Online Master’s Program Designed for Public Safety Officials

A new online master’s degree program developed jointly by BSOS and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law will prepare public safety officials for careers in a rapidly changing landscape. The Master’s of Professional Studies in Public Safety Leadership and Administration (PLA) was launched for the Fall 2020 semester.

The curriculum is a response to a growing need for advanced training in leadership, policy, and law for police, public safety officials and other public servants. The program is funded by The University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State.

“Law enforcement faces challenges in the twenty-first century that we couldn’t have anticipated just a few decades ago. Advances in AI technology and predictive policing, the emergence of social media and increased public scrutiny, and increased coordination between local, state, and federal agencies—these all have an impact on public safety,” said Professor Rashawn Ray of the Department of Sociology. “We designed this program alongside law enforcement professionals and criminal justice practitioners who are dealing with new phenomena and working with members of their communities every day to keep people safe.”

In addition to his involvement with the PLA and with the Department of Sociology, Professor Ray is leading the BSOS Anti-Black Racism Initiative.

While working toward the master’s degree, PLA students will earn two graduate certificates—one in Criminal Justice Administration and one in Leadership in Diverse Organizations.

Both the graduate certificates and the Master’s degree can be completed in 15 months. All courses are online to give students flexibility, as many who enroll are likely to be working professionals.

Learn more and enroll at go.umd.edu/plamarlyand.

Published on Mon, Aug 10, 2020 - 1:24PM