Online training in public safety management,
concerning public safety as well as administrative and leadership
strategies, is offered at the associate's, bachelor's and master's
degree level. Careers including criminal investigator, police chief and
emergency management specialist are available to graduates.
Online Associate's Degree in Public Safety Management Overview
Associate's degree programs in public safety management can be earned
entirely online. Future public safety managers have the option of an
Associate of Business Administration in Public Safety and Security
Management degree program, but more commonly enroll in an Associate of
Science in Criminal Justice program. Both of these degree programs cover
areas such as law enforcement procedures, the legal system and criminal
evidence.
An associate's degree in public safety management requires 60-64
credit hours for completion. The online coursework is accessed through
Blackboard or a similar learning platform that presents materials
asynchronously, allowing students to work on assignments at any time as
long as deadlines are met. Students interact with their instructors and
peers through online message boards and e-mails.
Common Associate's-Level Public Safety Management Courses
The curriculum of an associate's degree in public safety management
is composed of core major courses and general education courses in areas
such as English, science and math. The Associate of Business
Administration degree program also has additional business foundations
courses.
Criminal Law Course
This course analyzes the fundamental elements, functions and
processes of criminal law and the methods for enforcing it. Different
types of crimes against persons and property are identified as well as
the proof necessary for a conviction. Students also discuss the negative
effects of crime on society.
Criminology Course
The main theories of crime are studied from biological, psychological
and sociological viewpoints. The widely held beliefs about the reasons
behind crime are illustrated as well as strategies and methods for the
prevention of crime. Courts and correctional systems are also
researched.
Criminal Evidence Forensics and Investigative Methods Course
Students examine legislative rulings for the acquisition of evidence,
and the laws for search and seizure, due process and the proper ways of
conducting investigatory interviews. The different types of evidence
are also distinguished. Ethical considerations are covered, as well.
An associate's degree program in public safety management or criminal
justice prepares students for employment as a police officer or
detective, criminal investigator, private detective or similar
occupation related to public safety. Additional training for police
officers and detectives commonly occurs on the job, and private
investigators have licensing requirements that vary from state to state.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May of 2010,
there were 644,300 sheriff's patrol and police officers, 110,640
detectives and criminal investigators and 28,210 private detectives and
investigators (
www.bls.gov). These occupations earned median yearly salaries of $53,540, $68,820 and $42,870 respectively.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Safety Management Overview
Holders of an associate's degree in public safety management,
criminal justice or a similar area have several online options for
bachelor's degree completion programs in public safety management.
Online Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of
Business Administration degree programs in public safety management are
available. Concentrations such as emergency medical services and gangs
enforcement management are also offered. These degree programs infuse
the public safety knowledge acquired from an associate's degree program
with the administrative and leadership skills necessary for career
advancement into managerial positions.
Between 120-124 credit hours are required for completion of a
bachelor's degree, including those transferred from an associate's
degree program. These credits require no campus visits or in-person
work. Students have access to online learning materials 24 hours a day
and communicate with their teachers and classmates through online social
media sites, chat rooms and e-mails.
Common Bachelor's-Level Public Safety Management Courses
A bachelor's degree in public safety management curriculum contains
required major courses, general education requirements and
electives.Concentrations require additional courses in that area.
Contemporary Topics in Public Safety Management Course
This course highlights modern subjects of continuing interest and
importance to public safety organizations. It also introduces students
to issues involving management and administration in public safety.
Critical thinking, decision making and project design skills are
highlighted.
Public Sector Finance and Fiscal Management Course
The methods of financial administration in the public sector are
studied in depth. Learners examine budget creation processes and
identify main and alternative sources of funding. Other topics
researched include accounting and auditing strategies, risk management
skills and comparative analysis of major line-item expenses.
Administrative Law Course
Students analyze administrative agencies' functions and regulations,
as well as their powers to enact rules and investigate violations of
those rules. The relationship between these agencies and governmental
administrators is emphasized. Contractual and evidential rules,
constitutional limitations and ethics regulations are also discussed.
Police officers may advance to managerial positions such as police
chief, lieutenant and sergeant with a bachelor's degree in public safety
management.combined with previous experience in the field. The BLS
reported that as of May 2010, there were 102,200 managers of police and
detectives earning a median annual salary of $78,260. An occupational
growth of eight percent was predicted between 2008 and 2018.
Online Master's Degree in Public Safety Management Overview
Master of Science in Public Safety Management degree programs are
available through online or hybrid means that blend online courses with
on-campus requirements. Concentrations such as fire service
administration, homeland security and public health also exist. The
master's degree programs are intended for bachelor's degree holders who
seek career advancement opportunities in their current employment with a
public safety organization. Students enrolled in these degree programs
work on further developing their managerial skills while broadening
their knowledge in projects related to public safety.
A master's degree in public safety management comprises 32-36 credit
hours. The coursework is usually presented 100% online, though some
schools may require a few courses be taken on campus in the evening or
on the weekend. Some schools also offer the online program in an
accelerated format. Online materials are accessible at any time of day
to provide the greatest amount of flexibility for working students.
Common Master's-Level Public Safety Management Courses
Graduate-level core and elective courses comprise the curriculum of a
master's degree in public safety management. A senior project, thesis
or capstone course at the completion of the program summarizes and tests
all of the students' previously acquired skills and knowledge.
Public Safety Leadership Skills, Theories and Practices Course
This course readies the students for managerial roles in the public
sector through analysis of leadership types and methods, theoretical
concepts and case studies. Students are taught how to prepare for and
respond to threats ranging from natural disasters to terrorist attacks.
The modern challenges facing a public safety leader are highlighted.
Human Resources Management and Development Course
Human resource estimation and organizational planning ideas and
theories are studied in depth. Research and practice focuses on staff
acquisition, team development, conflict resolution and motivational
skills, with emphasis on job analysis methods, termination procedures
and union rules as well as self-assessment techniques.
Students learn how to effectively train public safety personnel in
order to improve their service to the community. Subjects examined
include employee assessment, priority establishment, marketing
techniques and budgetary concerns. Emphasis is placed on developing
missions and goals and strategies for achieving them.
A master's degree in public safety management helps its holder ascend
to the highest levels of administration in positions related to public
safety. Emergency management , career titles include emergency
management coordinator, emergency management system director, emergency
management consultant and emergency management director. Even though a
bachelor's degree is considered sufficient, O*NET OnLine reported in
2010 that 26% of all emergency management specialists held master's
degrees (
online.onetcenter.org). In May of 2010, the BLS reported
11,800 people working as emergency management directors, earning an
median yearly salary of $55,360.
Continuing Education
Although scarce, doctorate programs in public safety management are
available online. These degree programs are intended for people seeking
further career advancement or employment as a public safety instructor
at the postsecondary level.
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