Online Master’s In Public Safety Programs

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Public safety experts play a crucial role in maintaining security and order at the local, national and international levels. A master's in public safety deepens students' knowledge and awareness of current and emerging threats to national security.

Graduates of a public safety master's program can pursue emergency management director positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that this position will grow 4% through 2029.

This guide ranks the best online master's in public safety programs. It also covers important information for prospective students, such as common courses and certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Safety

Why Get a Degree in Public Safety?

Public safety professionals help identify and mitigate threats. Graduates with a master's in public safety can pursue leadership positions in the field, many of which offer strong salary potential and opportunities for advancement.

Many colleges and universities now offer online degrees in public safety. Online programs often give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Many schools also offer tuition discounts to online students.

How Much Does a Public Safety Degree Cost?

The cost of a master's in public safety degree program varies by factors like school type, enrollment status, and delivery format. Graduate students at in-state public institutions during the 2018-2019 school year paid an average of $12,171 in tuition and fees, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Enrollees at private universities paid $27,776, on average, during the same period.

At the master's level, many universities support enrollees with fellowship and grant opportunities. Institutions usually give online and on-campus students equal access to these financial assistance programs.

Students can often save money by pursuing a master's in public safety online. For instance, online students often save on some of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as commuting costs. Many schools also offer tuition discounts to online students. Additionally, online learning often gives students the flexibility to continue working while pursuing their degree.

Additional Online Student Fees for Public Safety

Schools may require online students to pay technology fees, which are typically assessed as a flat fee each enrollment period or on a per-credit basis. These fees may significantly affect the overall cost of a degree, so online enrollees should research whether prospective schools require this fee.

An online master's in public safety may also feature on-campus requirements, such as orientation sessions and thesis presentations. Students should consider the costs associated with traveling to campus to fulfill these requirements when budgeting for their degree program.

How Much Do Public Safety Majors Make?

Salaries vary by factors like role, location, and industry. A public safety master's degree qualifies graduates for administrative positions in emergency management. The BLS reports a 2020 median salary of $76,250 for professionals in this arena. Organizations that typically pay emergency management professionals the highest salaries include the federal executive branch, followed by architectural and engineering firms and scientific research and development companies.

Location also affects salary. For instance, emergency management directors in Washington, D.C., California, Washington, and New Jersey typically make higher salaries than directors in other states.

Public safety professionals who focus on cybercrimes can pursue information security analyst positions and forensic science technician roles. Information security analysts make a median annual salary of $103,590, while forensic science technicians make a median salary of $60,590.

Courses in Public Safety

A master's in public safety typically comprises 30-40 credits and takes two years of full-time work to complete. Learners study topics like public policy and ethics, administrative law, and homeland security. Degree candidates may also complete an internship as part of the curriculum. Students often culminate the program with a thesis, a capstone research project, and/or a comprehensive exam.

Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines several courses commonly found in master's in public safety programs.

How to Become an Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in emergency management, public health, or a related field. However, a master's degree gives these professionals a competitive edge in the job market. Emergency management directors also benefit from a background in the military, fire safety, law enforcement, or another other closely related field.

Certifications and Licensure for Public Safety

Public safety positions do not typically require licensure or certification. However, public safety professionals can pursue optional certifications to demonstrate their expertise and advance their careers. The following list outlines several common certifications for public safety professionals.

Online Master's in Public Safety Programs