An online doctoral degree in public safety management may teach the skills and knowledge required to lead and oversee public safety and emergency management organizations. In this three to five-year program, students may have the opportunity to conduct industry-specific research in strategic planning, public policy development, and risk management. Program coursework may include research-heavy dissertation courses alongside major-specific courses such as emergency management operations, disaster preparedness mitigation, and critical incident stress.

Upon completion of the program, students may pursue employment in their chosen capacity of public safety management. Doctoral-level graduates may seek career opportunities in post-secondary education, public service, state and federal government security agencies, and law enforcement.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 9% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online doctoral-level public safety management degree program may include dissertation research courses along with core classes. These classes may provide advanced instruction in emergency management planning, crisis mitigation, and leadership skills within an emergency organization. Core public safety management courses may include the following:

• Emergency Management Operations
• Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
• Global Issues in Disaster Management
• Critical Incident Stress
• Theoretical Constructs of Emergency Management
• Principles of Organization Theory and Practice
• Stress Management in Public Safety Organizations

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may pursue career opportunities in government security, law enforcement, administration, private security, and public service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing a career as an occupational health and safety specialist are projected to increase by 9% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Crises Management Consultant
• Emergency Management Director
• College Professor
• Prison Warden
• Public Safety Security Specialist

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