Format

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 Public Safety degree program offers flexible options to help you make the most of your experience—whether you’re already working in the field or preparing to start your career. You may be eligible to earn up to 15 credit hours through prior learning, including but not limited to:

• CLEET certification or law enforcement certification from other states

• Paramedic or firefighter training

• Military training documented on a Joint Services Transcript (JST)

• Completion of an approved police academy, such as those operated by the Tulsa or Broken Arrow Police Departments (applies toward final 15 credit hours if all other degree requirements are met)

Other types of training may also qualify. An academic advisor can help you explore how your background could apply—saving you time, lowering costs and getting you closer to your next career goal.

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 the OSU Undergraduate Application. The online application also serves as your scholarship application for OSU.

OSU UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Already have some college credit?

You should apply as a transfer student if you have attempted a minimum of 7 semester hours of college-level credit after graduation from high school.

Want to know how your credits will transfer? Consult our Transfer Credit Guide or make an appointment with an academic advisor.

Cost

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.

* 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

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