Online public safety management programs teach students how to effectively manage and communicate within the scope of an emergency situation. These programs are geared towards those who are natural born leaders who can remain organized and calm in the midst of a harrowing situation. Public safety management degrees are available at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, and select schools may offer a certificate option.

Individuals who graduate with a certificate or degree in public safety management may seek employment in emergency management, public event planning, law enforcement, and anti-terrorism organizations. Public safety management degrees may provide the skills required to pursue a career as a corrections officer, emergency manager, safety director, homeland security agent, or an FBI agent.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: One to two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An online certificate program in public safety management is designed for post-graduate students who wish to develop an overall understanding of the emergency management field. These programs may include a comprehensive overview of the public safety curriculum and may allow students to apply credits towards a graduate degree in the field. Possible coursework may include fire department organization and management, disaster planning management, and risk analysis.

An associate degree in public safety management may cover the basics of criminal justice, the legal system, and public safety. Coursework may include criminal law, corrections foundations, and security management foundations.

A bachelor’s degree program in public safety management teaches the skills needed to advance the techniques one needs to succeed in criminal justice, risk management, and security planning. Possible coursework may include emergency management and homeland security, administrative law, and issues in public safety.

Master’s-level online programs in public safety management are geared towards leaders in the fields of law enforcement and emergency management. These programs may prepare individuals to meet the challenges of natural disasters by fine tuning their decision-making and problem-solving skills. Coursework may include fire department organization and management, occupational safety and health administration, and risk analysis.

An online doctoral degree in public safety management provides students the opportunity to hone their research skills, develop professional communication skills, and gain a reliable and ethical outlook on a given situation. These programs may provide students the chance to specialize in a particular field of public safety, such as criminal justice, emergency management, or public safety leadership. Coursework may include diversity issues in public safety, fundamentals of social research, and global issues of disaster management.

Career Options

Those who obtain a public safety management certificate or degree may have the skills needed to plan strategically, coordinate security operations, and handle emergency situations. Graduates may earn the opportunity to work in many fields that require safety coordination, including emergency management, public event planning, or public safety organizations. Individuals may also choose to pursue a career in law enforcement, particularly in a leadership role.

Possible career fields include:

• Corrections Officer
• Emergency Manager
• Safety Director
• Homeland Security Agent
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent