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Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership

Drury University > Graduate Studies > Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership

The Leadership Degree that Fosters Integrative Thinking Across Public Service Professions

The Master of Public Service and Safety Leadership focuses on developing the leadership skills necessary for you to successfully integrate all aspects of public safety, operations, personnel management and strategic practices and policies. Our goal is to enable you to be the most effective leader possible when your community and team need you most.

Program curriculum was designed by public service and safety experts. Our faculty have been carefully selected to reflect extensive experience in diverse fields of public safety as well as having academic credentials from accredited institutions. Coursework features practical learning experiences and projects that can be immediately implemented in the work place.


Who Would Benefit From This Degree

This program is designed for public safety and service leaders in fields such as law enforcement, emergency management, fire service, public health service, emergency medical services, environmental health and safety services, nonprofit organizations engaged in public safety and service, homeland security, public and civic servants, and public administration. Military service members, particularly those planning to transition into civilian service, are encouraged to apply.

Graduates of this program will have: 

  • The means and educational degree to advance in all public service and security careers. Our alumni boast fire chiefs, chiefs of police, FBI agents, and individuals serving in every leadership capacity in numerous public service fields.
  • A portfolio of ready-to-implement projects and other practical job-enhancing resources that will benefit your work and career in the present and the future.

  Next Start Date: Fall or Spring

Program highlights:

  • 30-hour program
  • Online classes taught by experienced authorities in their fields
  • GRE not required for admission
  • Design a capstone project that fits your goals; no thesis required
  • A 12-credit hour Public Safety Leadership Certificate is also available
  • Credit toward your master’s may be requested for up to six qualifying professional development hours
  • Emergency Management student may complete up to six graduate credit hours concurrently while completing their undergraduate degree
  • Total cost of the program is less than $14,000; certificate less than $6,000

This degree requires 30 credit hours (10 courses) and is available entirely online:

A 12 credit hour Public Safety Leadership Certificate is also available.

For information on Drury’s other leadership related certificates and programs, visit the Drury Leadership Collaborative.

Policies & Admission

Transfer Credit

Up to six hours of transfer credit from an accredited institution may be applied toward the master’s degree.

Professional Development Competency

Students may request of a review of professional development programs that result in career-focused credentials or training programs documented on a Joint Services Transcript.

We may approve up to six hours of credit for professional development activities toward the master’s degree (approved certification in an area of law enforcement, 911 services, emergency management, or fire services; and/or credit for military education – approved academies).

Contact Program Director Dr. Regina Waters at rwaters@drury.edu to learn how your professional development credentials may translate into academic credit.

Concurrent Credit

Concurrent credit allows motivated students to complete graduate-level courses that count toward undergraduate B.S. in Emergency Management or B.S. in Law Enforcement with a Leadership Concentration program, while giving you a head start on your Master’s in Public Service and Safety Leadership.

Students can complete a bachelor’s (typically four years) and fast-track the completion of a master’s degree in approximately one year. This allows students to save money and time in the pursuit of a Master’s in Public Service and Safety Leadership.

In order to earn the master’s in one year, students will take the remaining hours of graduate coursework during the three or four semesters following graduation with your undergraduate degree.

Eligible undergraduate students who meet program requirements (see Academic Catalog) can enroll in a maximum of six hours (two courses) of 600 level graduate courses while still pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Students earn graduate and undergraduate credit simultaneously in each of these courses.

Working in conjunction with the Master in Public Services and Safety Leadership program director, students will complete and file a program of study with the Registrar’s Office. The plan of study must be approved by the student’s advisor, the graduate program director, and the Associate Provost of Adult, Online, and Graduate Education.

Start the conversation about concurrent credit with your advisor during your sophomore or junior year. Contact Program Director Dr. Regina Waters at rwaters@drury.edu to learn more about the graduate courses available through concurrent credit.

Admission Requirements

  • College of Graduate Studies application: drury.edu/graduate-application
  • Official undergraduate degree transcript
  • Two professional or academic recommendations
  • Personal statement
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Official Joint Services Transcript and other official paperwork designating military training or professional credentials, if applicable

Jarett Metheny, Program Coordinator

Jarett MethenyJarett Metheny serves as the Program Coordinator for the Public Safety and Service Leadership Master’s Degree Program. He began his fire service career in 1995 and has served in a variety of leadership capacities. In addition to his public safety experience, he has served as an Assistant Professor and Adjunct Professor in multiple public safety programs.

Jarett obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology in 1995 and a Master’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Management Administration in 1999, both from Oklahoma State University, where he is also pursuing a PhD.

He is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.  He has served on multiple boards and committees for the National Fire Protection Association, International Fire Service Training Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.


Contact

Jarett Metheny, Program Coordinator
jmetheny002@drury.edu

Drury Leadership Collaborative
leadershipcollaborative@drury.edu
Dr. Regina Waters, Director
rwaters@drury.edu
(417)-873-7251