Policing, Public Safety and Security
Ensuring public safety today requires coordination among multiple public agencies and private companies. With a degree in Policing, Public Safety and Security, students will become fluent working across agencies using the Incident Command System, both day-to-day and in a crisis, to take their career to the next level.
You Can
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EXT is here to help you take the next step on your career path. We recognize what you bring to the table and teach you what you need to succeed in managerial careers in the public safety field.
Taught by experienced professionals, classes in Policing, Public Safety, and Security will help you develop the essential skills you need to evolve throughout your career. This program is ideal for first responders - police officers (reimbursable by municipalities), firefighters, emergency medical providers - as well as other municipal, state or federal employees, correctional officers, active and retired military, security personnel, school administrators, and others seeking to advance on their career path.
This program offers a variety of certificate programs, allowing you to specialize in your field of interest. Stack multiple certificates to reach your ultimate goal, whether that be a degree, a career or promotion, recognition for your skills in the civilian world, or a life accomplishment.
At EXT, we support you on your individual path. Whether you are just starting out or picking up where you left off, we work with you to accomplish your goals. As you work with our faculty, each respected in their field, you'll build lasting connections that open doors to your success. You'll receive one-on-one guidance from your advisor each step of the way.
How You'll Get There
The Bachelor of Science program in Policing, Public Safety and Security offers students flexibility to bring in a wide range of previous credit. You may take advantage of our prior learning assessment, applying transfer credit, trainings and assessments, military experience, work experience, and self-taught skills toward your degree. The flexibility in the degree requirements for this program allows students apply more transfer credit and credit documentation than traditional Criminal Justice degrees.
You Need
- An interest in keeping communities safe
- Official transcripts from high school, college
You Don't Need
- entrance exams
- SAT/ACT scores
- pre-requisites
- admissions essay
- application fee
- GPA requirements
Sample Courses
Introduction to Physical and Cyber Security
Social and Health Services Research Methods
Introduction to Emergency Medical Services
Bachelor & Associate Degree Options
Policing, Public Safety & Security B.S.
The program in Policing, Public Safety, and Security is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the different components of the public safety systems in the United States and their role in protecting and serving the community. By fostering an understanding of the individual roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of emergency medical services, corrections, security, and policing, our students will be better equipped to create and manage valuable partnerships within the public safety arena in both emergency and non-emergency environments. Students will also receive a more focused education in their specific area of specialty. It is the intent of this program to inspire students to look at public safety as a whole and think outside of the traditional siloed missions of different organizations within the system.
This program is intended for students employed in positions associated with corrections, policing, emergency medical services, or security; or who seek employment in such areas. The Baccalaureate in Policing, Public Safety, and Security will be delivered in a blended format. Courses will be delivered in traditional, online, and hybrid formats.
PPSS Core Courses
- PA 360 - Communication in Organizations
- PPSS 450 - Public Safety Capstone
- PPSS 100 - Introduction to Public Safety
- PPSS 110 - Introduction to Policing
- PPSS 120 - Introduction to Corrections
- PPSS 130 - Introduction to Emergency Medical Services
- PPSS 140 - Introduction to Physical and Cyber Security
- PPSS 200 - Introduction to Public Safety Technology
- SHS 454 - Social and Health Services Research Methods
University College General Education Requirements - Bachelors Degree
All students seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete:
- A minimum of 120* credits (through any combination of study and learning experiences, including credit for previous college work, credit documentation, CLEP or other exams, and military experience).
- A minimum enrollment requirement of 30 credits taken at the University.
- A major academic program or concentration.
- A 2.0 average in all courses carrying a letter grade.
- A 2.0 average in all required major courses.
- A 2.0 average in all required minor courses (if minor is included in a student's program).
- University College general education requirements.*
- The last five remaining courses in your degree of study must be completed at RWU.
- All financial requirements must be met.
Transfer students should consult with a Resource Specialist to determine how the transfer guidelines apply to the general education requirements.
The general education requirements consist of courses from the arts, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the social sciences. The University's degree programs, including general education, provide students with communications skills; the ability for critical and logical analysis, scientific and quantitative reasoning; and the capability for continuing education. The general education requirements are designed to assure that all students have an awareness of and breadth of exposure to the disciplines and fields of study associated with communications skills, and the traditional liberal arts and general education areas and domains within higher education.
All University College students are required to complete a minimum of one-fourth of their degree requirements in general education (e.g., the equivalent of thirty semester hours in a bachelor degree program, or the equivalent of fifteen semester hours in an associate degree program). General Education requirements may be satisfied by credits granted for students' prior college attendance, CLEP examinations, military training and experience (as recommended by the American Council on Education), and credit documentation. Students transferring with a baccalaureate degree shall be considered as having met the general education requirements.
Based on University guidelines, Resource Specialists determine which transfer courses may be considered equivalent to general education courses. After assessing the general education requirements which may be satisfied through their various sources of advanced standing, students who need general education courses are advised to enroll in courses designated as the University's General Education courses (skills and interdisciplinary core courses) whenever they are scheduled or available in the University College as classroom or online course offerings. In addition to RWU's skills and interdisciplinary core courses, courses may also be taken from the categories associated with the examinations of the College Board's College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to satisfy general education requirements. These categories include materials and subjects commonly taught during the first two years in many of the nation's colleges and universities, and they include English Composition, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Science. These areas correspond to the University's general education curricular categories as reflected in the skills and interdisciplinary core courses.
The general education requirements shall include the following: two writing courses (Expository Writing and Writing in Professional and Public Contexts);
a Mathematics skills course; Effective Speaking Across Audiences; and at least one approved course from each of the following categories: Natural Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Science, as well as two liberal art electives for a total of 30 credits.
Students who have attended accredited institutions may transfer credits for successfully completed courses (C or better and courses with Pass or Satisfactory grades if such grades are equivalent to C or better). Resource Specialists determine the application of transfer credit to degree and program requirements. Such determinations may be based on comparability of depth and content to courses offered at the University, as well as other considerations. Transfer students must consult a University College Resource Specialist to determine how the transfer guidelines apply to the Skills and General Education requirements. Students who have not successfully completed college-level courses in expository writing or post-algebraic mathematics may be required to take placement tests in writing and/or mathematics prior to enrollment in such courses.
- Two Writing Courses
- WTNG 102 - How Writing Works
- WTNG 225 - Writing in Professional and Public Contexts
- One Mathematics skills course
- MATH 110 - Mathematics in the Modern World or higher
- One Effective Speaking Course
- IDS 210 - Effective Speaking Across Audiences
One course from each of the following areas:
- Natural Sciences
- Humanities
- Fine Arts
- Social Sciences
Two Additional Liberal Arts Electives
Total Major Credits 27
Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems Certificate
The certificate in Introduction to Justice Systems is designed to provide students foundational knowledge on the justice system in the United States. This includes knowledge of the Constitutional origins of the laws of the country, powers of the branches of government, and processes by which justice is sought in our society. It is meant as a means of creating a sense of understanding with regards to the roles and responsibilities of each component of the justice system.
Required
Must take all courses listed.
Flexible Options to Suit Your Schedule
You may complete this entire program online, from anywhere, on your own schedule. Depending on the needs and interests of our students, we also offer in-person courses to bring your learning to life through face-to-face discussion. Our hybrid on-line and in-person courses give you the best of both worlds. Your advisor will help you determine which path is best for you.
Your Career
Public safety is essential to the function of a healthy society. Careers in this field are expected to grow 5% in the next ten years, a reflection of the continued need for public safety. The Policing, Public Safety and Security program gives you the tools you need to succeed in these dynamic fields.
While career outlooks depend on candidate experience and specific employer requirements, the table below reflects median salaries in the following potential positions*
| Job | What You Do | What You Need | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force. | Bachelor's Degree preferred | $93,100 |
| Detective | Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of Federal, State, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes. | Bachelor's Degree preferred | $85,020 |
| Emergency Management Director | Prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies and lead the response during and after emergencies. | Bachelor's Degree | $82,570 |
| Police Officer | Protect people and property. Patrol assigned areas, respond to calls, enforce laws, make arrests, issue citations | Graduate from agency's training academy | $65,400 |
| Insurance Claims Investigator | Evaluate insurance claims | Bachelor's Degree | $67,540 |
| Federal Corrections Officer | Oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. | Bachelor's or Associate's degree | $49,300 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2018-2028. Mean salary: 2018
An Expert Advisor
All matriculating students are assigned a on-on-one advisor, who is both an adjunct professor and an expert in their field.
"Working in the police and legal world, I have a pretty good feel for where students are coming from and in what direction they want to go,"
Sean Parker, Captain, Cranston Police Department, Cranston, RI
His Advice: Get some training and specialized skills under your belt while going through the process of getting your degree by taking advantage of the professional certificate programs.
More: Sean Parker, Police Captain, EXT Adjunct Professor, Criminal Justice Advisor
Individualized Support, More Affordable
At EXT, you get the individualized attention of a private university at a more affordable cost. There are multiple options for financial aid, scholarships, and accelerated paths to get you to the degree you need. Some programs run by Roger Williams are awarded by simply applying for admission, while others are awarded to students through a more formal aid application process.
To ensure full consideration for all aid programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Learn More About Tuition at EXT
Questions? Reach out!
Everyone has questions.
Our Pathway Specialists are here to help. Contact EXT Admissions at ucadmissions@rwu.edu.