The bachelor's degree in public safety is a flexible online degree option that provides
knowledge and skills to take on a variety of roles in the public safety sector including
law enforcement, security, emergency management or corrections. The coursework emphasizes
essential human skills to successfully work in public safety, including cultural awareness,
conflict resolution and effective communication. The degree is designed to make the
most of college credits you already have, potentially saving you time and money.
The online bachelor's degree in public safety was developed in partnership with law
enforcement agencies to emphasize the skills they value most. Courses options include
communication, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, mental health, policy and
law. Classes are offered in a variety of lengths so you can balance school and your
busy life.
The program includes courses in an occupational specialization chosen by the student,
which can include military training from the Joint Service Transcript, attending the
Tulsa Police Academy, transfer credit, internship or other credit approved by your
advisor to meet career goals.
Partnership with Tulsa Police Department
Students who wish to apply for the Tulsa Police Department can include the Tulsa Police
Academy as part of their occupational specialization. Students who complete all prior
degree requirements and are accepted into the Tulsa Police Academy will earn the final
15 credit hours of their bachelor’s degree by completing the approximate 28-week academy.
Career Paths
The online bachelor's degree in public safety prepares you for careers in law enforcement,
emergency services, legal services, corrections and security. In many organizations,
advancement opportunities are tied to earning a college degree. You can customize
the courses in your online degree in public safety to emphasize management and human
resources skills if you are seeking a promotion, or agency-specific topics if you
are seeking to change careers or join an agency that requires a bachelor's degree.
Admissions
If you have never taken any college courses, use theOSU Undergraduate Application.The online application also serves as your scholarship application for OSU.
With the Bachelor of Professional Studies in public safety online degree, you can
study at your own pace, whether one class per semester to full-time enrollment. Many
employers offer some type of education benefit, including tuition reimbursement, tuition
assistance, textbook stipends and scholarships. Talk to your employer’s Human Resources
department to learn what education benefits they offer.
OSU offers undergrad online degree programs at a block rate tuition structure which means students taking 12-18 hours will be charged the same block rate whether
they take 12 to 18 hours in a semester. This helps students shorten the time to earn
their degrees and assists with financial budgeting. Additionally, OSU accepts transfer credit and all undergraduate students are eligible for scholarships awarded through the
university and college. Cost estimates below are calculated based on 2022-2023 rates.
Additional cost details and OSU’s tuition and fee estimator are available on the Bursar website.
2023-2024 Estimated Cost
Resident
Non Resident
Total cost per credit hour
$421.40
$938.75
Total cost per 3-credit hour course
$1,264.20
$2,816.85
Semester Block Rate Tuition and Fees based on 15 hours
$6,321.00
$14,081
* This is only an estimate of cost, based on currently approved 2023-2024 rates. Cost estimates do not include textbooks, exams, or course expenses, nor do they
factor in individual transfer credits or scholarship information. Cost will vary if
not enrolled in a fully online degree program. Active-duty military may qualify for resident tuition rate. Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Full disclaimer