Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Police Administration Program

The Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration with a concentration in executive police administration at Arizona State University aims to prepare students for influential careers in law enforcement administration. This program focuses on developing skills in problem-solving and analysis to investigate and implement crime-reduction strategies in the communities served.

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.
• The program culminates with a capstone course where students complete an applied project of their choosing.

Courses

The program includes a range of courses designed to provide a solid foundation in data analysis, organizational leadership, public policy, and administration. Some of the core courses include:

• Geographic Information Systems and Analysis
• Organization Behavior
• Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Public Budgeting and Finance
• Public Human Resource Management
• Concentration courses include:
  • Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation
  • Seminar in Criminal Justice
  • Seminar in Criminal Justice Organization and Management

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to perform managerial duties in federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies. They are also prepared for roles in probation and parole, child support services, homeland security, and allied security professions. Examples of career paths include:

• Chief of police
• First-line police supervisor
• Police detective
• Police dispatcher
• Special agent

Faculty and Accreditation

The faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are leaders in their fields, with highlights including:

• Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
• Fellow of the American Psychological Association
• Member of the National Academy of Public Administration The program is part of Arizona State University, which is accredited and recognized for its public service programs.

Admission 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 for applicants whose native language is not English

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition fees can be estimated using the university's calculator, which takes into account full-time or part-time enrollment. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Related Programs

Arizona State University offers other related programs, including:

• Law Enforcement Administration (Graduate Certificate)
• Criminal Justice (MA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration (MPSLA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Fire Administration (MA)