New Online Master's in Law Enforcement Leadership Program Far Exceeds Enrollment Expectations

New Online Master's in Law Enforcement Leadership Program Far Exceeds Enrollment Expectations

Criminal Justice

Last spring, USD’s Dean of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) Jason Lemon announced the launch of the new online Master’s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership program. Created in collaboration with the San Diego Police Officers Association, Deputy Sheriff's Association of San Diego County, and many other experts in law enforcement and public safety, Lemon and a team of experts spent two and a half years designing the interdisciplinary program that fills a significant skill gap that is not being addressed by traditional criminal justice master's degrees.

“Unlike typical criminal justice master’s programs that focus on criminology, our program emphasizes leadership development, ethics, tangible skill building and the immediate application of these skills to contemporary law enforcement and public safety issues,” said Lemon. Adding, “Our program will help the next generation of leaders prepare for career advancement by teaching students how to be more effective in their jobs, how to effectively work with communities, and how to help those they lead to be more successful.”

Unlike typical criminal justice master’s programs... our program emphasizes leadership development, ethics, tangible skill building and the immediate application of these skills to contemporary law enforcement and public safety issues. Jason Lemon

Just six months after the program’s introduction, enrollment has soared. The program far exceeded their enrollment goal of 29 students. When classes began this month, the online Master’s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership program kicked-off with 92 students from across the U.S.

Taught by USD faculty and experienced instructor practitioners with doctorate degrees and extensive experience in law enforcement, the curriculum for the 31-credit program covers a variety of topics, including leadership, conflict resolution, critical decision making, ethics, and budget and finance. The flexible online format easily accommodates busy students who tend to be actively working in full-time law enforcement careers. The program can be completed in 20 months.

For more information, visit criminaljustice.sandiego.edu.

— Pamela Gray Payton MSEL '16