Associate of Applied Science Degree in Public Safety and Security

Purdue Global’s public safety and security degree program was developed with the help of public safety and security industry leaders active in national and private security companies and emergency response organizations. Our community of industry experts helps ensure our online public safety degree curriculum meets a high academic standard—one that provides graduates with relevant skills and knowledge that can be applied in their chosen career.

This program covers an introduction to criminal justice and public safety, as well as the technology required to prevent and minimize criminal risk. This comprehensive degree plan is also designed to help you develop a fundamental knowledge of public safety and security. Sample courses include:

• Criminal Investigation
• Computers, Technology, and Criminal Justice Information Systems
• Emergency Management and Response
• Public Security
• Private Security

Practitioner Concentration
If you have prior experience in the public safety and security field, you may be eligible to enroll in the practitioner concentration, a flexible option that recognizes your past experience and learning.

Note: to enroll in this option, you must be a certified law enforcement officer, have qualified through an articulation or partnership, or receive permission from the Dean.

At Purdue Global, we are constantly searching for ways to help students seek a brighter future, and that includes making sure our tuition costs are as low as possible. That is why we are introducing the Purdue Global Tuition Cap.

How it works: When you enroll in a participating Tuition Cap program at Purdue Global, your tuition will be capped, ensuring that you only pay a fixed amount for your education. Once you hit your cap, you will no longer have to make any payments for the rest of your education at Purdue Global, even if you have to retake a course, as long as you meet and maintain all enrollment requirements for the Purdue Global Tuition Cap program.

Note: transfer credit maximums apply; ask an Admissions Advisor for details.

Why it helps: Not only will you know exactly how much your education will cost when you enroll, but our Tuition Cap will also help you save 33%* off the total cost of your tuition. It’s part of our promise to help make college education more accessible and more affordable. Click here for answers to commonly asked questions.

*Enrollees in programs eligible for Tuition Cap pricing will pay the same tuition cost per quarter credit hour and fees as for other under­graduate programs/enrollees plus $200 per-term administrative fee and other fees. The total cost of the program, though, will be capped, other than applicable background check and/or lab fees. Savings based on the difference between capped and noncapped programs for 180 or 90 credits for bachelor’s or associate’s degrees, respectively. Students who receive transfer credit typically study for significantly fewer terms and do not receive maximum savings. Contact an Admissions Advisor for details.

Tuition Cap Transfer Credit Maximums: Enrollees in Tuition Cap programs who transfer in more than 35 or 70 credits for the associate’s or bachelor’s programs, respectively, are not enrolled under Tuition Cap and will not be charged the $200 per-term Administration Fee. If they are required to repeat courses, take additional courses due to prerequisite requirements, take course assessments, or take fewer than two courses per term, they may exceed the $22,500 or $45,000 total for the associate’s or bachelor’s, respectively, Tuition Cap program of study.

Purdue Global is one of the largest providers of public safety programs,  which offers you an excellent opportunity to build and enhance your career network with fellow students and employers. You can also develop relevant insight, knowledge, and skills in your chosen field through:

• The Criminal Justice Club—An opportunity to network with experts and other students interested in criminal justice.
• Employer Spotlight Fairs—Includes Q&A sessions with employers where employers speak to students via webcast about employment within their companies. Past participants have included Allied Barton and G4S Security.
• Professors who are criminal justice and public safety professionals who offer real-world expertise in several disciplines including law, law enforcement, corrections, forensics, and leadership.
• News and Resources—Access articles that connect and inform those interested in the public service professions. You’ll find:
  • Faculty articles offering career guidance based on real-life experiences.
  • Information such as spotlights on employers and updates on alumni success stories.
  • Recognition of criminal justice faculty, graduates, and students already serving in the profession.

Earning your online Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Security can help build a path towards earning your bachelor's degree in criminal justice, which can help position you for career advancement.^‡  Purdue Global also offers options that enable you to apply transfer credits which can significantly reduce the time and money required to earn your bachelor's degree.