Public Safety Degree

It’s amazing how little time the general public thinks about their personal safety as they go about their daily life. For most, the ability to go shopping or drop our children off at school is something we take for granted, not even considering that in some countries it’s not possible. We feel safe and secure in our country, and that security is due to the professionals that work behind the scenes enforcing laws and regulations, planning for man-made threats before they happen, and guarding our privacy both online and off.

Public safety professionals blend into the background of our stores, banks, and streets. They are police officers, fire fighters, security guards, and information technology professionals that have focused on a career path that involves preparing government agencies or private companies against threats of all kinds. These individuals are strategic planners in many cases, planning for contingencies so that safety response is much faster and more efficient. A career path in Public Safety can be rewarding and open the door to many interesting avenues of work.

There are many job examples that an individual interested in a career in public safety could explore:

• Law Enforcement for private companies or the Government – More than private security, these individuals seek out and plan emergency responses for man-made or natural disasters
• Homeland security and terrorism protection – Plans for situations where there is risk to individuals or organizations within the country.
• Disaster response – Prepares for and implements emergency response when natural or man-made disasters occur.

In some cases, you can walk into a job opportunity in Public Safety without any past experience or training. You would receive on the job training, and in many states would have to take a certification test for appropriate licensing. Most job opportunities with advancement possibilities require a criminal justice degree.   Some subject areas you may study for a concentration in public safety could include law enforcement, criminal law, fire prevention, or information systems technology.

Depending on the area you choose, you will need to be physically fit in order to be a public safety professional. Most careers in law enforcement or fire prevention require rigorous physical stressors on a daily basis. There are dangers as well, including capturing criminals, chasing those who break the law, fighting blazing fires, and terrorism related situations.

Public safety professionals have a bright career outlook. No matter the state, there is an adequate number of job postings relating to this career path. The median salary for a professional in this area would be start at approximately $30,000 per year and grow as your experience and qualifications grow.

Whether you choose a career in law enforcement, become employed for a large organization such as Homeland security, or perform security for a large business, you are sure to enjoy this varied and interesting profession.

Earn Your Public Safety Degree Online

Explore these accredited online Public Safety Degree opportunities below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Ashford University

• Org Mgmt/Public Safety Administration (Bachelor's)

One of the best things about Ashford University's Organizational Management program is the ability to customize your degree to fit your professional and educational goals.

Capella University

• Public Safety Leadership (Master's)
• MS in Public Safety / Emergency Management Specialization
• PhD - Emergency Management
• PhD - Public Safety Leadership

People who choose this specialization are often pursuing career advancement or consulting careers in law enforcement, fire services, emergency response, and other public safety professions.

Walden University

• Public Safety Management (Ph.D.)

The emergency situations we face in today's complex environment call for a new leadership approach. Walden's specialization in Public Safety Management offers emergency response professionals the skills to lead, manage, and motivate others during emergencies; to build confident and capable teams; and to address challenging ethical situations that may arise during the course of duty.

University of Phoenix

• Administration of Justice and Security (Master's)

The Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security degree provides the required knowledge for the student to develop competence in administering criminal justice or security programs.

Eastern Kentucky University

• MS in Safety, Security & Emergency Management - Fire & Emergency Services

Eastern Kentucky University has developed a Fire & Emergency Services concentration within the Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management degree program to provide you with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of fire safety/protection and to enhance your overall skills in this field.

Lewis University

• Master of Science in Public Safety Administration

The Master of Science in Public Safety Administration teaches you how to lead organizations that deal with public safety efficiently and effectively in an increasingly challenging environment.

Anna Maria College

• Master of Public Administration in Fire Service and Administration
• Master's in Fire Science and Administration

If your goal is to become a fire chief, police chief, city manager, or the leader of a charity, public agency, or nonprofit organization, the online MPA from Anna Maria College can help.

Related Information:

The role of the Public Safety and Security Professional
When the World Trade Centre Towers fell on September 11, 2001, the world was forever changed. Terrorism had suddenly become a part of our daily lives, and despite the best attempts of the government and law enforcement, many Americans cannot regain the sense of security that they had prior to the attacks. In a different vein, Hurricane Katrina caused thousands of individuals to lose family members and their homes when the storm ripped through Louisiana. Although a completely different kind of terror was caused by that storm, those who have had to deal with the loss of loved ones and all of their possessions were left with a feeling of insecurity. read more...

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