Degree Competencies

The Criminal Justice System and Organizational Courses

Although public safety and security consists of a diverse collection of formal and informal organizations, those we term the "criminal justice system" form its core. Any student in a public safety or security field must understand the organizations that comprise it and their complex interactions of roles, functions, and politics. Each of the following courses focus on how a public safety/security practitioner functions within the key organizations.

Impact and Theory Courses That Influence Understanding the Operations of Public Safety and Security

Understanding any complex system begins with understanding its elements and its driving forces. Each of the following courses presents a key factor that impacts public safety and security. Knowledge of these forces forearms the practitioner to deal with them.

Skills Courses for Public Safety and Security Practitioners

A professional combines knowledge and skills into the abilities required to practice in the profession. Communication skills are paramount and appropriate writing tasks are required in each course in the major. Additionally, the public safety and security practitioner must demonstrate proficiency in information technology and data collection/analysis. The following courses provide practice in those skills within the theoretical contexts of public safety and security.

Experiential Courses in Public Safety and Security

Experience differentiates a professional curriculum from strictly academic or vocational coursework. Judgment is required for the making of professional decisions but judgment is only acquired through experience. The following provide a guided experience within a public safety or security field.

Law Enforcement Applications Courses

The professional applies knowledge and skills to the solution of problems of public interest. The core curriculum is law enforcement as it touches on all aspects of public safety and security. All students will take courses in some of the fundamental law enforcement applications that apply across the spectrum of public safety and security.

Intelligence Application Courses

The role of intelligence within public safety and security at the local level is currently under-resourced and under-utilized.