Discover Public Service
For those who are passionate about serving and protecting their communities, public service offers a variety of rewarding career paths with opportunities to rise up the ranks.
Whether reducing crime, supplying aid in the face of natural disasters, responding to medical emergencies, or providing support for the community, public service professionals are essential to the safety and well-being of the public.
An online public service degree offers the unique opportunity to complete your education on your time while gaining experience working in the field. Whether you aspire to advance your career in criminal justice, fire safety, community support, or emergency response management, these programs are designed to help you achieve your goals.
Pursuing an online bachelor’s or master’s degree program can be challenging, particularly if you haven’t attended college in several years. We’re here to help. This guide will help you navigate your options when it comes to pursuing an online public service degree by discussing:
• The advantages of public safety programs
• Industry trends and career pathways
• The types of public safety degrees and certificates available
• Possible public service career paths
• How UNH College of College of Professional Studies can help you achieve your goals
Advantages of Online Public Service Programs
Earning your bachelor’s degree online allows you to balance work and home life while you study. Completing your degree will help you gain a competitive advantage in the workplace, and you’ll often be able to apply what you’ve learned directly to your work.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Earning a bachelor’s degree makes you a more attractive candidate in the public service field. Whether you’re making a career shift or a seasoned professional pursuing advancement, a degree demonstrates to employers that you are committed to personal and professional growth. It also displays that you are dedicated to the development of knowledge-based skills needed to lead and manage difficult situations that may arise in your role. You’ll consider the moral and ethical challenges with new insight gained from your studies in consultation with peers and faculty.
Additionally, a public service degree will provide a competitive advantage for seasoned public safety professionals looking to move on to the next stage of their career, which may include changing fields. Many advanced roles will require a bachelor’s degree in addition to years of experience.
Expand Your Career Opportunities
If you’re looking to expand your opportunities in the public safety field, earning a bachelor’s degree increases your job opportunities and positions you for higher-paying leadership roles.
“As a longtime proponent of fire service education, I’m excited about the opportunities the Fire Service Administration degree will offer fellow firefighters and officers as they advance through the ranks and prepare to assume leadership roles within their departments”
Nick A. Mercuri, MHA, NRP, EFO Lead Faculty, Fire Science Administration
Public Safety Overview
Public Safety is both a rewarding and versatile field. With various career path options to choose from, a degree in public safety will help you excel in this essential industry that sees consistent annual growth. Employment in public safety occupations is projected to grow 8% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Divisions of Public Safety
While public safety encompasses a broad range of fields, there are five primary divisions that most career paths fall into:
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers are responsible for community policing, crime prevention, and active crime response. They arrest criminals, investigate crimes, address minor violations, and provide general help to the public when needed. This division encompasses professionals who work at police departments and federal agencies, such as officers, detectives, police chiefs, crime scene investigators, and federal agents.
Fire Service
Fire service professionals respond to a large variety of emergency situations, such as building and forest fires, vehicle accidents, chemical spills, and general fire alarm alerts. Their responsibilities also include search and rescue, initiating and maintaining controlled fires for future wildfire prevention, and the general protection of forests, wetlands, wildlife, and communities.
Corrections
Corrections professionals are responsible for the supervision of prison inmates while incarcerated and after release. They also ensure safety and compliance within courtrooms. This division includes prison wardens, parole and probation officers, court bailiffs, and other correctional specialists.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Emergency medical service professionals include paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). These workers provide vital, lifesaving care to the public. They usually work in ambulances and respond to a wide variety of health emergencies in the field, such as injuries and at-home emergencies like heart attacks and strokes.
Emergency Management
Emergency management professionals plan and execute response plans to deal with dangerous situations that threaten the safety of the public. This includes natural disasters, pandemics, acts of terrorism, biohazard exposure in the community, and other emergencies.
Featured Occupations
There are many exciting career paths to choose from within the five major divisions of public safety. Many of these offer the opportunity to advance toward high-paying and meaningful leadership positions. Some of the potential career paths include:
Police Detective
Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree, this position is a natural way to advance your law enforcement career. Police detectives gather facts and evidence to solve serious crimes, such as assault, homicide, and robbery. This includes conducting interviews, examining evidence, and monitoring suspects.
Median Salary: $66,020
Projected Growth: 7%
Probation Officer
Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree, this position is an excellent opportunity for those who want to help people get on the right track. Probation officers play an important role in rehabilitating inmates both in the field and in correctional institutions to help them re-adjust to life outside of prison. While the responsibilities can be challenging, this career path is essential to the safety and well-being of both inmates and the public.
Median Salary: $60,250
Projected Growth: 4%
Fire Chief
Typically requiring a bachelor’s or master’s degree, fire chief is the highest rank within a fire station. This position manages all the firefighters in the department and is the commanding authority on the scene of a fire. A successful fire chief must have strong leadership and emergency response skills.
Median Salary: $81,680 Projected Growth: 8%
Emergency Management Director
Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree with extensive experience, this is one of the most complex leadership roles in public safety. Emergency management directors develop plans and preparations to implement immediate, effective response to emergency situations. As the team lead in urgent circumstances, this position requires strong leadership and decision-making skills to operate smoothly under pressure. Often, individuals in this role possess or pursue a master’s degree or graduate certificate to further enhance their leadership skills.
Median Salary: $76,730 Projected Growth: 6%
Social Worker
Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, social workers provide support for individuals, groups, and families to help them resolve problems in their everyday lives. Social workers are employed in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, schools, and child welfare and human services agencies. Social workers assess complicated situations, offer counseling, advice, or treatment plans, provide support resources, monitor improvement, and advocate for their clients.
Median Salary: $50,390 Projected Growth: 9%
B.S. Criminal Justice
An online B.S. in Criminal Justice is an excellent choice for both experienced law enforcement professionals and those interested in entering the field. Students develop knowledge essential to leadership in criminal justice, including criminology, corrections, probation, parole, constitutional law, and advocacy.
For those who have completed the New Hampshire Police Standards Training through either the Full-Time Officer Academy or Corrections Academy, you will be able to apply this training towards meeting degree requirements, saving you time and money.
Earning your B.S. in Criminal Justice will build upon your experience to prepare you for leadership positions in the criminal justice field.
Course Highlights:
• The Criminal Justice System
• Crime Prevention and Control
• Crime Victim Rights and Remedies
• Ethical Decision Making in the Criminal Justice System
• Law and Society
• Career Pathways
Career Pathways
Earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice opens many doors to various career pathways within the public safety field. These include:
• Police Officer
• Detective
• Correctional or Probation Officer
• Federal Agent
How to Become a Police Officer
Education
You need at least a high school diploma, though some positions also require a bachelor’s degree.
Training
You’ll need to complete training at a police academy, which will include both classroom instruction, firearms training, and fitness exams.
Work Experience
Prior work experience is not required to become a police officer. However, if you want to become a detective, you will need to have experience as an officer first.
B.S. Fire Service Administration
The Fire Service Administration program is a bachelor’s completion option; meaning that the degree builds upon what you’ve already learned through an earned associate degree in Fire Science or a related field, and certification as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter II from a ProBoard- or IFSAC-accredited agency.
This program prepares fire service professionals to advance in their field and take on leadership and management positions. You will learn both administrative skills and the knowledge to manage the ethical, social, and moral challenges of emergency response professionals.
There are many community college fire service certificate and associate degree programs that you can complete to meet the prerequisite requirements of the B.S. in Fire Service Administration program.
Course Highlights:
• Fire Service Ethics
• Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
• Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection
• Fire Prevention Organization and Management Fire and Emergency Services Administration
Career Pathways
The B.S. in Fire Service Administration degree can prepare you for many rewarding career paths and leadership positions within the fire safety field. These include:
• Fire Safety Officer
• Fire Inspector
• Shift Commander
• Department Chief
How to Become a Firefighter
Education
You need at least a high school diploma to become a firefighter. In some cases, you will also need to complete an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification program.
Training
You’ll need to complete several months of training at a fire academy. Wildland firefighters also attend apprenticeship programs that last up to four years.
Work Experience
You don’t need prior work experience to become a firefighter. However, working as a volunteer firefighter is a great way to get your foot in the door for a career as one.
B.S. Public Administration
The online B.S. in Public Administration is a versatile program that can lead to a wide variety of career paths in the public safety field. Ideal for those who are ready to take the next step in their established industries, this program dives into the various skills needed to lead in fields such as law enforcement, firefighting, and municipal management.
State of New Hampshire
If you are certified as either a Public Manager or Public Supervisor through the New Hampshire Division of Personnel Management, you will be able to apply this professional experience to receive college credit towards your degree requirements. This program will build upon your already established skills to prepare you for the next step in your career.
Course Highlights:
• Introduction to Public Administration
• Introduction to Data Analytics
• Introduction to Ethics
• Public Policy Development and Implementation
• Career Development and Life Planning
Career Pathways
While our criminal justice and fire safety administration programs prepare you for roles within specific divisions of the public safety field, the B.S. in Public Administration offers the flexibility to choose from a variety of career paths, including:
• Administrative Services Manager
• Emergency Management Director
• Shift Commander
• Nonprofit Manager
“When I got promoted to a leadership role, I wanted to develop myself and learn to mentor the troopers coming up behind me. The college made getting back to school seamless, the online format makes it possible to balance my life at work and home with classes.”
Sean Eaton, Staff Sergeant, NH State Police
B.S. Public Administration
B.S. Allied Health Leadership
The Allied Health Leadership program is a bachelor’s completion option; it builds upon what you already learned in an earned associate degree program or in professional licensure or advanced trainings. This program is an excellent choice for professionals in the National Guard or Emergency Medical Services, as it prepares you to take on difficult situations as a leader providing emergency aid. Students develop leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
Course Highlights
• The Emerging U.S. Health Care System
• Law and Ethics for Health Care and Human Services
• Health Care Policy
• Population Health
• Contemporary Issues in Personal and Global Health
• Fostering Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace
The B.S. in Allied Health Leadership opens up career pathways within the community health care field, allowing professionals to branch into new and different areas of the field, while also preparing them to excel in leadership positions, including:
• Medical and Health Services Manager
• Human Resources Specialist
• Medical Secretary and Administrative Assistant
• Clinical Data Manager
• National Guard Medical Service Officer
• Emergency Management Director
B.S. Human Services
An online B.S. in Human Services is an excellent choice for those interested in a career that focuses on providing community assistance and support and improving the quality of life for those in need. With a degree in human services, you’ll help make a difference in the community.
Choose a Concentration
This program allows you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals by choosing from the following concentration areas:
• Addiction Studies
• Adult Court Advocacy
• Child Court Advocacy
• Counseling Foundations
• Education Advocacy
• Family Studies
• Applied Psychology
• Wellness and Prevention
Course Highlights
• Human Services and the Helping Process
• Introduction to Psychology
• Dynamics of Family Relationships
• Case Management
• Counseling Theories
• Social Stratification and Inequality
Career Pathways
A B.S. in Human Services is an extremely versatile degree and allows you to choose from a wide range of different career paths that focus on providing support and bettering the community, including:
• Mental Health Counselor
• Social and Community Service Manager
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Health Education Specialist
• Child, Family, and School Social Worker
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Advisor
Add a Minor
Students have the option of adding a minor to their bachelor’s degree program. Minors consist of five courses in a specific area and are designed to complement your degree program without overlapping it.
There are a number of minor options you can add on to your public service degree program, including:
• Addictions Studies
• Court Advocacy
• Criminal Justice
• Emergency Management
• Interpersonal and Organizational Communication
• Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility
• Management
• Public Administration and Policy
• Wellness and Prevention
Benefits of Adding a Minor
Adding a minor option on to your program allows you to tailor your educational experience to your unique interests and career goals. You’ll not only augment your degree with a specialized focus, but also gain a competitive edge in the job market with a versatile education foundation.
Using a Minor to Reach Your Career Goals
Adding a minor to your degree program is a great way to pursue your specific career goals.
For example, if you’re interested in working towards providing better community support for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol abuse disorders, you could pursue a B.S. in Public Administration with a minor in Addictions Studies. Maybe you’re interested in a career in law enforcement? Pursuing a B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Leadership will emphasize your leadership potential, and position you to receive promotions.
Your Path to a Graduate Certificate or Master’s Degree
Earning a graduate certificate or master’s degree is a natural next step to building the skills you need for advanced roles in public service.
Graduate Certificate: Nonprofit Leadership
If you want to advance your public administration career but aren’t ready to tackle a full master’s degree program, consider our online Nonprofit Leadership Certificate.
This 12-credit certificate prepares you to take on leadership positions at nonprofit organizations and allows the option to choose an area of concentration that aligns with your specific career interests.
Concentrations:
• Nonprofit Program Development
• Financial Planning and Management
• Marketing for Nonprofits
• Grant Writing
• Program Evaluation
• Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Course Highlights:
• Cultivating Your Leadership Capabilities
• Leading and Governing Nonprofit Organizations
• Ethical Decision-Making
“Students learn fundamental leadership skills and ethics. Each student is required to take a nonprofit introduction course where they discover different aspects of nonprofits and learn to write a program review. Additionally, there are unique requirements and needs of nonprofits. For instance, grant writing, fundraising, and volunteer management are rare in the profit world and the Nonprofit Graduate Certificate Program offers these specialized courses. This gives students a unique learning experience with others who work in the nonprofit arena.
Additionally, the faculty are employed in nonprofits and have first-hand knowledge of the different needs of the nonprofit versus the profit sector. Students may use their Nonprofit Graduate Certificate a pathway to an MS in Leadership.”
Kathy DesRoches UNH CPS Faculty, MS in Leadership Program Director
Path to a Master’s Degree
When you’re ready to complete your M.S. in Leadership, you can apply the 12 credits you earned in your Nonprofit Leadership graduate certificate toward the 30-credit master’s degree program.
M.S. Leadership
No matter what division of public safety you’re in, our M.S. in Leadership program will help you advance to a leadership role within your field.
This program is designed for working professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career. It will provide you with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage and lead a team, strategize, and make difficult decisions. The program also allows for several elective options to tailor your education to your specific career goals.
Course Highlights:
• Cultivating Your Leadership Capabilities
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Emergence of a Strategic Leader
• Foundations of Organizational Communication
• Leading Teams
Why Choose UNH CPS for Your Public Service Online Degree?
At the UNH College of Professional Studies, we’re proud to offer affordable, top-ranked online programs and select face-to-face courses that are designed to meet the needs of working adults. We’re focused on helping all students succeed – whether you’re working, engaged in military service, raising a family, or taking college courses for the first time.
Here are some of the key advantages of a UNH CPS education:
Flexible
Our top-ranked online programs offer you the flexibility to complete your degree while balancing the demands of work and everyday life.
Affordable
As an access-focused college, our undergraduate and graduate tuition rates are the lowest in New Hampshire. We are committed to keeping our tuition rates low, minimizing fees, and arming you with the information you need to “borrow smart” with your student loans.
Transfer Friendly
89% of our undergraduate students are transfers, and we’re experts at maximizing your previously earned college credits. This helps you finish your degree quickly and affordably.
Supportive
Our students benefit from Academic Advisors who support them through each step of their academic journeys. Our student community includes adults at every stage of career development and our team is prepared to meet you where you are on your personal career path. Whether you are a career launcher (just starting your career), changer (looking to change industries or professions), or advancer (seeking to advance or modernize your skills), everyone can benefit from individualized career planning.
Knowledgeable
Our faculty are experts in their industries who are passionate about helping you learn! Our instructors understand how to create engaging experiences online and in person. They know what you need to succeed in today’s workforce.
Advantages for Military and Veteran Students
We are committed to being Military Friendly and offer a wide range of resources and benefits to support our military students.
Credit for Your Training
We award the maximum credit for your military training based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations and guarantee at least 64 credits to transfer from CCAF.
Active Duty Tuition Discount & Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program
We cap our undergraduate tuition rate at $250/ credit so it matches the DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. Graduate students receive a 15% discount on their cost per credit.
We also participate in the Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program, and are committed to supporting those who served regardless of residency status.
Aligned with the Community College of the Airforce (CCAF)
We are partners with the CCAF’s GEM and AU-ABC programs to help enlisted Airmen fulfill general education requirements online and transition to a bachelor’s degree at UNH CPS.
Read More!
To learn more about the military benefits we offer, visit: cps.unh.edu/military-benefits
Public Service Degrees for Military Servicemembers
A public service degree is also a great option for active duty servicemembers who want to transition to a civilian role. Servicemembers are naturally well-suited for careers in public service, as this field values the qualities honed by military life, such as leadership, teamwork, strong work ethic, and solid core values. Pursuing a degree can help veterans determine what area of public service their skills are best suited for, and what career path aligns with their interests.
“The online flexibility is amazing. I could go through my workday, focus on my career, come home and focus on my kids, and then do my coursework in the evening. I’m a mom. I’m a solider. I’m a careerist. But I was also a student. And I could be a student because of the online environment.”
Courtney Rorick ’22 B.S. Communication Studies
Partnerships to Help You Grow Your Public Safety Career
Supporting workforce development continues to be a top priority for the College of Professional Studies. We’re proud to partner with the following organizations that employ a variety of public safety positions.
Some of these partners include:
See our full partner list
When you’re ready to apply, we would be honored to help you achieve your unique goals. Call 1-855-472-4255 or complete our free application online at: cps.unh.edu/apply
855-472-4255 | cps.unh.edu/online