An online associate degree in public safety management may provide students with the skills and training needed to assist those in the industrial, business, public, and non-profit sectors. Students enrolled in these two-year programs may learn how to apply practical applications and hands-on assistance pertaining to workplace safety responsibilities. Coursework within these programs may combine a few general education requirements alongside electives and major-specific courses, such as hazmat awareness and operations, incident management system, and contingency planning.

Public safety management graduates may either pursue entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in a bachelor’s degree program. Associate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in law enforcement, emergency management, and fire service.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 5% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online associate-level program in public safety management may combine a handful of general education requirements alongside major-specific courses and a few electives. In these two-year programs, students may learn how to apply safety requirements to the workforce and comply with state and national standards. Core online public safety management courses may include the following:

• Hazmat Awareness and Operations
• Incident Management System
• Risk Management
• Contingency Planning
• System Safety Analysis
• Legal Aspects of Safety
• Fundamentals of Fire Protection

Career Options

Graduates of online associate-level programs in public safety management may find career opportunities in law enforcement, fire service, and emergency management at the state, local, and federal levels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as corrections officers are expected to increase by 5% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Environment Safety Specialist
• Corrections Officer
• Public Safety Specialist
• FBI Agent
• Homeland Security Specialist

Continuing Education

Graduates of online associate degree in public safety management programs may pursue additional education and enroll in a bachelor’s-level programs in public safety management. These four-year programs may cover topics, such as emergency management, security planning, and risk management.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook