Why This Matters
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS EARN $74,590 PER YEAR
The median annual wage for emergency management directors is almost twice the median annual salary for all other U.S. occupations. The top 10% of emergency directors earn over $141,230.
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DEMAND FOR EMERGENCY MGMT DIRECTORS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 4%
Skilled professionals are needed to help businesses and organizations prepare for human-made and natural disasters and lead the response following these emergencies.
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500 MORE ARE NEEDED OVER THE NEXT DECADE
It’s estimated that there will be 10,900 emergency management directors in the U.S. by the end of 2029.
Our Research
This list covers graduate programs in public safety administration that prepare graduates for leadership roles, such as emergency management director, chief security officer, and law enforcement officer. Degrees offered include Master of Public Safety & Homeland Security Management, Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management, Master of Criminal Justice, Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management, Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management. Students can choose from on-campus, in-person, and hybrid learning formats.
National and regional accreditation is given to public safety administration programs that meet specific academic criteria and adequately prepare students for the global workforce. Accreditation is granted by peer and self-assessment. The schools on this list are accredited by the National Environmental Health, Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 70 hours to write this article
- 185 universities and colleges we assessed
- 228 education programs we compared
The Top 49 Master’s in Public Safety Administration Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a public safety career, you should also consider pursuing a master’s degree in homeland security or emergency management. Homeland security programs prepare students for future roles in the Department of Homeland Security. Students focus on predicting, analyzing, and preparing for domestic and international threats, including cybersecurity and terrorism. Emergency management programs focus on minimizing risk and implementing policies to protect people and property from disasters. Decide whether you’d like to work for a governmental agency after graduation or if you’re interested in shaping and guiding public safety initiatives across many different industries.
Certifications enable you to showcase your expertise in a particular area to potential employers. There are a limited number of senior-level positions in public safety administration. You should consider obtaining additional certifications to give you a competitive edge. The Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) and Certified Homeland Protection Associate (CHPA) are given to public safety professionals by the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition (NDPCI). The International Academy of Public Safety (IAPS) also provides valuable credentials in the field of public safety, such as the Credible Law Enforcement Organization (CLO) Certification and the Certified Credible Leader (CCL) Certification.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when researching graduate programs in public safety administration:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field to pursue a graduate degree in public safety administration. Some programs may require professional work experience and a minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most master’s programs in public safety administration take two years to complete. The programs on this list require a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 52 credits to graduate.
Application deadlines and entry requirements are different for each program. Visit the school’s website or contact the admissions department for detailed information about the program to which you’re applying.
Consider how you will cover the costs of your higher education. Some employers may pay for part or all of your academic-related costs. You may also be eligible for federal student aid, scholarships, and grants. Research funding opportunities and turn in all financial applications on time.