What is a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration?

A bachelor's degree in public safety administration is a college degree that students can earn online to help prepare for a career in public safety administration. UMGC’s online bachelor's degree in public safety administration is a 120-credit program that covers topics like risk management, emergency preparedness, prevention, liability, ethics, and more. The program helps students prepare to work in a wide range of industries, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations. This program is a great fit for mid-career police officers, law enforcement, first responders, or homeland security professionals looking to develop their knowledge base and advance to administrative, leadership, or decision-making roles in the public safety field.

How much does a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration cost?

Tuition rates for Public Safety Administration majors are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make bachelor's degrees even more affordable.

Are there any certifications needed to apply for a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration?

You do not need any certifications to enroll in or complete this program.

Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration

AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION

$250 per credit

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Learn career-relevant skills in leadership and decision-making with a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from University of Maryland Global Campus. Network with like-minded public safety and homeland security professionals as you study in our public safety administration program.

Learn under the tutelage of experienced faculty members who bring their practical expertise to the classroom. With convenient hybrid, virtual, and online courses, multiple start dates, access to lifetime career services, and a generous transfer credit policy, UMGC Asia provides the flexibility and support you need. Why wait? Take the first step and apply today!

Build a Foundation of Knowledge in Public Safety Administration, Risk Assessment, & Problem-Solving

This innovative degree program is designed for working public safety professionals who are interested in deepening their knowledge base and learning new skills. As you move through our curriculum, you’ll master the latest leadership theories, ethical concerns, technological hurdles, and research methodologies in the field. You’ll also augment your studies with courses on financial literacy and public policy, giving you a more well-rounded education and helping you stand out in the market. Your capstone course will focus on current events, as you utilize the skills you’ve learned to develop a case study related to a current public safety issue.

Here are a few benefits of this degree program:

Throughout the curriculum, you’ll explore the latest theories, applications, and technology in public safety administration. You’ll also gain critical leadership skills that are universally applicable to the job market.
UMGC offers courses annually in the spring, summer, and fall terms.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

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Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Master Key Skills in Public Safety Administration

Today’s employers understand that public safety is a growing area of concern, which is why they’re looking for educated working professionals who have sufficient training in the field of public safety administration. Graduates of this program will develop crucial and career-relevant skills in emergency response, ethical analysis, threat identification, data analytics, and leadership.

Our faculty refresh and update the program curriculum regularly with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

Analyze Best Practices

Analyze the unique aspects and best professional practices associated with the field of public safety administration within the United States.

Learn Legal Frameworks

Analyze the legal framework within the United States that outlines the obligations and limitations of public safety entities with respect to their employees, constituents, and the public at large.

Evaluate Challenges

Evaluate the challenges associated with the professional obligation to address concurrent public safety emergencies and the challenges associated with the development of effective corresponding mitigation plans.

Consider Ethical Frameworks

Evaluate the unique ethical framework associated with the field of public safety administration and the corresponding decision-making process required of public safety professionals.

Assess Leadership Skills

Assess the leadership attributes most commonly associated with exceptional professionals within the field of public safety administration.

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is a great fit for mid-level professionals in public safety administration who are looking to advance in their careers by honing their skills in leadership, data analysis, and threat management. The skills you learn in this program can be applied to careers in the public sector, the non-profit sector, the government, or the military. Potential job titles available for graduates of this program include public safety director, emergency management administrator, school safety and security director, occupational health and safety specialist, and battalion chief.

Ashley W., Collingdale, PA

14%

Job Growth

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Public Safety Courses

Throughout your public safety administration degree curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following in-depth course projects:

Identify a public safety organization and, through published accounts of the organization, review it from a risk analysis perspective.
Select a disaster and discuss, in detail, the roles of the local, state, and federal jurisdictions as they relate to the preparation plan process, mitigation practices, and area evacuation for each jurisdiction.
Discuss at least one ethical issue that is arguably present in public safety that might be impacted by the lessons learned from your research related to ethical decision-making.
Select a scenario in which you will lead your agency through the crisis. Select the type of public service agency you will lead through this crisis (law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, etc.) and apply the various leadership concepts learned in your lessons.

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I feel like I've been successful throughout my Air Force career and I feel, with my UMGC degree, I will also be successful in the civilian sector as an Emergency Management Director.

Natasha G., Humble, TX BS in Public Safety Administration

Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration

Public Safety Administration

AT A GLANCE

TUITION

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Build a Foundation of Knowledge in Public Safety Administration, Risk Assessment, & Problem-Solving