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Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership

Drury University > Graduate Studies > Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership

Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership

The Master of Public Service and Safety Leadership focuses on developing the leadership skills necessary for you to successfully integrate all aspects of public safety, operations, personnel management and strategic practices and policies. Our goal is to enable you to be the most effective leader possible when your community and team need you most.

Program curriculum was designed by public service and safety experts. Our faculty have been carefully selected to reflect extensive experience in diverse fields of public safety as well as having academic credentials from accredited institutions. Coursework features practical learning experiences and projects that can be immediately implemented in the work place.

Who Would Benefit From This Degree

This program is designed for public safety and service leaders in fields such as law enforcement, emergency management, fire service, public health service, emergency medical services, environmental health and safety services, nonprofit organizations engaged in public safety and service, homeland security, public and civic servants, and public administration. Military service members, particularly those planning to transition into civilian service, are encouraged to apply.

 

Graduates of this program will have: 

  • The means and educational degree to advance in all public service and security careers. Our alumni boast fire chiefs, chiefs of police, FBI agents, and individuals serving in every leadership capacity in numerous public service fields.
  • A portfolio of ready-to-implement projects and other practical job-enhancing resources that will benefit your work and career in the present and the future.
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  Next Start Date: Fall or Spring

Program highlights:

  • 30-hour program
  • Online classes taught by experienced authorities in their fields
  • GRE not required for admission
  • Design a capstone project that fits your goals; no thesis required
  • A 12-credit hour Public Safety Leadership Certificate is also available
  • Credit toward your master’s may be requested for up to six qualifying professional development hours
  • Emergency Management student may complete up to six graduate credit hours concurrently while completing their undergraduate degree
  • Total cost of the program is less than $14,000; certificate less than $6,000

This degree requires 30 credit hours (10 courses) and is available entirely online:

Read about our first graduation cohort
PSSL 600Integrated Approaches to Public Safety
PSSL 610Strategic Planning and Evaluation
PSSL 620Human Resource Management and Employee Wellness
PSSL 630Effective Project Management
PSSL 640Financial Management and Sustainability
PSSL 650Ethics, Conflict, and Decision Making
PSSL 660Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Program Promotion
PSSL 670Leading Teams and Organizations
PSSL 680Emerging Issues in Public Safety and Administration
PSSL 695Capstone Project

A 12 credit hour Public Safety Leadership Certificate is also available.

For information on Drury’s other leadership related certificates and programs, visit the Drury Leadership Collaborative.

Policies & Admission

Transfer Credit

Up to six hours of transfer credit from an accredited institution may be applied toward the master’s degree.

Professional Development Competency

Students may request of a review of professional development programs that result in career-focused credentials or training programs documented on a Joint Services Transcript.

We may approve up to six hours of credit for professional development activities toward the master’s degree (approved certification in an area of law enforcement, 911 services, emergency management, or fire services; and/or credit for military education – approved academies).

Concurrent Credit

Concurrent credit allows motivated students to complete graduate-level courses that count toward undergraduate B.S. in Emergency Management or B.S. in Law Enforcement with a Leadership Concentration program, while giving you a head start on your Master’s in Public Service and Safety Leadership.

Students can complete a bachelor’s (typically four years) and fast-track the completion of a master’s degree in approximately one year. This allows students to save money and time in the pursuit of a Master’s in Public Service and Safety Leadership.

In order to earn the master’s in one year, students will take the remaining hours of graduate coursework during the three or four semesters following graduation with your undergraduate degree.

Eligible undergraduate students who meet program requirements (see Academic Catalog) can enroll in a maximum of six hours (two courses) of 600 level graduate courses while still pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Students earn graduate and undergraduate credit simultaneously in each of these courses.

Working in conjunction with the Master in Public Services and Safety Leadership program director, students will complete and file a program of study with the Registrar’s Office. The plan of study must be approved by the student’s advisor, the graduate program director, and the Associate Provost of Adult, Online, and Graduate Education.

Admission Requirements

  • College of Graduate Studies application: drury.edu/graduate-application
  • Official undergraduate degree transcript
  • Two professional or academic recommendations
  • Personal statement
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Official Joint Services Transcript and other official paperwork designating military training or professional credentials, if applicable

Donald Clark, Program Coordinator

Email: dclark01@drury.edu

I retired in 2009 from the Springfield Missouri Police Department after 27 years.  During my career there I served in Patrol, Community Services, Special Investigations, and Support Services.  

I then spent approximately 10 years combined time as the Director of Safety for Missouri State University, and the Assistant Director of Transportation for Springfield Missouri Public Schools. 

I have two Bachelor’s Degrees, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Leadership.  I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern Institute School of Police Staff and Command. 

 

Contact

Drury Leadership Collaborative
leadershipcollaborative@drury.edu
Alex Cobb, D. Min / Dr. Alex Cobb, Director
acobb003@drury.edu
417-873-7516