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Introduction to the BS Public Safety Program

The online Bachelor's Degree Program in Public Safety is designed to equip students with the skills to address new issues and topics within public service. This versatile degree program allows students to develop skills in areas such as communications, reporting, time management, psychology, counseling, and law enforcement.

Degree Overview

The program is tailored for individuals currently employed as first responders, as well as those seeking roles and advancement opportunities in law enforcement, homeland security, government, intelligence, courts, corrections, fire, EMS, emergency management, and more. Students will choose three areas of focus from the following: psychology, sociology, criminal justice, computer science, homeland security, management, and political science.

Program Details

• Next Start Date: May 18
• Estimated Program Length: 3-4 years
• Credit Hours: 120
• Course Length: 8 weeks
• Cost Per Credit: $325

Who is this Degree For?

• Individuals currently employed as first responders.
• Individuals seeking roles and advancement opportunities in law enforcement, homeland security, government, intelligence, courts, corrections, fire, EMS, emergency management, and more.

Course Details

The program consists of:

• General Core Curriculum: 48 hours
• Professional Courses in Public Safety (300-400 Level): 40 hours
• Electives and/or Technical Credit in Public Safety: 12 hours
• Free Electives and/or Technical Credit: 20 hours Total: 120 hours

Public Safety Comprehensive Major Requirements

The comprehensive major requirements include 52 hours of coursework, divided into:

Professional Courses in Public Safety

Students must complete 40 hours of upper-level coursework from advisor-approved courses in the following academic disciplines: Psychology (PY), Sociology (SY), Criminal Justice (CJ), Political Science (PS), Homeland Security (HS), Management (MG), Computer Engineering Technology (CET), and Public Safety (PBS). This coursework may include up to seven semester hours of professional internship credit.

Electives and/or Technical Credit in Public Safety

Students may complete twelve semester hours in related courses in Public Safety from PY, SY, CJ, PS, HS, MG, CET, and PBS to satisfy this requirement. Students who have professional certification and/or technical training in a public safety-related field may apply for course credit for their certifications.

Free Electives and/or Technical Credit

Students must complete at least 20 additional semester hours in free electives and/or technical credit for degree completion.

Admissions

The admission process is designed to be straightforward and convenient. Steps to get started include:

• Completing an online application.
• Submitting official transcripts of high school grades or GED scores.
• Submitting official college and institution transcripts (if applicable).

Tuition

• Undergraduate Tuition: $325 per credit hour.
• Technology Fee: $75 each semester. The University of West Alabama is dedicated to keeping education costs affordable and provides students with a range of grants, scholarships, and loans. Approximately 80 percent of UWA students receive some type of financial aid to support their studies.

Transfer Policy

The University has a generous transfer policy at every degree level. Undergraduates transferring from a two-year college are eligible to transfer up to 60 credit hours and up to 90 credit hours from a four-year college with matching courses and curriculums.