Introduction
Earn Your Master's Degree in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Management
Ranked As One of the Best Online Criminal Justice Master's Degrees in America
Unlike a typical criminal justice degree, USD's skills-centric curriculum has a focus on developing leadership skills specific to public safety. Designed for current law enforcement professionals who want to grow and lead, this 100% online, leadership-focused master’s degree is consistently ranked among the top online criminal justice graduate degrees in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. In just 20 months, you’ll learn organizational leadership, analytical skills, critical thinking strategies, legal awareness, financial and budgetary acumen, and superb communication abilities – all in a flexible online format. Most importantly, all of our students and faculty have experience working in law enforcement and the military, providing a rich environment for idea-sharing, networking, and peer learning.
Created by law enforcement, for law enforcement
Developed in collaboration with law enforcement, USD’s MSc in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership online degree program goes far beyond a traditional criminal justice education by focusing on the most urgent issues facing policing today and refining the skills needed to lead effectively, even through challenging times. A defining characteristic of our program is our faculty, comprised of criminal justice professionals with professional experience ranging from police chief to district attorney to high-ranking military positions. Their lived experience, combined with their academic credentials, bring a depth of understanding that most criminal justice professors cannot offer.
Learn organizational leadership, analytical skills, legal issues, and more
As a student in the online MSC in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership program, you will delve into some of today's most challenging crime problems while learning practical management and leadership skills, including:
Organizational leadership frameworks, and how to influence others for the common good
Constitutional law and how it shapes law enforcement policy today
Budget, finance, resource allocation, and collective bargaining
Communication techniques, including interpersonal dialogue, written/electronic communications, report and grant writing, media relations, and communicating to large audiences
Dispute and conflict resolution techniques that emphasize ethics and integrity
Techniques for successful community engagement
Analytical procedures for evaluating crime trends and conducting community and organizational assessments
Program Structure
20-month program
Focus on one 7-week class at a time
Courses are offered year-round
Access your classroom any time, day or night
There is no on-campus requirement (but please join us for graduation!)
Generous transfer credit available for Law Enforcement Training programs
Why Choose the University of San Diego?
Top-ranked University - Earn a degree you'll be proud of from a top private university founded in 1949.
Join an Elite Network - LEPSL students are law enforcement leaders from agencies across the country.
Highly Rated by Students - Students praise our stellar faculty and the cutting-edge relevance of our coursework.
Nationally Ranked Program - US News & World Report, BestColleges, and others have ranked LEPSL one of the best.
Approved by Law Enforcement - Proud partners of the FBINAA, FOP, California Police Chief Association, National Tactical Officers Association, New York Association of Chiefs of Police, and many regional POAs & DSAs.
Student Testimonials
"When I heard that USD was offering this program, I was nervous, excited, and proud. Nervous that I was about to start a program and unsure of the demand with my job, excited about the thought of obtaining a Master's degree from such a prestigious university, and proud once I was accepted. The program is very manageable with my work schedule and now that I am over halfway through, I look forward to putting USD on my resume. The staff is extremely helpful and has made the entire experience one that I would recommend for anyone!"
Ray Sweeney
Chief, La Mesa Police Department
"The University of San Diego LEPSL program provided a unique experience of learning and collaboration with other public safety professionals. I gained a better understanding of social issues and evidence-based strategies, which helped my professional and personal development. The program was thought-provoking and innovative and has assisted me in my new role as Chief. I believe it will help me better serve my department and community in the years to come."
Rainer Navarro
Chief, Santa Rosa Police Department
"In my search for a suitable fit, I made a concerted effort to find a program that combined the study of today's public safety challenges alongside the law enforcement leadership solutions necessary to succeed in a modern-day setting. To my delight, the University of San Diego's LEPSL program was more comprehensive and progressive than I could have anticipated. Not since my time at the FBI National Academy have I encountered such a high level of instruction, dedicated staff, and a student body teeming with immeasurable experience and enlightened values. The coursework not only challenged my intellectual boundaries but provided me with the tools central to leading a law enforcement agency in the 21st century.
I am convinced that the skills amassed throughout the program were largely responsible for my appointment to the Chief of Police. From all-inclusive budgeting practices to reformist community engagement ideologies, I have successfully applied those principles toward the transformation of an agency starved for change.
I am grateful for Dr. Fritsvold's commitment to the ongoing modernization of the LEPSL program, and I passionately endorse both the curriculum and the dedicated law enforcement leaders who carry on the tradition of excellence in education at the University of San Diego."
John C. Myrsiades
Plymouth Township Police Department
"This program at USD is geared toward developing leaders. If you want to change policy and have a greater impact on your department and community, this degree is perfect for you."
Jillian Robards
Marin County Sheriff's Office
"I enrolled in this program because of the reputation USD holds. I was previously enrolled in a different university and was greatly disappointed. I felt as though the staff and faculty were not of the quality of education I was looking for in a Master's program. In my previous experience, I also found a lack of practicality or connection between my profession and the education I was receiving. I am extremely happy that this has not been the case in USD. Rather this program has prepared me not only academically but professionally set me on a platform above the others."
Erika Rochel
San Diego County Sheriff's Office
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the MSc in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership program must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and have at least two years of professional experience working in public safety or the military. A letter of recommendation from your supervisor and a short statement of purpose are also required. International students who earned a bachelor's degree outside the USA will also need to order a course-by-course evaluation of their transcripts.
