Earn Your Master's in Public Safety Management Online!

Master of Science in Public Safety Management

The MS in Public Safety Management at Brevard College is a 30-credit graduate program designed for public safety professionals, including those in emergency management, fire science, emergency medical services, law enforcement, community corrections, public administration and related fields.

Designed for working adults, the interdisciplinary curriculum develops leadership, policy, and management skills that strengthen strategic decision making, interagency coordination, and evidence-based practice in today’s complex operating environment.

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Meet Your Faculty Team of Experts

Dr. Stacy B. Workman serves as Program Coordinator for the Master of Science in Public Safety Management at Brevard College.

Dr. Workman brings more than two decades of experience across law enforcement, corrections, emergency response, and higher education, and is deeply committed to preparing students for ethical, reflective, and community focused leadership in public safety.

At Brevard College, Dr. Workman is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Criminal Justice, where she is known for creating learning environments that are hands-on, supportive, and grounded in real-world application. She integrates experiential learning, ethical reflection, and collaborative problem-solving to help students build confidence and leadership capacity in complex, high-stakes situations

Learn More about Dr. Stacy B. Workman

Dr. Workman has served as a deputy sheriff, police officer, probation and parole officer, and trainer of new officers. Her professional background spans patrol operations, community supervision, crisis response, and leadership development, giving her a practical understanding of the challenges public safety professionals face in real-world settings. These experiences shape her teaching and mentoring, with an emphasis on balancing accountability, compassion, and sound decision-making.

Dr. Workman holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Walden University and a Master of Justice Administration from Methodist University. She is currently engaged in research focused on leadership development, growth mindset, and experiential learning in public safety education. She is also a certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator and uses innovative, interactive approaches to help students develop adaptability, resilience, and self-awareness as leaders.

Her professional service includes leadership roles in campus safety, emergency preparedness planning, disaster response, and community recovery efforts. These experiences directly inform her belief in the importance of preparation, interagency collaboration, and community trust.

As Program Coordinator for the Master of Science in Public Safety Management, Dr. Workman is dedicated to creating a welcoming, student-centered program that supports professionals from diverse public safety backgrounds. She is passionate about mentoring students as they grow into thoughtful, ethical leaders equipped to serve their communities with integrity and purpose.

Dr. Christopher Campbell is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 17 years of experience in criminal investigations, behavioral threat assessment, and advanced interrogation techniques.

As a special agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation working high level felony cases, he has also held roles within the Computer Crimes Unit, the Polygraph Unit, and a member of the Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit. His career began with the Asheville Police Department as a patrol officer, followed by investigative roles at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department, where he specialized in sexual assault and gang-related cases.

Learn More About Dr. Christopher Campbell

Christopher's expertise extends to a seasoned crisis negotiator and advanced law enforcement certifications, reflecting a strong commitment to public safety and investigative excellence. Christopher is involved yearly with the North Carolina "Cops on Top" fundraiser designed for those who participate in the Special Olympics.

Academically, Dr. Campbell holds a master's in forensic psychology and a bachelor's in criminal justice, with a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. He has delivered over 3,500 hours of classroom instruction for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, focusing on interrogation, rapid deployment, and leadership. His leadership roles include managing training programs, developing curricula such as 21st Century Policing, and serving on diversity and recruitment committees. Dr. Campbell is the creator of the "Developmental Interview/Interrogation" program that he teaches nationally and internationally which has brought him recognition with a multitude of state and federal awards. He works closely with the North Carolina Training and Standards Division and the North Carolina Justice Academy to create and modify law enforcement training content. Dr. Campbell exemplifies a blend of operational expertise, instructional leadership, and forward-thinking strategies in law enforcement.

Dr. Tracye D. Bryant is an Atlanta-based Author, Public Speaker, and Community Advocate with an extensive background in non-profit advocacy, philanthropy, public relations, and community affairs.

Dr. Tracye D. Bryant's work reflects a strong commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement, core principles in public safety administration and management. She is an Atlanta-based Flight Attendant, who has worked for Southwest Airlines for the past ten years, and recently held an adjunct position teaching Public Safety Administration at A-B Technical Community College in Asheville, North Carolina.

Learn More About Dr. Tracye D. Bryant

In the fall of 2012, Dr. Bryant published her first novel, “This Twisted Life,” bringing to life colorful characters whose lives took twists and turns with every page. In August 2021, the much anticipated sequel, “A Twist of Fate,” was published and continues to deliver an emotionally rich storyline that leaves readers wanting more. In addition to her creative work, she has successfully operated her own company, T. Bryant Media Group, Inc., a firm that manages public relations for celebrities and non-profit organizations, with a focus on strategic communication, advocacy, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Bryant currently serves on the United Way Greater Atlanta Women United Cabinet and the Rae of Light Foundation (College Clinic) Board. In the past, she served on the boards of the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Advisory Board, Future Foundation Board of Directors, the United Way of Greater Atlanta South Fulton Advisory Council, and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Board of Directors. Her board service reflects a sustained commitment to civic leadership, equity, and community-based problem solving.

Her work and service have been recognized through numerous honors, including features in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, The Atlanta Tribune, and recognition from the Trumpet Awards Foundation, where she was named a 2012 High Heels Award recipient. She was also named 2012 Volunteer of the Year by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and is a 2013 graduate of the United Way of Greater Atlanta Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP).

Dr. Bryant holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Strayer University, a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Walden University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Mercer University. She is a proud member of the Atlanta Suburban Alumnae Chapter (ASAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Chief Chris Hatton began his law enforcement career in Caldwell County, where he moved the patrol division into a role where he led an undercover unit to dismantle violent drug networks and reclaim drug‑impacted neighborhoods.

As a narcotics investigator, he led operations that resulted in the federal prosecution of more than 100 offenders for narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, and organized criminal activity. His work played a key role in stabilizing several high‑risk communities and reducing violent crime through sustained investigative pressure.

Learn More Chief Chris Hatton

Hatton later served with the Boone Police Department, where he led all major investigations for the agency. He directed cases involving violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and multi‑jurisdictional offenders, while also developing and commanding the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children program. His work resulted in multiple arrests of child predators and the successful rescue of victimized children, earning statewide recognition. During this period, he also served as a narcotics‑detection K‑9 handler, supporting regional interdiction efforts and high‑risk enforcement operations.

As Chief of Police in Sylva, Hatton blended strong enforcement leadership with modern policing practices anchored in accountability and professional standards. Under his command, the Sylva Police Department was named the 2023 North Carolina Police Agency of the Year, recognizing statewide excellence in operations, service delivery, and organizational leadership. Hatton also oversaw the development of one of the nation’s few police departments with a 50% female sworn and command staff, and he served as an executive member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

During the 2020 period of national unrest, Hatton emphasized transparency, officer preparedness, and open community communication, guiding Sylva through a challenging national climate without turmoil and strengthening public confidence in local policing.

Hatton is also recognized for his innovations in rural policing. In collaboration with Western Carolina University, he co‑developed the award‑winning Community Care Program, which pairs officers with social work interns to more effectively respond to mental health, homelessness, and other non‑criminal community needs. North Carolina’s First Lady honored the program as a statewide model for rural communities.

His contributions have earned numerous honors, and his signature pink police uniform shirt worn during annual breast cancer awareness initiatives, now hangs in the U.S. Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.

Program Summary

This 30-credit program can be completed in 12 to 15 months at an accessible total cost of $15,000 ($1,500 per 3-credit course).

The flexible online curriculum is complemented by one signature immersive on-campus weekend experience, the Summer Experiential Crisis Event, which brings together public safety professionals from multiple disciplines for collaborative, scenario-based learning.

Ultimately, this program empowers students to innovate, lead, and elevate public safety and emergency management practices within their communities and across the broader public sector.

Potential Career Paths

Graduates of the MS in Public Safety Management program pursue roles across public safety, emergency management, fire services, EMS, criminal justice, and homeland security.

Local labor‐market data from North Carolina illustrate the strong demand for these positions and the economic value of leadership level credentials:

Fire Chief: In North Carolina, average salaries range from approximately $96,000 to more than $130,000 annually, with metropolitan postings approaching ~$111,000/year.
Emergency Management Specialist/Coordinator: Regional average in NC is about $76,600/year, with some postings up to ~$85,000 or more depending on experience and location.
Homeland Security Professional: In the state, the average salary for “Homeland Security” roles is ~$86,400/year, with major cities seeing averages near ~$92,900/year and ranges extending higher.
Safety Coordinator / Corporate Public Safety Role: In NC, average base salary is ~$63,600/year with a typical range from ~$47,600 to ~$84,800/year.
Public Safety Coordinator (Municipal/Agency‐Level): Raleigh region data show salaries ranging from ~$37,000 up to ~$156,000, with an average around ~$68,300/year.

Advanced Pathways

Entry/Practitioner roles (Coordinator, Specialist) often begin in the $60,000-$80,000/year range.
Mid-management roles (Area Coordinator, Program Manager) tend toward the $80,000-$100,000/year range.
Senior leadership roles (Chief, Director) frequently exceed $100,000/year, with high- end roles in large municipalities or agencies reaching above $130,000/year.

What You'll Experience

The MS in Public Safety Management at Brevard College delivers immersive graduate experience for professionals in emergency management, fire services, EMS, law enforcement, community corrections, and homeland security. Through hands-on simulations, real-world scenarios, and collaborative exercises, you will build the leadership and critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex crises. A signature feature is the Summer Experiential Crisis Event, where you will manage realistic emergencies alongside peers and local agency partners from multiple public safety disciplines.

The curriculum emphasizes policy development, program evaluation, and research integration.

You will design and analyze public policies, assess the effectiveness of emergency services programs, and apply data-informed strategies to disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation, and recovery planning. Leadership workshops and ethical decision-making case studies prepare you to lead with integrity in high pressure environments.

Learning occurs in a supportive cohort model. You will collaborate with experienced professionals across public safety fields, strengthen your network, and learn from faculty with practitioner expertise. The program culminates in an applied capstone project addressing a real-world challenge and a reflection course that translates your experience into actionable policies and leadership strategies. With online coursework and three immersive on-campus sessions, the program is tailored for working professionals ready to advance their careers.

Program Features

Program Features

Experiential learning: Hands-on simulations and applied exercises, including one required on-campus session: the Summer Experiential Crisis Event.
Interdisciplinary scope: Content relevant to emergency management, fire services, EMS, law enforcement, community corrections, and homeland security.
Leadership development: Strategic decision making, ethical leadership, crisis communication, and team management built through workshops and case studies.
Policy and program evaluation: Design, assess, and improve public safety policies and programs using evidence-based methods.
Data-informed practice: Integrate current research and analytics to guide preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
Cohort model: Learn with peers from diverse agencies and build a professional network across disciplines.
Capstone readiness: Culminating capstone project addressing a real agency need, presented to faculty and partner organizations.
Flexible schedule: Online coursework paired with one immersive, high impact on-campus experiential weekend during the summer.

Degree Requirements

Program Schedule and Curriculum

The fixed curriculum consists of 10 core courses delivered in a strategic sequence:

PSM 501: Leadership in Public Safety and Emergency Services (3)
PSM 510: Crisis Communication and Media Strategies (3)
PSM 520: Disaster and Crime Scene Management (3)
PSM 540: Homeland Security, Threat Assessment, and Policy (3)
PSM 550: Program Evaluation in Emergency and Public Safety Services (3)
PSM 560: Ethics and Leadership in Crisis Situations (3)
PSM 570: Resilience and Stress Management for First Responders (3)
PSM 580: Emergency Operations: Tactical and Strategic Approaches (3)

The Summer Experiential Crisis Event integrates the skills and knowledge developed in previous courses and will take place in the PSM 580 course. Students apply leadership, communication, and operational strategies in a realistic, large scale emergency simulation on Campus. We could also offer undergraduate students a possible LINC course or special topics course over the summer to work with the graduate program students.

PSM 600: Reflection and Policy Development (3)
PSM 610: Capstone Project in Emergency and Public Safety Services (3)

Curriculum

The fixed curriculum consists of 10 core courses delivered in a strategic sequence to align with experiential events, policy evaluation, and leadership development.

Core Courses (30 Credits)

PSM 501: Leadership in Public Safety and Emergency Services (3)

Focus on experiential leadership training and crisis management strategies. (July/August)

This course introduces foundational leadership principles tailored to public safety and emergency services. Students will engage in workshops and case studies to develop strategic decision-making and team leadership skills.

PSM 510: Crisis Communication and Media Strategies (3) Interactive case studies on effective communication during public safety crises.

Students learn the principles of crisis communication, media relations, and public messaging. Role-playing and real-world scenarios emphasize clear and ethical communication in high-pressure situations

PSM 520: Disaster and Crime Scene Management (3)

Hands-on exercises in coordinating disaster response and managing complex crime scenes.

This course explores best practices in managing large-scale incidents, combining disaster response protocols with crime scene management techniques through experiential exercises

PSM 540: Homeland Security, Threat Assessment, and Policy (3)

Simulated scenarios to develop and evaluate security strategies.

Students assess threats related to homeland security, including terrorism and cybercrime. Policy-focused simulations allow students to design and critique security strategies.

PSM 550: Program Evaluation in Emergency and Public Safety Services (3)

Training in tools and techniques for evaluating policies and programs.

Students learn methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of programs and policies. This course integrates quantitative and qualitative tools to ensure accountability and improvement in emergency services.

PSM 560: Ethics and Leadership in Crisis Situations (3)

Case studies and simulations emphasizing ethical decision-making.

Focused on the ethical challenges of crisis leadership, this course uses case studies and role-playing to develop integrity-driven decision-making skills.

PSM 570: Resilience and Stress Management for First Responders (3)

Strategies for building resilience and supporting emergency personnel.

Students explore techniques to enhance resilience among emergency personnel.

Topics include stress management, mental health strategies, and building supportive organizational cultures.

PSM 580: Emergency Operations: Tactical and Strategic Approaches (3)

Field-based exercises preparing students for emergency operations. This course will include the on-campus Experiential Crisis Event.

This course prepares students for managing tactical and strategic operations during emergencies. It emphasizes collaboration, resource allocation, and decision-making under pressure.

PSM 600: Reflection and Policy Development (3)

Synthesizes program learning into actionable policy recommendations and leadership strategies through guided reflection, structured analysis, and stakeholder-focused writing.

Students produce a professional policy brief or implementation plan connected to their agency or community and articulate how their leadership approach has evolved across the program.

PSM 610: Capstone Project in Emergency and Public Safety Services (3)

Culminating, comprehensive project integrates evaluation methods, operational strategy ethics, and policy analysis to address a real-world public safety challenge.

Students complete a capstone project addressing a real-world issue in public safety. Projects focus on policy evaluation, program assessment, and leadership strategies, in an on-campus formal presentations.

Admissions Requirements

Completed application for admission.
Completion of a B.A. or B.S. degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

In some cases, the Admissions Office can offer conditional admission to students who fall below this criteria. Students conditionally admitted must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their first two semesters of graduate study.

Tuition and Fees

Total Tuition for the program is $15,000.

Payment Options

$1,500 per class as you go,
payment plan options

Note on Textbooks: We are focused on quality and affordability in this program. We want up to date current content delivered by our faculty. As a result, most of the textbooks used in the MBA program are open source textbooks.

Open source textbooks offer numerous benefits to students and educators.
They are freely available, reducing financial burdens on students. They can be customized and updated ensuring relevant and up-to-date content. They promote collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of community and empowering learners. Open source textbooks promote accessibility, equity, and inclusivity in education.

GRE & GMAT

Requirement Waived

There's also no application fee.

12-15

Months

Completion Time

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