Masters in Public Safety and Security

Without the various public safety departments, it is hard to imagine a peaceful society free of crime. Public safety is immensely crucial for the survival of our nation, and the security of citizens. The main aim of this sector is to provide security and protect people from danger. The Department of Public Safety, also known as the Office of Public Safety, is the main umbrella agency under which a number of agencies are operating. These agencies are specialized in a certain area and work towards providing safety services. Some of the main public safety agencies include rescue services, emergency medical services, police and security guard services, animal control, and the department of motor vehicles.

To pursue a career in the public safety department, you will need to have an academic degree in this field. You can opt for associate degrees in public safety, bachelor degrees in public safety, and master’s degree in public safety. These programs are being offered by a number of institutes across the nation.

Masters in Public Safety

Masters degree in public safety has become a popularly pursued graduate level program. Students can prepare for leadership and administrative roles in the department of public safety with this degree. The program allows students to develop an understanding of public safety policies and goals. If you enroll in this program, you will come across a wide range of subjects that will help you develop a theoretical base of knowledge as well practical skills. The curriculum will vary from college to college and will also depend upon other factors.

Some of the subjects that are highlighted in the program include the following:

• Occupational health and safety
• Environmental protection
• Emergency management
• Natural disasters
• Law enforcement
• Criminal justice
• Policy management

The key objective of the program is to help students learn about the current issues in the society, how various agencies function, what their key role is in the society, and how to effectively manage emergency situations. In a Master in public safety, you will also build administrative skills that will prepare you for managerial or leadership roles in public safety departments.

Career Opportunities

The career opportunities in this field are vast. Students can opt from a number of different career paths according to their interest. You can join the police department and become a police officer by acquiring formal training. Or even become a firefighter, these professionals drew a median income of $45,250 in 2010. This income figure has been estimated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, public safety officer jobs have seen a dramatic rise in recent years. A Master public safety officer is a professional who responds to crimes in progress, maintain order, patrol assigned areas, and protect citizens from all kinds of dangers. Public safety careers are great for those who want to help protect fellow citizens and contribute to the society in positive ways. You not only need a degree to succeed in this field but also need to have the desire and passion to work for the well-being of others.