As an experienced administrator, you know the power that collaborative curriculum, well-reputed faculty and networking with leaders can have on your career. This program's graduates have a reputation for success leading policing, homeland security, and fire and emergency management agencies in the U.S. and in other countries.
The MPSLA is a graduate degree program designed primarily for public safety professionals. An advanced degree is increasingly important for career progression within public safety administration. Those with an advanced degree have an advantage as they seek to advance in their professions: a practical understanding of public safety organization administration. Graduates of this program should expect to find employment and advancement in all levels of government agencies as well as in private sector organizations.
This degree program offers the following concentrations:
As a seasoned administrator, you know the power collaboration, networking and exposure to new initiatives have on career advancement in the public safety arena.
The MPSLA is a graduate degree program designed around the needs of public safety professionals.
This graduate program, through accomplished faculty and intricately connected curriculum, endeavors to advance student leadership, and policy and administrative acumen.
Graduates have a practical understanding of public safety organization administration.
At A Glance
Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration, MPSLA
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Online
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete this graduate level program.
Application deadlines
Fall - Session A/C - August 1
Fall - Session B - September 23
Spring - Session A/C - December 23
Spring - Session B - February 24
Summer - Session A/C - April 29
Degree requirements
Required Core (15 credit hours)
CPP 520 Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (3)
CPP 521 Public Finance and Project Management for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (3) or PAF 506 Public Budgeting and Finance (3)
CPP 570 GIS for Hazards Analysis (3)
PAF 507 Public Human Resource Management (3)
PAF 508 Organization Behavior (3)
Electives (15 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
CPP 593 Applied Project (3) or
PAF 593 Applied Project (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for approved elective course list.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology or criminal justice, public administration or public service, sociology or social work, public safety or fire service management, parks and recreation management, applied sciences, environmental sciences or geography, public health, or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- written statement
- two letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency
A written statement, at least one page in length, which describes the applicant's educational and career goals and long-term professional development strategy is required.
There are no required admission examinations.
Current employment in an organization in this field or at least two years of prior professional experience in this or a related field or a bachelor's degree in a related area are required.
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration, MPSLA in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.