What should I know when considering a degree in Public Safety Management?
Careers in public safety management focus on the management, preparation and coordination of the safety of the
public. While public safety officers, such as policemen, may be considered the brawn of public safety, public safety
managers are both the brain and the backbone when it comes to protecting the public.
If you are in the fields of law enforcement, legal services, human resources, public relations or emergency services
and want to enhance your career, then obtaining a public safety degree is the perfect career move for you. A degree in
public safety can help you become a public safety manager in a variety of industries at the local, state and federal
level of government. A career in public safety management guarantees a competitive salary, enhanced job security, and,
most importantly, a rewarding and respected career in an industry that you will be proud to be a part of.
Required Education
Federal Jobs Net reports that in order to be considered for a job in public safety management with the government,
you must have a degree in public safety or a closely related field. Furthermore, related experience in your field of
choice and a graduate degree such as a Masters in Public Safety are highly recommended for those considering a career
in the public safety management industry.
An online public safety management degree is designed for those looking for full-time or part-time study,
comprehensive classes, and flexible learning related to your schedule and lifestyle.
A public safety degree will expand your knowledge of the justice and law enforcement system and increase your
awareness of the importance of public safety. Public safety management courses will specialize in advanced accounting,
cultural studies, administrative law, management principals, human resource managements and public administration,
strategy and implementation and leadership skills. All of these courses will further prepare you for a career in public
safety.
Career Opportunities
Public Safety directly relates to the government at the local, state and federal levels. Because of this, many
careers in public safety are funded, secured and employed by different government departments. In fact, as reported by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the federal government employs 1.8 million employees and is considered the largest
employer of the nation.
As explained by the US General Services Administration, these departments include the Department of Justice, the
Department of Immigration, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the
Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Homeland Security.
A degree in public safety management can take you into a variety of management positions. These include Chief of
Police, Fire Chief, Anti-terrorist Task Force Member, Public Events Security Co-ordinator, Public Administrator,
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and many others.
Earning Potential
Because there are so many different careers related to public safety management, there is a large spectrum of annual
earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, those working in the federal government averaged $65,463 for the
2006 year. Management positions tend to be higher than this, and your annual salary is based on a General Services (GS)
curve, which incorporates your experience, education and previous employment with the federal government.
In 2007 Front Line Police Detectives and Police Managers averaged $73,620, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. However, the top 10 per cent of Police Chiefs made over $108,000 per year. Front Line Fire Chiefs averaged
$67,350 in 2007, while Occupational Health and Safety Specialists made an average of $61,360 in 2007.
Increasing Public Safety
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an increase of 9% - 11% in careers related to the public
safety industry by 2016. Furthermore, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, federal government jobs, although
expected to decline as a whole, will be rapidly increasing in the industries of security, enforcement and compliance.
These are three main sectors that relate to public safety management.
The Department of Homeland Security, one of the largest federal agencies, employed 183,000 workers in April 2006.
This number has, and will continue to increase. The Department of Homeland Security is only one of the many agencies
that employ those in the public safety management sector.
Because of the recent threats to our public safety and security, careers in public safety management are rapidly on
the rise. And because public safety is of the utmost importance in the United States of America, employers at the
public safety management level will always be needed.
Article Resources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331021.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs041.htm
Department of Homeland Security
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2006/summer/art01.pdf
Federal Job Net
http://federaljobs.net/law.htm
US General Services Administration
http://www.usa.gov/Government/State_Local/Safety.shtml#vgn-public-safety-topics-vgn
What are the leading schools offering programs in Public Safety Management?
- Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and
master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services
to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has
over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while
maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. (More Info)
- Norwich University : Norwich University, established in 1819, offers an advanced education environment that is rich in history. Norwich University offers following online graduate programs - MBA, Information Assurance, Business Continuity Management, Diplomacy, Civil Engineering, Military History, Nursing, Information Assurance, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration and Justice Administration (Criminal Justice). (More Info)
- Capella University (Graduate) : Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities—all without entering a classroom. (More Info)
- Grand Canyon University Online : Founded in 1949 as a private, non-denominational Christian university, Grand Canyon University emphasizes individual attention and staff support. Students learn professional essentials for success in Education careers—all with the convenience of flexible online classes. (More Info)
- Capella University : Capella University is an accredited online university designed to provide a quality education that fits the life of busy professionals like you. With a strong learner community built around motivated adult learners, real world faculty and a staff dedicated to your success, Capella helps you make an immediate impact on your life and career. (More Info)
- Ashford University : Founded in 1918, Ashford University specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion for a degree in MBA or Master of Arts in Teaching/Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. (More Info)
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