Public safety is all about the protection and welfare of the greater community. Anyone who has an interest in keeping their community safe from crime, disaster, and other potential threats may consider pursuing a degree in public safety. A public safety degree will prepare you for a range of careers in law enforcement, security, and emergency management.
The question remains, what does it take to become successful in this field? What are the public safety degree requirements that you will need to fulfill? As ready as you may be to protect your community and break into this field, you will need to complete a number of requirements first.
Earning a public safety and security degree is an important step in achieving your dream career. This degree will help you develop the professional skills needed to succeed in this field, such as:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Grant writing
- Risk Assessment
- Research Methodology
- Policy analysis
- Safety and security planning
Students learn to apply these life-saving skills to their chosen profession upon graduation. Whether you have an interest in law enforcement or see yourself investigating cybercrimes, you will be able to recognize ethical issues in public safety and security, identify programs and needs within the field, and demonstrate strategic planning and policy development.
Still wondering how to land a role in this field? Read on, as we explore the public safety degree requirements you will need to fulfill before you break into your new career.
Public Safety Educational Requirements
There are many great career options with a public safety degree in hand, including:
- Computer Security
- Corrections
- Customs and Border Protection
- Cyber Crime Investigation
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Emergency Management
- Fire Science
- First Responders
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Law Enforcement
- Security
- Transportation Security Administration
In order to reach success with one of these careers, you should be prepared to start with a postsecondary degree. Some of the above roles require college-educated applicants. For example, emergency management directors are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. (And it is worth it, as they earn a median salary of $76,250 per year!)
Another public safety role that requires a college education is a DEA agent. DEA agents typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, in a related field, in order to apply. According to the official DEA website, special agents with the DEA can earn between $49,746 and $55,483 per year, and those with more experience and education have potential to earn a higher pay. For example, after four years of service, DEA agents are eligible to progress and earn more than $92,592 annually.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also offers competitive pay to qualified, skilled, and well-trained officers. After earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, these professionals can earn a starting salary between $35K-$80K per year. And, within four years of service, be promoted to earn upwards of $122K annually. Fully trained officers are eligible to earn up to $45K in overtime pay alone.
As you can see, many federal roles in public safety, law enforcement, and homeland security often require a postsecondary education. Of course, not all public safety careers require a bachelor’s degree. However, as more organizations are looking for professionals who are serious about their future, investing your time in a public safety and security degree program will be worth your while.
Public Safety Degree Requirements
Now, what is required to graduate with a degree in public safety? At Goodwin, the public safety degree program requires students complete the following, core courses:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice and the Law
- Criminal Procedures
- Introduction to Corrections
- Criminology
- Investigative Report Writing
- Criminal Law
- Juvenile Justice in America
- Research Methods
- Risk Reduction through Environmental Design
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Multiculturalism in Public Safety and Security
- Public Policy Analysis
In addition to major core requirements, all students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Goodwin must complete a minimum of 40 credits of general education classes.
Once you have earned your degree, you will have the competitive edge and the education that many employers today prefer. You will also have the skills needed to become a leader in public safety, and to make a difference in your community.
Are you ready to break into an exciting field that involves protecting others? Consider launching your career with a public safety degree. A public safety degree program qualifies you for several advanced positions or positions you to grow your career in this important field. Through this kind of program, you will gain connections to leaders within the industry and hone the skills needed to manage and lead a team of public safety professionals.
If you are ready to get started, learn about the public safety and security degree program at Goodwin University. Classes are taught by industry experts who will prepare you to join the prestigious ranks of law enforcement and other public safety professionals. Learn about our program by calling 800-889-3282, or visiting us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.