View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and degree-level requirements, credit opportunities, industry certification exams, and more.
This program requires a total of 30 credits.
You'll need to take 15 credits of electives, chosen from the selection below. Please keep an eye on this program page as we are expected to add more course options to this category in upcoming terms.
You must complete MSPS 600, 610, 620, and 630 before you take MSPS 690—otherwise any order is acceptable.
If you completed your bachelor's degree in criminal justice at UMGC (law enforcement track only), an accelerated pathway between UMGC's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in that field may allow you to reduce your total coursework for this program.
This information is for students who enroll in the 2026–2027 academic year. As this is the first year this program is offered, there will be no differing UMGC program requirements for previous years. To review information about related educational programs, visit our program catalog archive.
As the public safety field grows, employers are seeking working professionals who can stand out in a crowded market. This online master’s degree is key in demonstrating your value. After you finish this program, you’ll have mastered valuable leadership skills in the public safety arena such as strategic planning, communicating, decision making, organizational management, and more.
UMGC refreshes and updates the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:
This program is designed to help you enhance your knowledge, skills, and abilities in the public safety profession. Potential job titles you could achieve with a master’s in public safety leadership include police or fire chief, public safety director, as well as careers in EMS, corrections, and school safety and security.
Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including our new master’s degree programs, career support, security clearance, and more.
Christopher Swain, Portfolio Director Criminal Justice & Investigative Forensics
Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program admission, credibility, and more.
UMGC’s online master’s degree in public safety leadership is a 30-credit program that is designed to help you develop a foundation of knowledge in public safety ethics, decision-making, organizational management, strategic planning, communications, and more.
At UMGC, we want you to be satisfied with the investment you make in your education, and we work hard to keep our programs affordable. When you choose to pursue your online master’s degree in public safety leadership at UMGC, you can rest assured that the quality of our curriculum is backed by the reputation of an accredited state university and the University System of Maryland.
Deciding whether a master’s degree is worth it for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're not sure whether this is the right program for you or need help figuring out how to fit the program into your life, don't hesitate to reach out to us—our advisors and success coaches are happy to help.
UMGC's online master’s degree in public safety leadership is a 30-credit program with courses offered year-round. Depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer, you can expect to graduate in as little as two years.
UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online master’s degree in public safety leadership follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.
Students do not need any specific background to enroll in the online master’s degree in public safety program at UMGC, but it’s recommended they have experience in the public safety discipline they’re pursuing. Our standard graduate admission requirements apply.
Students don't need any certifications to enroll in or complete the online master’s degree in public safety leadership program at UMGC.
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