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.
Format
Schedule
Classes start: January 24
and March 22
Credits Required
120 Credits
Ways to Save
Are you:
A resident of Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Foster, Glocester or Pawtucket?
A veteran or active duty military?
Eligible for Prior Learning Assessment?
A member of a partnership with RWU?
Ask UC about Ways to Save.
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At UC, You Can
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UC 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 UC, 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
The Bachelor of Science in Policing, Public Safety, and Security prepares students for advanced careers in their area of focus. This program gives students a broad understanding of the components that make up public safety with options to specialize.
9 concentration courses
10 core courses
+ 21 electives
--------------------------------------
40 courses (120 credits)
Common Add-On Certificates
You can easily add one of the following professional certificates to this degree without taking any additional classes. They allow you to earn your degree one step at a time, adding credentials to your resume along the way. Choose a professional certificate in your area of interest to specialize your degree.
This professional certificate program allows you to be the best asset to your community you can be. With courses in public speaking, ethics, and cultural awareness, the Certificate in Community Policing prepares students to be effective police officers in a changing society.
Six required courses = 18 credits
This professional certificate program combines public administration skills with the unique concerns of the corrections field to give you a well-rounded foundation for a career in corrections agency administration.
Six required courses = 18 credits
In this professional certificate program, you will learn the specific skillsets needed to be an effective defender of homeland security. Learn strategies and theories of disaster management, counter-terrorism methods, crime prevention, and more.
Six required courses = 18 credits
The certificate in Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems is designed to provide students foundational knowledge on the justice system in the United States.
Five required courses = 15 credits
This professional certificate program gives you public administration skills specifically suited to Police Agency Administration. Taught by experts in the field, these classes will give you what you need to advance in your career.
Six required courses = 18 credits
In this professional certificate program, you will learn about contemporary issues in public safety and the ways organizations respond to the challenges. Courses cover public speaking skills and crime prevention along with specific public safety concerns such as drug use and youth gangs.
Six required courses = 18 credits
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, UC Adjunct Professor, Criminal Justice Advisor
Individualized Support, More Affordable
At University College, 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 UC
Questions? Reach out!
Everyone has questions.
Our Pathway Specialists are here to help. Contact UC Admissions at ucadmissions@rwu.edu.