Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PSLA) degree online is designed for public safety professionals looking to elevate their leadership skills. This program develops the expertise to manage and lead law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency services organizations.

Program Details

• The program consists of 11 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, and totals 33 credit hours.
• The next start date is 01/12/2026.
• Courses cover a variety of topics, including emergency management, homeland security, public policy, and public budgeting and finance.
• In addition to core classes, students complete five electives if pursuing the general MPSLA or a set of courses in a chosen concentration area.

Concentrations

• Emergency medical services – mobile integrated healthcare: Prepares professionals to lead emergency response teams, manage crisis situations, and develop strategies for community resilience.
• Executive fire administration: Focuses on developing advanced leadership skills for experienced fire service professionals, including expanding management and decision-making abilities to enhance fire service operations and community safety.
• Executive police administration: Equips senior police officers for top leadership roles, emphasizing advanced strategies in police management and operational oversight.

Courses

Required Courses

• Geographic Information Systems and Analysis
• Organization Behavior
• Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Public Budgeting and Finance
• Public Human Resource Management

Elective Courses

• Community Resilience
• Emergency Services Operations Analysis and Planning
• Foundations of Emergency Medical Services

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, students are equipped to pursue management, leadership, and administrative career paths in public safety agencies and organizations, including:

• Chief of police
• Emergency management director
• Emergency medical technician
• Fire chief
• Law enforcement policy advisor
• Paramedic
• Public safety consultant

Faculty

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking, and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

• Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
• Fellow of the American Psychological Association
• Member of the National Academy of Public Administration

Application Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Requirements include:

• A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of the student's first bachelor's degree program or in an applicable master's degree program
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Letter of intent
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae
• Two academic and/or professional letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency

Accreditation and Rankings

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research, and service. Rankings include:

• #2 best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report
• #2 in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport, and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings
• Top 5 Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report
• Top 10 best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report

Tuition

Use the tuition calculator to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about estimating tuition and fees.