Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Security

(Currently Not Accepting Enrollments)

Description and Outcomes

Effective February 3, 2021, this program will no longer be accepting enrollments. Students interested in a similar program may consider the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. 

The Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Security is created around a variety of public service disciplines including emergency management, law enforcement, corporate security, loss prevention, private investigations, and security. This program is designed to provide you with the foundational skills, knowledge, and communication abilities needed in today’s fast-paced world of public safety at the private and governmental levels.

If you seek a practice-based program, the Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Security is designed to enhance your qualifications to help you pursue more challenging responsibilities in criminal justice agencies and corporations. Upon graduation, you may seek employment opportunities in various criminal justice environments such as law enforcement, courts, adult and juvenile corrections, corporate security, public safety, loss prevention, private protective services or investigations, or community-based programs and services. It should be noted that some positions may require additional academy training and experience.

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. Refer to the Admissions Requirements for specific eligibility requirements.

Program Length

The Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Security program consists of a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an associate of applied science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

  1. Public Safety: Apply principles in homeland security and emergency management to make effective decisions in diverse and dynamic situations.
  2. Private Security: Examine the role of private security in the criminal justice system.
  3. Corporate Security: Apply security concepts to various types of corporate environments.
  4. Investigation: Demonstrate an understanding of how to investigate criminal activities associated with security incidents.
  5. Law: Apply principles of corporate law to criminal justice practice, and understand the civil liabilities of criminal justice agencies and practitioners.

General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the General Education and Professional Competency Requirements section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.

Policies

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the practitioner concentration, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. You are a current military servicemember or veteran
  2. You are a certified law enforcement officer
  3. You have qualified for this option through an articulation or partnership
  4. You have received permission from the Dean

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

Certification and licensure boards have state-specific educational requirements for programs that lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.