How long does it take to get an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration?

UMGC's online bachelor's degree in public safety administration a 120-credit program with courses offered year-round. The time it will take you to complete your degree will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.

What background do I need to get an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration?

You do not need any background or experience to apply for and graduate with an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.

Are there any certifications available for those with an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration?

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

Online Public Safety Administration Bachelor's Degree

Q: What is an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration?

An online 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, mitigation, and liability, ethics, and more. The program helps students prepare to work in a wide range of industries, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations.

Q: How much does an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration cost?

Tuition rates for the online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from UMGC are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children. We also 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 online bachelor's degrees even more affordable.

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

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

TUITION RATES

$324 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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Prepare for leadership in your profession with a bachelor's degree in public safety administration.

The online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration at University of Maryland Global Campus is designed to provide you with a foundation of knowledge and expand your understanding of the unique aspects of administration in the field of public safety. In this program, you’ll study public safety’s professional and legal frameworks as well as administrators’ responsibilities related to risk management, mitigation, and liability. You’ll also examine ethical decision-making processes and distinguish the attributes of exceptional public safety leaders.

Courses
Requirements
Sequence

Total Credits Required: 120

Required Major Courses: 30 Credits

(3 Credits, PSAD 302)
(3 Credits, PSAD 304)
(3 Credits, PSAD 306)
(3 Credits, PSAD 408)
(3 Credits, PSAD 410)
(3 Credits, PSAD 414)
(3 Credits, PSAD 416)
(3 Credits, FINC 331)
(3 Credits, BMGT 317)
(3 Credits, PSAD 495)

Related Required Course

The following may be applied to general education requirements:

(3 Credits, IFSM 300)

General Education Courses: 41 Credits

Review the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework for bachelor's degrees.

Minor and Elective Courses: 49 Credits

Review a list of available academic minors or see the course catalog or Schedule of Classes to help you select elective courses.

This is our recommended course sequence to progress through this program. You may take multiple courses simultaneously, up to your course load limit. You cannot take a prerequisite with its subsequent course during the same session. Your plan will be unique and dependent on multiple factors, including the number of credits you transfer to this program. Contact an advisor if you have any questions about this plan, course alternatives, or your course load limit.

Sequence	Course	Requirement(s) Fulfilled
1	(3 Credits, PACE 111P)	General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
2	(1 Credit, LIBS 150)	General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
3	(3 Credits, WRTG 111)	General Education: Communication
4	(3 Credits, WRTG 112)	General Education: Communication
5	(3 Credits, NUTR 100)	General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
6	(3 Credits, PSAD 302)	Major
7	(3 Credits, SPCH 100)	General Education: Communication
8	(3 Credits, MATH 105)	General Education: Math
9	(3 Credits, IFSM 300)	General Education: Research & Computing Literacy; Major
10	(3 Credits, PSAD 304)	Major
11	(3 Credits, HUMN 100)	General Education: Arts & Humanities
12	(4 Credits, BIOL 103)	General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
13	(3 Credits, BEHS 103)	General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences; Major
14	(3 Credits, ARTH 334)	General Education: Arts & Humanities
15	3-credit elective course	Elective
16	(3 Credits, ECON 103)	General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
17	(3 Credits, PSAD 306)	Major
18	3-credit elective course	Elective
19	(3 Credits, PSAD 408)	Major
20	3-credit elective course	Elective
21	(3 Credits, PSAD 410)	Major
22	3-credit elective course	Elective
23	(3 Credits, PSAD 414)	Major
24	(3 Credits, WRTG 391)	General Education: Communication
25	3-credit elective course	Elective
26	(3 Credits, PSAD 416)	Major
27	3-credit elective course	Elective
28	3-credit elective course	Elective
29	(3 Credits, FINC 331)	Major
30	3-credit elective course	Elective
31	3-credit elective course	Elective
32	(3 Credits, BMGT 317)	Major
33	3-credit elective course	Elective
34	3-credit elective course	Elective
35	(3 Credits, PSAD 495)	Major
36	3-credit elective course	Elective
37	3-credit elective course	Elective
38	3-credit elective course	Elective
39	3-credit elective course	Elective
40	3-credit elective course	Elective
41	(1 Credit, CAPL 398A)	Elective

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2023–2024 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

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

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Study Best Practices

Analyze the unique aspects and best professional practices in public safety administration.

Analyze Legal Frameworks

Analyze the legal framework that outlines the obligations and limitations of public safety entities.

Evaluate Challenges

Evaluate challenges around professional obligation and the development of mitigation plans.

Utilize Ethics

Use ethical frameworks in the decision-making process required of public safety professionals.

Build Leadership Skills

Study the leadership attributes associated with professionals within public safety administration.

Demonstrate Knowledge

Identify a public safety issue and recommend possible solutions.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for a leadership role in first responder organizations. These include organizations involved in law enforcement, security, emergency dispatch, emergency management, fire service, homeland security, and emergency medical services. This program is ideal for those who have already worked in the public safety field in some capacity and want to further their skills.

Please note: Most of the disciplines noted above require additional specific training like emergency training, dispatch training, or attending a police or fire academy.

Ashley W., Collingdale, PA

$53B

Public Safety Market

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Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Graduate Certificate

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

Online Bachelor's Degree

Public Safety Administration

Public Safety Administration

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

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