Best Online Public Safety Administration Degrees

Overview

Florida Atlantic University was established in 1961, with its beautiful campus located halfway between Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The campus was opened by Lyndon B. Johnson, the nation’s 36th president. The university was founded with the goal of being part of the “new revolution in education,” where all people could get an education. Since then, FAU is a diverse institution that is known for its excellent teaching, including in its many online programs. FAU Online offers fully-supported student learning at an affordable price.

Program Features

FAU’s online Bachelor’s of Public Safety Administration degree is for those who want to truly make an impact on others’ lives in their careers.

• Specialization in Law Enforcement/Corrections available
• Military-friendly program
• Sample Courses: Administrative Process and Ethics, Crime Analysis, White Collar Crime

Notables

Some sample careers upon graduation include a corrections officer, probation and parole officer, or a public safety director.

Overview

St. Petersburg College is a state institution that is located in Florida. Over 65,000 students are enrolled annually in its many on-campus and online degrees. SPC was originally founded as a private junior college in 1927, but expanded to offer four-year degrees. Today the college has 11 different campuses across the state. All of SPC’s online programs are designed to fit the needs of the working individual, especially those who have just come from a community college.

Program Features

SPC’s online Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration is ideal for those who already possess an Associate’s degree or certificate.

• Eight-week courses
• Previous academic credit available for related work experience
• Specializations: Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Fire Science, and Cross Discipline

Notables

This program has a board of advisors that routinely change the degree coursework in order to meet industry standards and needs.

Overview

Keiser University was founded in 1977 by Dr. Arthur and Evelyn Keiser who wanted to create a career-centered university for adult learners. It is currently the third largest, not-for-profit university in the nation. Keiser is also has a huge impact on the state, making an economic impact of over $3 billion annually and providing over 30,000 jobs. In 2014, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Keiser as the #13 best regional college in the South.

Program Features

Keiser’s online BS in Public Safety Administration degree combines public policy and management courses on a wide variety of issues.

• 60 upper-division credit-hours
• Develop strong writing skills

• Sample Courses: Business Ethics, Intergovernmental Relations, Hazard Mitigation

Notables

Graduates will be prepared for careers in places such as police departments, emergency medical service agencies, and fire departments.

Overview

Miami Dade College was founded in the 1960s during the period of desegregation. Miami Dade began as a community college, but rapidly expanded in enrollment size and in programs to become a four-year school. In 2013, MDC had the largest undergraduate enrollment out of any other institution in the nation. Its campus is diverse and inclusive, serving the Hispanic community more than any other college. MDC also has an impressive transfer and job placement rate

Program Features

For those who want a workforce-driven degree, an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management at MDC is a good choice.

• 120-credit hours
• Good for those who have an Associate’s degree in a related field
• Sample Specialization Tracks: Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Security/Loss Prevention

Notables

The Criminal Justice track is a good option for those who have the related Associate’s degree. If enrolled full-time, it can be completed in two years.

Overview

Founded for adult learners worldwide over 70 years ago, the University of Maryland University College is a completely online state university that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. An online learning experience at UMUC is very flexible, supportive, and affordable. Most courses meet weekly or biweekly and are taught from experienced professionals. Several of UMUC’s programs have been ranked nationally for its affordability and excellence in teaching.

Program Features

A BS in Public Safety Administration from UMUC prepares graduates for a career defending citizens from threats and emergencies.

• Ability to join student clubs and organizations
• Interest-free monthly payment plan option

• Sample Courses: Public Safety Planning, Decision Making, Public Safety Leadership

Notables

This degree was created to prepare students for organizations such as fire services, homeland security, or corporate security.

Overview

Polk State College is located in Polk County, Florida, and was the first public institute of higher education in its area. Established in 1964, the college serves over 20,000 students across its different campuses. The school also operates three charter high schools. Small class sizes, one-on-one counseling, affordability, and online courses are just a few of Polk State’s selling points. Students can be confident that they are getting the education they need for their future careers.

Program Features

Polk State’s online BAS in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Public Safety Management degree builds upon students theoretical and practical understanding of organizational management.

• Made for those who hold an Associate’s degree
• For-credit internship program
• Sample Courses: Operational Decision Making, Financial Management in the Public Sector, Public Sector Community Relations

Notables

Polk State offers the Bachelor Degree Scholarship which is awarded once a year in March. This scholarship usually covers six credits of tuition and fees for each semester.

Overview

Florida State College at Jacksonville was established in 1965 and currently enrolls over 52,000 students. FSCJ offers several campuses located throughout the city, with its main campus located in downtown. The school also offers several online degrees for working professionals. FSCJ’s online Public Safety & Security undergraduate program is taught by experienced faculty that are dedicated to helping students get the experience they need for their future careers.

Program Features

FSCJ’s online BAS in Public Safety Management prepares students to manage and lead public safety agencies.

• Accelerated Program: 18-24 months completion time
• Fall, spring, and summer terms
• Emphases: Public Safety Management, Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, Fire Department Administration, and Emergency Planning and Response

Notables

Students may be able to earn credit towards their degree from prior learning experiences, industry certifications, and/or work experience.

Overview

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university that is located in Prescott, Arizona. Founded in 1949, the university has always placed a strong emphasis on Christ-centered principles. At GCU, students are encouraged to grow in their faith while pursuing an area of study that they are passionate about. GCU’s career-ready, faith-based education even applies to its many online degrees. Students are able to take online courses on a flexible schedule at a time that works for them.

Program Features

Earn your BS in Public Safety and Emergency Management online at GCU through the Colangelo College of Business.

• Seven-week courses
• Theoretical and applied learning approach
• Several scholarships available

Notables

Forty-nine percent of students who go through this program have completed the program within 48 months.

Overview

Franklin University has been serving adult learners for more than 115 years. Although its main campus is located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, students can earn their degree from virtually anywhere with its amazing online programs. Franklin is a globally connected university, with partnerships around the world and within the community. Students will get the experience and attention they deserve. Currently Franklin is ranked the #1 online school in the nation.

Program Features

Through Franklin’s online BS in Public Safety Management & Leadership, students will learn investigation, prevention, and enforcement principles regarding public safety issues.

• Customizable learning experience
• Ability to transfer up to 24 technical credit-hours
• Specializations: Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement, Individualized Specialization

Notables

Current service members receive a tuition discount. In general, Franklin’s undergraduate tuition is 53 percent less than the national average price.

Overview

Labeled as the “epitome of the modern university,” Indiana University is a prominent research institution with a history of about 200 years. Over 114,000 students are enrolled at IU; its massive size is due to its excellence in teaching and research. Its online Bachelor’s in Public Safety Administration is offered through its Purdue University Indianapolis campus. The U.S. News & World Report recognizes IUPUI for its amazing first-year experience.

Program Features

Learn how to problem-solve in the public safety field through IU’s online BS in Criminal Justice degree program.

• Public Safety Management minor available
• Honors and accelerated master’s program for qualified students
• Scholarships for highly-talented students

Notables

Indianapolis Fire Department Training Academy graduates may be eligible to receive credit for this degree.