Public Safety and Security, B.S.

The Public Safety and Security Program is designed to be an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program. The coursework builds on the foundation of the Criminal Justice associate degree program and allows students to continue their education in the Public Safety and Security program for degree completion. The program integrates theoretical principles with practical application and offers a broad preparation for positions in local, state, federal, and private agencies. Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of roles in law enforcement, probation and parole, emergency management, and national security agencies, among others, and have the foundation necessary for graduate school.

The coursework emphasizes the development of professional knowledge and skills in areas such as risk assessment, policy analysis, and safety and security planning. Students learn and apply the skills associated with evidence-based decision making and obtain hands-on experience through their Internship. The program culminates a capstone in which students research and analyze a contemporary public safety and security issue. 

Prospective students should be aware that most Public Safety and Security agencies require background checks prior to participating in an internship or making an offer of employment.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in preparing and delivering professional oral presentations and researching and preparing concise written communications;
2. Demonstrate competency in the research process as it applies to public safety and security;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a diverse workplace and multicultural society;
4. Recognize ethical issues in public safety and security professions and apply a framework for addressing them;
5. Identify problems and needs within public safety and security, review literature, collect data, and apply analytical skills in policy analysis and a research project;
6. Explain and demonstrate strategic planning, policy development and policy analysis process;
7. Demonstrate skills related to: grant writing, policy analysis, risk management and research;
8. Identify sources of data and analyze qualitative and quantitative data;
9. Articulate an awareness and understanding of the varied roles, relationships and responsibilities comprising professions in public safety and security;
10. Defend the importance of evidence-based decision making in public safety and security; and
11. Demonstrate theories and practices involving contemporary issues in public safety and security.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all the general Bachelor graduation requirements as stated in the catalog. In addition, students must complete the Public Safety and Security major core courses with a minimum grade of “C-” in each course and a cumulative GPA of 2.3.