Become a Leader in Public Safety

Every time our community is faced with a crisis, public safety officials are called on to manage the front lines, make decisions, and determine an appropriate course of action. Wake Tech is launching a new degree to prepare graduates for leadership roles in public safety.

The Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) in Public Safety Administration provides knowledge and skills in the technical and administrative aspects of public safety. It prepares students and practitioners for entry-level and advanced positions in both public and private agencies.

Graduates will be skilled for employment in fire and police departments, emergency management organizations, government agencies, correctional facilities, private industries, and more. The program is completely online and is currently accepting applications for the fall 2021 semester.

Janie Slaughter, Department Head of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Public Safety Administration, says the degree is a good fit for those already working as sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, or paramedics who want to pursue management-level careers.

“This program is for students who have a passion for keeping their communities safe and truly want to effect positive change,” Slaughter said. “Our instructors have been leaders in many public safety arenas, including law enforcement and emergency management. They bring valuable experience from real-life situations.”

The program includes courses in diverse areas, including crisis leadership, agency finances, incident management, public safety education, and administration. Students who already have public safety experience will be able to receive academic credit for previously-earned skills and credentials.

Steven Seeley is excited to start the new degree program. “I’ve always wanted to get involved in the emergency management aspect of public safety,” he says. Seeley has more than 20 years of front-line public safety experience as a volunteer firefighter, career paramedic, and corrections officer. He says he’s ready to be an administrator and believes this degree will help him build the skills he needs for a leadership role in emergency management. “I enjoy being knee-deep in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, so employment opportunities with FEMA and state and local emergency management are exciting to me.”

Seeley is also excited that he will be able to complete the program online. “That’s very beneficial,” he says. “My work schedule changes every week, so being able to fit my classes and assignments around work is very helpful.”

Some public safety administration careers require a bachelor’s degree – and a bilateral agreement between Wake Tech and NC State University offers that opportunity. Wake Tech graduates can transfer seamlessly to NC State’s Leadership in the Public Sector program, also online. Learn more at publicsafety.waketech.edu