A master’s degree in public safety administration degree provides students with the knowledge to oversee public safety agencies. A master’s degree in public safety provides students with the skills and expertise to step into administrative roles at public safety agencies at the local, state, and federal level.
Related:
Featured Programs
- Best Online Masters In Criminal Justice
- Best Bachelor’s In Criminal Justice Online
- Top 25 Affordable Online Master’s In Public Safety Administration
- Top 20 Entry Level Public Health Jobs
- Highest Paying Job In Public Health 2023
Top Affordable Master’s in Public Safety Administration Online Methodology
For students who want to pursue a master’s degree in public safety, we have compiled a list of the top programs available in this and related areas. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Programs that are offered online are denoted as such.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Affordable Online Master’s in Public Safety Administration Programs
#1. California State University Long Beach
Online Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Long Beach, California
Students who want to study at California State University Long Beach can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Emergency Service Administration degree. This masters’ in public safety administration degree is a great option for students who want to learn the skills needed to effectively manage community and workplace emergencies. Students in this program will gain an understanding of the administration and management of emergency managers, as well as prepare themselves for careers in emergency disaster administration roles. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. California State University Long Beach has received accreditation for this program of study from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $8,100
Score: 100
#2. Western Illinois University
Online Master of Public Safety Administration
Macomb, Illinois
Western Illinois University is currently offering this Online Master of Public Safety Administration degree to its students entirely online. This program of study requires a total of 33 credit hours to complete. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Western Illinois University with accreditation for this program of study. Western Illinois University estimates that students will be able to complete this program in as little as two years. Courses in this program of study include Management Issues in Public Safety Administration, Civil and Criminal Liability, Diversity in Public Safety Administration, and much more.
Tuition: $11,187
Score: 99.75
#3. Texas A&M University
Online Executive Master of Public Service & Administration
College Station, Texas
This Online Executive Master of Public Service & Administration degree is offered to students by Texas A&M University. This degree is a great option for students who want to begin their careers in public safety administration. This master’s degree in public safety is offered in three different concentrations, including a Homeland Security Track, Nonprofit Management Track, and a Public Management Track. Texas A&M University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 39 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Some of the courses in this program include Public Policy Formation, Economic Analysis, Budgeting in Public Service, and more.
Tuition: $12,089
Score: 99.5
#4. Southern Illinois University
Online Master of Public Safety and Homeland Security Management
Carbondale, Illinois
Students who want to study at Southern Illinois University can enroll in this online master’s in public safety administration degree. This degree is offered to students entirely online. Southern Illinois University’s Online Master of Public Safety and Homeland Security Management degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This master’s degree in public safety is designed from the ground up to provide public safety professionals with the skills they need to further their careers. Some of the courses in this program include Public Management of the Fire Service, Emergency Management, Disaster Preparedness, and much more. A total of 39 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $13,800
Score: 99.25
#5. Indiana University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Public Safety
Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University offers this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Public Safety degree to its students entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Indiana University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission. Students who have completed this degree have gone on to have careers in emergency management, private security, law enforcement, and much more. Courses in this program include Public Safety Law, Public Finance and Budgeting, Crime Analysis, and much more.
Tuition: $14,850
Score: 99
#6. University of South Florida
Online Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief & Homeland Security
Tampa, Florida
The University of South Florida is currently offering this Online Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief & Homeland Security degree to its students entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This master’s degree in public safety is a great option for students who want to receive an education in public safety administration from a public health perspective. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of South Florida with accreditation for this program of study. Students in this degree will focus on large-scale disaster management as it affects different regions across the globe.
Tuition: $15,012
Score: 98.75
#7. University of Texas-El Paso
Online Master in Public Administration – Homeland Security
El Paso, Texas
Made available by the University of Texas-El Paso, this Online Master in Public Administration – Homeland Security degree is offered entirely online. Students in this program can choose to personalize the electives in this program towards courses geared towards Homeland Security. Some of those courses include Professional Seminar in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Public Health Issues & Homeland Security, and more. The University of Texas-El Paso has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.
Tuition: $17,640
Score: 98.25
#8. Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration
Tempe, Arizona
Those who want to study at Arizona State University can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Public Safety Leadership and Administration degree. This program of study is offered entirely online and can be completed in under two years. A total of 11 courses are needed to complete this master’s degree in public safety for a total of 33 credit hours. Courses in this program are 7.5 weeks long. Some of these courses include Leadership for Innovation in Public Fire Services, Public Budgeting & Finance, Public Human Resource Management, and more. Arizona State University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $17,919
Length: 15 months
Score: 98
#9. Sam Houston State University
Online Master of Public Administration
Huntsville, Texas
This online master’s in public safety administration degree is offered to students by Sam Houston State University. Students enrolled in this Master of Public Administration degree can develop the skills needed to succeed as public safety professionals. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has received accreditation from Sam Houston State University. Courses in this program include Global Disaster Politics, Dynamics of Public Administration, Emergency Management, and much more.
Tuition: $18,072
Score: 97.5
Score: 97.25
#10. Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration – Disaster Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University offers this Online Master of Public Administration – Disaster Management degree entirely online. Through this online master’s in public safety administration, students will develop an understanding of public safety skills and management concepts needed to effectively lead during a crisis. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Liberty University with accreditation for this program of study. Courses in this program include Hazard Mitigation, Politics & Policy of Public Sector Budgeting, Understanding Terrorism & Homeland Security, and much more. Liberty University estimates that this program can be completed in 1.5 years.
Tuition: $20,340
Score: 97
#11. Lewis University
Online Master of Science in Public Safety Administration
Romeoville, Illinois
This Online Master of Science in Public Safety Administration degree is offered to students by Lewis University. Lewis University offers this program entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this master’s degree in public safety. Lewis University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can complete this program in as little as two years. This program is offered in three different concentrations: Public Safety Administration and Management, Public Safety Law and Civil Liability, and Public Safety Administration Incident Command. Courses in this program include Human Resource Development, Public Safety Training, Multicultural Diversity, and more.
Tuition: $20,880
Score: 96.75
#12. Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University students can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree. This master’s in public safety administration degree is a great option for students who want to develop the skills needed to effectively lead public agencies and prepare them for an emergency. A total of 34 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program are eight weeks long. Some of the courses in this program include Economics and Human Issues, Law and Legal Issues, Leadership in Emergency Management, and much more.
Tuition: $38,760
Length: 18 months
Score: 96.5
#13. Arkansas Tech University
Online Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Russellville, Arkansas
Students who want to study at Arkansas Tech University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Those who have completed this master’s degree in public safety have gone on to have careers in business continuity, disaster recovery & mitigation, policy advising, and much more. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program include Fundamentals of Homeland Security, Technology for Comprehensive Emergency Management, Foundation of Leadership, and more. Students can expect to complete this program in under two years.
Tuition: $21,024
Length: 18 months
Score: 96.25
#14. Bellevue University
Online Master of Science in Security Management
Bellevue, Nebraska
Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Science in Security Management degree is a great option for students who want to earn a degree in public safety administration. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this program of study will learn about topics including crime prevention, security and law enforcement, threat assessment, criminal justice, and much more. Courses in this program of study include the Evaluation of Security Programs, Emergency Preparedness and Management, Critical Infrastructure, and much more. Bellevue University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $21,420
Score: 96
#15. University of San Diego
Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership
San Diego, California
The University of San Diego offers this Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership degree entirely online. A total of 31 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of San Diego has received accreditation for this degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Students can expect to complete this master’s degree in public safety in under two years. A total of 11 courses make up this program. Some of the courses included in this degree are Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Organizational Theory and Change for Law Enforcement, Public Policy Innovation, and much more.
Tuition: $21,669
Score: 95.75
#16. Saint Leo University
Online Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster management – Fire Science Administration Specialization
St. Leo, Florida
Students who would like to study at Saint Leo University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management degree. Through the pursuit of this online master’s in public safety administration, students will work to develop skills in human resource planning, life safety systems, public policy, and more. This online program is offered only in its Fire Science Administration Specialization. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Saint Leo University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $21,960
Score: 95.5
#17. Eastern Kentucky University
Online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management
Richmond, Kentucky
This Online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management degree is offered to students entirely online. Eastern Kentucky University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This master’s in public safety administration provides students with the skills needed to help lead public safety teams. Eastern Kentucky University offers this program in a few different concentrations: a Corporate Security Operations concentration, an Occupational Safety concentration, and an Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience concentration. This program can be completed in as little as two years.
Tuition: $21,996
Score: 95.25
#18. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Safety Administration
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University offers this Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Safety Administration degree entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Southern New Hampshire University estimates that students will be able to complete this degree program in about 15 months. The New England Commission on Higher Education has provided Southern New Hampshire University with accreditation for this program of study. This degree is a great option for students who want to work at the government level to help institute public safety policy. Courses in this degree include Public Safety Administration, Strategic Management in Public Service, and more.
Tuition: $22,572
Score: 95
#19. New England College
Online Master of Science in Higher Education Administration: Campus Public Safety Administration
Henniker, New Hampshire
Students who want to enroll at New England College can enroll in their Online Master of Science in Higher Education Administration: Campus Public Safety Administration degree. This online master’s in public safety administration is designed to focus on applying public safety administration concepts and theory to the administration of a safe college campus. A total of 40 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. New England College has received accreditation for this degree from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Courses in this program include Law in Higher Education, Campus Public Safety Considerations, Multiculturalism, and more. This program is designed to be completed in as little as two years.
Tuition: $22,640
Score: 94.75
#20. Tennessee Tech University
Online Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Public Safety
Cookeville, Tennessee
Tennessee Tech University offers students this Online Master of Professional Studies with a Concentration in Public Safety degree. This master’s in public safety administration provides students with a curriculum that is designed to prepare them with the skills needed for a career as a public safety professional. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Some of the courses in this program include Risk Assessment and Prevention, Crisis Response Management, Leadership in Public Safety, and much more. Tennessee Tech University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $23,460
Score: 94.5
#21. St. Cloud State University
Online Master of Science in Public Safety Executive Leadership
St. Cloud, Minnesota
This Online Master of Science in Public Safety Executive Leadership degree is offered to students by St. Cloud State University entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students can expect to complete this program in as little as two years. St. Cloud State University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. This degree option is great for providing students with the skills needed for a career in public safety.
Tuition: $23,580
Score: 94.25
#22. University of Maryland
Online Master of Science in Emergency Management Specialization
Adelphi, Maryland
Students enrolled at the University of Maryland can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Emergency Management Specialization degree. This program is offered to students entirely online. A total of 36 credits are needed to complete this program. The University of Maryland has received accreditation for this degree from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Students can expect to complete this program in as little as two years. Some of the courses included in this program are Concepts in Homeland Security, Hazard Risk & Vulnerability Assessment, Crisis Communication, and much more.
Tuition: $23,724
Score: 94
#23. Herzing University
Online Master of Business Administration in Public Safety Leadership
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Those who want to study at Herzing University can enroll in this Online Master of Business Administration in Public Safety Leadership degree. This program of study is a great option for those who want to develop the skills needed to work in public safety. A total of 39 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Some of the courses offered in this master’s in public safety administration program are Public Safety Administration, Human Resources Management, Business and Labor Law, and more. Herzing University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $26,325
Score: 93.5
#24. Jacksonville State University
Online Master of Public Administration – Emergency Administration
Jacksonville, Alabama
Students at Jacksonville State University can enroll in this Online Master of Public Administration – Emergency Administration degree. This degree is a great option for students who want to learn how to become a public safety professional. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Jacksonville State University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Jacksonville State University estimates that students will be able to complete this program in as little as two years.
Tuition: $28,800
Length: 24 months
Score: 93.25
#25. Pace University
Online Master of Arts in Management For Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals
New York, New York
Pace University offers this Online Master of Arts in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals entirely online. This online master’s in public safety administration degree provides students with the skills needed to become effective public safety professionals. Pace University has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Students can expect to complete this program in as little as two years. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $34,584
Score: 93
NPCO Staff
Related:
Largest Nonprofit Online Universities
Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges
