Tell Us About Your Goals

We make your success our priority. So that we can know how to support you and what you need from us, please take our brief survey. It’s just two questions, and it will give us a better idea of your professional goals. Then we’ll get back to you with helpful information that is relevant to your journey to earn your Master of Public Safety!

The Master of Public Safety program that I’m involved in at the University of Virginia is an excellent program, and I want to encourage as many people as I can to get into it. I want to make sure people can get that education to move public safety forward.

Gordon Graham
UVA Distinguished Lecturer
Master of Public Safety Advisory Board Member and Lexipol Co-Founder

I have wanted to pursue my Master's degree for quite some time. Attaining this goal has been impactful to my formal education and public safety career. It will help me make the world a safer place to live, work and play.

Afsoon Ansari
Major, Colorado State Patrol, Master of Public Safety ’23

The guidance and support from my instructors was instrumental in getting me on the right track, and I am genuinely thankful for their help. At times they have gone above and beyond to assist me with challenges, despite their own busy schedules, taking time to meet with me to address my questions.

Daniel Russell
Deputy Chief of Police, Evanston (IL) Police Department, Master of Public Safety ’23

The program has been extremely challenging, but also thought-provoking. It’s called for us to think outside of the box and think about policing from a different perspective.

Frank Carpenter
Chief of Police, Chesterfield Police Department, Master of Public Safety ’22

UVA: Leading the Way in Excellence

  • #1 Top College in Virginia, Forbes, 2024-25
  • #2 Best Value Public University, U.S. News & World Report, 2026
  • #4 Best Public University for Veterans, U.S. News & World Report, 2026

Program Overview

  • 11 Courses
  • 20 Months on Average to Complete
  • 100% Online

Lead the Way with Your Master of Public Safety

Earn your Master of Public Safety from UVA, a top-ranked and nationally recognized institution, in a 100% online, fully asynchronous program. This flexible format allows you to balance your degree with other important priorities while working toward your career goals, whether that means earning a promotion, standing out in your field or stepping up as a leader in your community.

Explore This Program

Tuition & Financial Aid

Center for Public Safety and Justice

What Will I Learn?

UVA faculty, public safety and law enforcement experts, and community leaders will be your instructors in this program, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of today’s public safety practices and laws. They will help you develop a foundation of essential skills and knowledge for effective leaders, such as:

  • Running complex organizations
  • Collaborating with local and national agencies
  • Nurturing community relationships
  • Innovative problem-solving for complex systemic issues

You’ll graduate with an impactful degree that equips you to lead the change you desire to see in your community and the future of public safety.

Key Takeaways

Benefit from completely asynchronous coursework, meaning you can access recorded lessons and learning materials when it works for your schedule. If you wish for deeper engagement with your instructors or classmates, there are weekly live sessions you can attend. And if you’re not able to attend, they will be recorded for you to access later, ensuring you don’t miss a thing!

In addition to flexible learning, there is also flexibility to begin the program with multiple start terms throughout the year. Depending on whether you choose a final, comprehensive exam or a capstone experience, you’ll need to earn 31-32 credits to complete your degree.

Graduates of the FBI National Academy, National Criminal Justice Command College and FBI ELEVATE may count recent graduate credits from those programs and could finish their Master of Public Safety degree in one year.

Ready to Apply?

Are you ready to elevate your career in public safety and make a lasting impact in your community? We invite you to apply today using our streamlined application process and enjoy these advantages:

  • No application fee
  • Automatic in-state tuition regardless of where you live
  • No required entrance exams

Questions? We're here to support you every step of the way!

Contact us today to explore your options and receive guidance tailored to your unique needs and career goals.