Doctor of Science in Public Safety (DSPS)
Program Contacts and Leadership
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Brittani McNeal
Office: (478) 757-5748
Email: brittani.mcneal@mga.edu
Dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Dr. David Biek
Chair, Department of Psychology and Criminal Justice: Dr. Paul Gladden
Credit hours: 54
Delivery Format: Online professional doctorate designed for current and emerging public safety professionals in leadership or advancing administrative roles.
Tracks: Security and Analytics; Emergency and Disaster Management
Culminating experience: Field-based practicum/capstone research project
Program Overview
The Doctor of Science in Public Safety (DSPS) is a 54-credit-hour online professional doctorate designed for public safety practitioners and leaders. The program integrates applied practice and scholarly research to prepare professionals for executive-level leadership roles across local, state, and federal public safety agencies.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should meet the general admissions requirements for graduate study and these specific requirements: (i) Statement of Goals: A professional statement (maximum two pages) outlining the applicant’s interest in the DSPS program, career advancement goals, leadership aspirations, and relevant public safety experience. (ii) Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A current resume or CV documenting professional experience, with emphasis on roles within public safety agencies and leadership responsibilities. (iii) Educational Background: A master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. (iv) Professional Recommendations: Two recommendations from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s professional experience, leadership potential, and academic readiness for doctoral-level work. (v) Professional Experience (Preferred): Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in public safety or closely related fields.
Program Format
The program is a 54-credit-hour online professional doctorate. Students complete core coursework, one global diversity elective, one interdisciplinary elective, one concentration track, practicum/capstone requirements, and an additional public safety elective. Two tracks: Security and Analytics and Emergency and Disaster Management.
Doctor of Science in Public Safety Curriculum
Students must complete all program requirements with a grade of "B" or better.
Core Courses (27 Credit Hours)
Complete each of the following courses.
Global Diversity Elective (3 Credit Hours)
Complete one of the following courses.
Interdisciplinary Elective (3 Credit Hours)
Complete one of the following courses.
Concentration Track (9 Credit Hours)
Choose and complete one of the following concentration areas.
Security and Analytics Track
Security and Analytics Required Courses
Complete both courses.
Security and Analytics Track Elective
Complete one of the following.
Emergency and Disaster Management Track
Emergency and Disaster Management Track Required Courses
Complete both courses.
Emergency and Disaster Management Track Elective
Choose and complete one of the following.
Practicum (9 Credit Hours)
Complete both courses.
SFTY Elective (3 credit hours)
Take any 1 additional SFTY course not being used to satisfy other program requirements.
Program-Specific Academic Standards and Progression
All DSPS coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better.
Clinical / Fieldwork / Practicum / Internship Requirements
The program includes a field-based practicum/capstone research project.
Graduation / Certification / Completion Requirements
Complete all required coursework, track requirements, public safety elective, and practicum/capstone research project for 54 credit hours.