Course Listing
Introduction to Public Safety Administration
PSAD 302 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. An introduction to public safety organizations and the functions of administrators within these organizations. The objective is to identify key functions of public safety administration and describe the history and current forces and trends facing public safety administrators. The history, development, growth, and future of various interdependent public safety entities is examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include key responsibilities of administrators in public safety administration.
Contemporary Public Safety Practices
PSAD 304 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: PSAD 302. An investigation of contemporary strategic public safety practices. The goal is to explore several best practices generally associated with successful organizations and apply them to the field of public safety. Topics include the role of hazard and risk management, quality control, and customer service in public safety organizations. Discussion also covers contemporary views of public safety integration and consolidation, as well as public and private partnerships.
Public Safety Planning
PSAD 306 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: PSAD 304. An examination of strategic, operational, and tactical planning in public safety administration with an emphasis on the planning process. The aim is to demonstrate key skills in public safety planning by successfully developing a hazards mitigation plan. Topics include strategic, operational, and tactical planning as well as resource allocation and hazards mitigation.
Public Safety Legal Issues and Public Policy
PSAD 408 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: PSAD 304. A review of the U.S legal system and an analysis of the law as it relates to the administration of public safety organizations. Principles of legal obligations, limitations, liabilities, and immunities are examined and discussed, both in general terms and, where applicable, in terms of how they differ in the treatment of public employers and employees. The objective is to develop an appreciation of the legal responsibilities of a public safety administrator to their employees and the public at large.
Public Safety Research and Technology
PSAD 410 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: PSAD 304. An examination of research and the applications of technology in public safety administration. The goal is to describe the principles of scientific research; evaluate existing research and technology; and apply the methods and resources of research, science, and technology to public safety administration. Topics include scientific research, research methodology, technology, and the evaluation and use of research and technology in public safety administration.
Public Safety Administration Ethics
PSAD 414 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: PSAD 304. An in-depth examination of ethics and ethical issues in public safety administration. The aim is to recognize the principles of ethical decision making and those factors that tend to undermine their application and those that tend to support them Topics include the most well know ethical systems, values and empathy, moral disengagement, ethical decision making and ethical leadership, and deception as viewed through the lens of ethical responsibility.
Public Safety Leadership
PSAD 416 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: PSAD 304. A study of leadership theories, skills, and techniques used in public safety administration. The objective is to define and explain basic concepts of leadership; analyze personal leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities; and evaluate leadership performance in the current public safety environment. Topics include leadership, leadership theories and styles, leadership roles, leadership performance, individual leadership skills and plans, effective leadership, and future trends.
Workplace Learning in Public Safety Administration
PSAD 486A | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.
Workplace Learning in Public Safety Administration
PSAD 486B | 6 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.
Public Safety Administration Capstone
PSAD 495 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: PSAD 306, PSAD 408, PSAD 410, PSAD 414, and PSAD 416. An intensive study of public safety administration that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and builds on that foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Focus is on using these skills to address the challenges of current and future issues in public safety administration. The aim is to integrate leadership, administration, and management concepts apply them to current public safety issues. Assignments include the development of a comprehensive case study related to a current public safety issue.