Program Overview

Program Overview

The Online Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration with a concentration in Executive Fire Administration is designed to advance skills in emergency management and planning. This program focuses on managing budgets and personnel within fire services departments, as well as understanding how public policy can reduce risk for entire communities.

Program Details

• The program consists of 11 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, totaling 33 credit hours.
• The next start date for the program is 01/12/2026.

What Will I Learn?

In this master's degree program, students will learn to navigate fire and emergency services as a manager to reduce risk and preserve community safety. Topics of study include:

• Emergency services operations analysis
• Fire and emergency services innovation
• Function and impact of budgeting and finance
• Leadership and program evaluation

Difference from a Fire Science Degree

This program differs from a traditional fire science degree due to its specialization in administration and leadership. It prepares students to effectively organize and lead a team in a fire department, including public policy and administration, data analysis, and organizational leadership.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a master's in Public Safety Leadership and Administration with a concentration in Executive Fire Administration are well-equipped to drive innovation from the upper levels of fire service in federal, state, and local fire departments and emergency management agencies. Potential careers include:

• Fire inspector
• Fire investigator
• Fire prevention and protection engineer
• Firefighter supervisor
• Municipal firefighter

Faculty and Accreditation

The program is part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, which is dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research, and service. The college is nationally recognized for its public service programs.

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 in the last 60 hours of the 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
• Evidence of current employment in an organization in this field or at least two years prior professional experience in this or a related field
• Proof of English proficiency

Courses

The program includes core and concentration courses, such as:

Core Courses

• Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation
• Executive Leadership Principles in Public Service
• Organization Behavior
• Public Budgeting and Finance
• Public Human Resource Management

Concentration Courses

• Community Resilience
• Emergency Services Operations Analysis and Planning
• Leadership for Innovation in Public Fire Services

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition fees can be estimated using the provided calculator, and most students receive financial aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Related Programs

Other graduate programs offered include:

• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration (MPSLA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Emergency Medical Services – Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MPSLA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Police Administration (MPSLA)