Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration prepares students for leadership roles in public safety organizations. The interdisciplinary program combines coursework from criminal justice, political science, and public administration, with a focus on law enforcement, fire protection, private security, disaster management, and corrections. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective public safety policies and programs.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration is an interdisciplinary program involving coursework from three departments in two colleges within the University. It is a competency-based curriculum resting on a strong liberal arts foundation. Graduates will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in public safety.
Objectives:
- To prepare students for leadership roles in public safety organizations, including law enforcement, public safety, fire protection, private security, disaster and emergency management, and corrections.
- To provide students with a strong understanding of the causes of crime, the nature and impact of criminal behavior, threats to public safety arising from fires, environmental and natural disasters, and the nature and operation of correctional institutions.
- To equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement effective public safety policies and programs.
Outline:
The program comprises three main components:
An interdisciplinary foundation group
- Courses in criminal justice, political science, and public administration that provide a broad understanding of the public safety field.
An administration group
- Courses in public and nonprofit personnel administration, budgeting, policy, and administrative skills, as well as an understanding of the conditions, strategies, and practices found more specifically in public safety agencies.
An area concentration
- Coursework in law enforcement, fire protection, private security, or emergency management, depending on the student's career goals. In addition to these core components, students may also choose to complete an academy or internship component.
Careers:
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the public safety field, including:
- Police officer
- Firefighter
- Emergency medical technician
- Private security officer
- Disaster and emergency manager
- Corrections officer
- Public safety administrator
- Homeland security specialist
- Crime analyst
- Probation and parole officer
- Social worker
