienced criminal justice professionals. Although it’s 100 percent% online, the program provides networking opportunities through learning teams and online collaboration.

Overview

California State University Long Beach is a diverse and globally-engaged public university. Established in 1949, CSULB is one of California’s largest universities by enrollment. It’s one of the nation’s most diverse colleges. It has also been recognized as a “Best Value University” by Princeton Review. Among CSULB’s 65 Master’s degree programs, the school offers an online MS in Emergency Services Administration.

Program Features

The Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration is a 32-unit program designed for working professionals. It builds the critical thinking and leadership skills required by disaster-resilient communities. The program is well-suited for firefighters, police officers, military personnel, disaster response planners, and emergency medical services personnel. In this program, you’ll take courses like:

• Emergency Planning and Management
• Risk, Crisis, and Inter-Agency Communications
• Emergency Management Leadership Across the Megacommunity
• Emergency Management Organizations: Constructs for Influencing Complex Systems

Notables

The foundation of this program is a 23-unit set of required core coursework. Students then take up to six units of elective coursework in their chosen area of specialization. To complete the program, a thesis or capstone project is required. Capstone projects directly benefit communities or strengthen the student’s organization. Program tuition is especially affordable.

Overview

American Public University offers over 200 online degrees and certification programs that start monthly. It’s committed to providing both quality education and affordable tuition. APU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Since 2013, its online programs have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report. APU offers an MA in Emergency and Disaster Management.

Program Features

The Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management is a 36-credit program that takes two years to complete. It sharpens the critical-thinking and research skills needed to plan and manage public crises. Case-study examination guides candidates through natural, technical, and human-induced disasters. Students explore the history, theory, response, recovery, and economics of EDM through courses like:

• Emergency and Disaster Theory
• Crisis Action Planning
• Interagency Disaster Management
• Hazard Mitigation and Resilient Communities
• Mass Casualty Incident Management

Notables

APU’s program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress. It’s taught by experienced, highly credentialed instructors. Program graduates are employed as emergency management directors, security managers, compliance managers, loss prevention managers, redevelopment specialists, supervisors of police and detectives, and more.

Overview

Purdue Global is part of the Purdue University system. Purdue University is a public university ranked by Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges. It’s also designated as a “College That Pays You Back.” Purdue Global’s mission is to expand access to affordable, high-quality education. With multiple start dates throughout the year, it offers flexible scheduling options. Purdue Global has a Master’s program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Program Features

Purdue Global’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is a 55-credit program. It focuses on the legal, social, business, economic, and political aspects of the emergency management industry. The curriculum is hands-on, project oriented, and problem based to connect theory with practice. Courses include:

• Critical Issues in Terrorism
• Crisis Intervention
• Applied Research in Criminal Justice
• Mitigation and Preparedness Issues for Emergency Management
• Homeland Security Policies, Principles, Procedures, and Plans

Notables

Purdue Global’s program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Courses are taught by experienced and effective industry professionals. They can be accessed anytime, anywhere (with an Internet connection). Graduates will be prepared for management-level positions with federal, state, and local agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

Overview

Headquartered in Richmond, Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1906. The university is dedicated to high-quality instruction, scholarship, and service. EKU started as a small teacher’s college. Today, the university serves over 14,000 students and offers a wide range of degrees. Online degree programs allow students to take the same courses from the same distinguished professors as on-campus students. One of these programs is a Master’s in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management.

Program Features

EKU’s Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management program can be completed in two years. Students complete a set of core courses, then choose one of five concentrations: Occupational Safety, Homeland Security, School Safety, Fire and Emergency Services, or Emergency Management. Each concentration requires four additional courses. This program will build your expertise in a key area of the safety arena, putting you on a path to leadership. Core courses include:

• Emergency Preparation and Response
• Issues in Security Management
• Legislation and Legal Compliance
• Auditing for Safety, Security, and Emergency Management

Notables

Students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher don’t need to submit GRE scores for admission. Courses are taught by nationally recognized safety experts with both public and private sector experience. EKU’s industry affiliations allow students who meet certain requirements to receive course credit toward their degrees. These programs help you boost your professional credentials and earn your degree sooner.

Overview

Lewis University is a private Catholic university in Romeoville, Illinois. Lewis was founded in 1932 on the traditions of liberal learning, values, and preparation for professional work. Ninety seven percent of students receive some form of financial aid. The university offers over 80 undergraduate majors, 37 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs. It’s recognized by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. At Lewis, students can earn an online Master’s in Public Safety Administration.

Program Features

The Master in Public Safety Administration is a 36-credit hour program. Students learn to reduce the threat of potential dangers at the local, state, and federal level through applied theories and practices. The focus is on both risk management and crisis intervention. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that goes above and beyond what is available in many other public safety programs. Courses include:

• Fiscal Management for Public Safety Administrators
• Ethics, Integrity, and Social Responsibility
• Labor Relations in the Public Sector
• Public Safety Law and Civil Liability
• Organizational Behavior in Public Safety Systems

Notables

Courses are offered in an accelerated eight-week format. At this pace, the program can be finished in two years. However, students may move at their own pace and have up to seven years as needed. To complete the program, students must pass a one-week comprehensive exam. Graduates work in diverse fields such as environmental protection, homeland security, and emergency management.

Overview

Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University is a public university in Jacksonville, Alabama. It offers more than 49 academic programs designed to help students reach their maximum potential. JSU began as a state teachers’ college. Now, it has more accredited programs than any regional university in Alabama. JSU’s online programs offer affordability and flexibility. This includes a Master’s in Emergency Management.

Program Features

The Master of Science in Emergency Management is a 30-credit hour program. Requirements consist of 21 required Emergency Management courses and nine hours of 500-level electives. Courses focus on crisis management, hazard assessment, and other analytic and management skills. In this program, expect to take courses such as:

• Disaster Recovery
• Hazard Mitigation
• Disasters and the Media
• Legal Aspects of Emergency Management
• Research Methods in Emergency Management

Notables

Successful completion of this program requires passing a comprehensive final exam. JSU also offers a 15-hour Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management. Jacksonville State is a pioneer in distance learning, with over 1,200 of the school’s 8,900 students pursuing online degrees.

Overview

Arkansas Tech is a public university in Russellville, Arkansas. It’s the third largest university in the state with an enrollment of 12,000. ATU was founded in 1909 on the principles of tenacity, determination, and academic excellence. The university is rapidly growing and boasts several nationally recognized programs. ATU is the #1 online education provider in Arkansas. It offers an online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Program Features

ATU’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management requires 36 hours of coursework. It can be completed online, on campus, or in a blended format. The degree can be completed in as few as four semesters. Students complete 18 hours of required courses and nine hours of electives tailored to individual career objective. Courses include:

• Fundamentals of Homeland Security
• Ethical, Legal, and Political Considerations in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Emerging Technology in EMHS
• Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for Business and Industry (elective)
• Principles and Practice of Disaster Relief and Recovery (elective)

Notables

ATU offers plentiful financial aid options. Out-of-state students may qualify for in-state tuition with unconditional program admission. Students can apply for unconditional admission with a GPA of at least 3.0, a statement of interest, and a resume. Successful completion of the program requires either an original research thesis or a practicum research project. Both options consist of three courses totaling nine credit hours.

Overview

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University is the largest Christian university in the world. The rapidly growing university recently welcomed a record number of students to campus. In addition, GCU has tens of thousands of students worldwide enrolled in online programs. Digital platforms are constantly refined to deliver an outstanding virtual experience. The online Master’s program in Disaster Preparedness is no exception.

Program Features

GCU offers a 38-credit Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership. Students learn to help others increase emergency awareness, safety, and readiness. They explore the issues involved in large-scale crises and strategies for planning and management during crisis situations. The rigorous curriculum emphasizes immediate application of practical and ethical leadership skills. Courses include:

• Organizational Development and Change
• Emergency Planning and Management
• Law and Legal Issues
• Understanding Terrorism’s Threat
• Power, Politics, and Influence

Notables

Courses are offered both online or through evening classes. Coursework offers an expansive look at contemporary challenges such as modern terrorism and environmental issues. Graduates pursue careers as terrorism or disaster preparedness leaders within police departments, fire departments, emergency services, schools, community organizations, and cyber security organizations.

Overview

Saint Leo is a values-based Catholic nonprofit university based in St. Leo, Florida. Founded in 1889, the university has 35 education centers in seven states. It’s consistently ranked as one of the South’s top universities by U.S. News and World Report. Saint Leo also offers numerous flexible, accredited online degree programs. These programs are taught by experienced faculty with real-world experience. St. Leo students may enroll in a Master’s program in Emergency and Disaster Management.

Program Features

The Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management is a two-year program of study. It requires 36 credit hours. Students may petition for approval to complete the program at an accelerated pace. The program provides the knowledge and skills needed to identify threats, minimize risks, and lead communities and organizations in times of crisis. Choose from courses such as:

• Impact of Terrorism on Homeland Security
• Psychological Aspects of Critical Incidents
• Risk Identification and Assessment
• Analytical Understanding of Interviews and Interrogation
• Hostage Negotiations Phase I and II

Notables

A capstone project is required for successful completion of the degree. Students earn six credit hours while addressing an important problem or launching a program initiative related to the skills and knowledge acquired throughout coursework. Graduates work as criminal justice administrators, first responders, government officials, or specialists in myriad organizations.