MS in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership / Law Enforcement Management and Conflict Resolution

Course Overview

Course Description

A deep and applicable understanding of emotional intelligence, human resources, and essential skills for managing workplace conflict is key to leading successfully. In this course, students will develop skills that are essential to effective dispute resolution. These skills will be introduced, developed, and applied to conflicts between individuals, within small groups, and throughout organizations. At its core, this is an ethics-centric leadership and management course that addresses the unique dynamics of criminal justice agencies. Navigating contentious issues and developing and executing effective, positive resolutions requires an approach that emphasizes human dignity and both personal and professional integrity throughout the process.

Course Highlights:
  • Students learn and practice an array of skills for active listening, diffusing contentious situations, navigating toxic employees at all ranks, and managing long standing disputes between colleagues.
  • Students examine real-world challenging situations in law enforcement organizations and must consider which skills they can use to resolve conflicts and achieve their organizational mission.

Student Comments

“This conflict resolution class covers critical material. Everyone one should take this class. I’ve used my new skills at work, play, and with my family. The course opened up new voice for me, enabling a new realm of communication. Thank you!”
-Fall ’23 Student

“Thank you USD LEPSL for a professional and challenging higher education program. This course, Management and Conflict Resolution, is so appropriate for us, as law enforcement leaders. We, in law enforcement, do a very good job at solving others problems but a poor job at addressing and solving our internal issues. This course is a great reminder that we need to remember to focus in on our wellness as a department just as much as we focus on the wellness of our community. Internal department conflicts are rooted in deeper issues other than two people disagreeing. This class has prepared me to tackle many challenges in addressing conflicts in the workplace.”
-Spring ’22 Student

“Management and Conflict Resolution has been invaluable in my leadership development. Conflict in the workplace is necessary for the success of organizations and this class provided me with essential tools to better compose myself while seeking successful conflict resolution.”
-Spring ’22 Student

“I went into the course believing I had a good foundation in conflict resolution. After completion of the course, I feel more polished in my approach, understanding of emotions, understanding the importance of asking questions to find the “why”, and overall more well rounded in my ability to resolve conflict. I used the techniques in the course material during a recorded conversation with a First Amendment Fail auditor. At the terminus of the conversation, the auditor ended up thanking me and admitted I changed his perspective!”
–Spring ’22 Student

“The material covered was directly related to widespread issues affecting the law enforcement profession today. I was able to immediately employ concepts and strategies to my daily work making the course extremely valuable.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“This class could not have come at a better time. What I enjoyed the most is the real-life application, that even while in the midst of the course, I was applying the many lessons learned! Great course!”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The course itself was very relative to everyday life challenges. We deal with conflict daily, so out of all the classes I have had so far in the LEPSL program, I think I got more out of this class than the previous six. My previous six classes were outstanding by the way. I was engaged daily with the discussion board and that attributed greatly to my learning. Great class! I used the techniques and tools that I learned in this course to my everyday challenges at work and at home.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The textbook used in the class had great value. The textbook material was relevant, easy to understand, and apply to real-life conflicts.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The textbook and required readings were extremely valuable, I have actually bought a couple extras to let my admin read.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“Conflict resolution, at its core, is something we deal with every day. I found the book and assignments allowed us to learn the conflict resolution options and apply real world scenarios.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“This class had the most beneficial discussion board of all the classes I have taken so far. Definitely was able to apply a lot of experiences shared by my classmates to my own situation.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The choice of textbook was a great fit for the course. The writing assignments were great tools to stimulate thought while forcing the student to be concise with their message.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“Everything that I have taken away from this course has been practical. Not only will I be able to utilize what I learned in my professional career but in my personal life as well. It was very helpful material.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The writing assignments were completely practical and with the current events affecting our profession, they were not only relevant but extremely valuable.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The written work was topical and immediately applicable to my current assignment.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“The entire course had practical value. The instructors and content were closely tied in to practicality of the topics at hand.”
-Summer ’20 Student

“Since starting the program I have been on two interviews with other agencies.  Both resulted in conditional job offers. What is significant is that a substantial portion of both interviews was focused on conflict resolution.  The tools we are learning in class allowed me to frame my practical experience within models for problem solving  This really allowed me to differentiate myself by providing a framework to explain how those past experiences relate to solving organization challenges going forward.”
-Fall ’18 Student

“Conflict resolution, by far, has been the most impactful and relevant class I have taken in this program. I enjoyed every module as it demanded critical thinking in congruence with leadership application. The class allowed me to express my personal view of leadership and actually put it into practice through the hypothetical.”
-Fall ’18 Student

Units

3 Units

Course Number

LEPS 580

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my tuition?

Tuition for the MS-LEPSL program is $729 per unit.

With a total of 31 units, the full cost of tuition for the program is $22,599.

Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time to correct errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.

What does inclusion mean in education?

Inclusion in an educational setting requires that each student, despite varying abilities, be provided the tools they need to meaningfully learn alongside their peers. Providing this model for students sets an early standard of equity.

 

What percentage of law enforcement leaders are women?

Just 3% of executive-level positions in law enforcement are held by women.

The benefits of women in law enforcement are many, and there are steps agencies can take to increase the number of women in senior-level roles. Our guide, The Importance of Promoting Women in Law Enforcement Leadership provides an in-depth analysis, including key insight from Lt. Julie Rodriguez of the LAPD.

How can agencies encourage more women to seek leadership positions?

Women should feel like valued members of the team, and they should be supported at work, especially if they intend to pursue a leadership position. Agencies can create mentorship programs and publicize women who have been promoted. They can also provide funding for women to attend training, conferences or programs on leadership.

Why is it beneficial for women in law enforcement to be in positions of leadership?

It’s important to have a diverse group of professionals leading an agency. Women bring collaboration, transparency and empathy to the table, and representation within an agency matters. Having more women in leadership roles demonstrates the career possibilities for police officers or recruits and shows the public that an agency reflects the community they are sworn to protect.

If I submit my essay and application before the deadline will I be notified earlier?

You will be notified of your admission decision within a few days of applying. However, you will not be notified of your scholarship decision until the week of February 28.

When will I be notified if I have been awarded a scholarship?

You will be notified the week of February 28 by email, whether or not you were selected to receive scholarship funds.

What happens after I apply for the program and submit my scholarship essay?

We review applications as soon as they are complete and all supporting documents (official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc) are received. You will be notified of our admission decision by your enrollment counselor, and this generally happens within three days.

The scholarship award process follows a different timeline. All scholarship essays will be reviewed by a selection committee in February, and you will receive an email notification directly from the Academic Director the week of February 28.

I don’t know if I can apply for the Summer term. Will there be a scholarship available in the Fall?

We don’t know from term to term what funding will be available for scholarships. Currently, the funds available for the merit scholarship are designated for new students starting the Summer 2022 term only. Future merit scholarships, if available, may vary in amount as well as selection criteria.

How can I learn more about the MS-LEPSL program?

Designed for current law enforcement professionals who want to grow and lead, this 100% online, leadership-focused master’s degree program supports rapid career advancement by providing immediately practical skills and developing your management acumen. The program is ranked as one of the top online criminal justice master’s degrees in the country.

In just 5 semesters (20 months), you’ll learn organizational leadership, analytical skills, critical thinking strategies, legal awareness, financial and budgetary acumen, and superb communication abilities – all in a flexible online format that is focused on current issues pertaining to law enforcement.

If I am awarded a scholarship, how will I receive the money?

Your scholarship award will be deposited directly into your student account so that you can apply them toward your first term’s tuition.

If I submit my essay and application before the deadline will I be notified earlier?

You will be notified of your admission decision within a few days of applying. However, you will not be notified of your scholarship decision until the week of November 1.

How much does the program cost if I don’t receive the scholarship?

Tuition for the MS-LEPSL program is $729 per unit, which is discounted to $679 per unit for members of a law enforcement association or union, military personnel and veterans (documentation is required at the time of enrollment). The total discounted tuition cost for the 31-unit program is $21,049.

Reduced tuition begins in the semester in which approval is granted and cannot be retroactively applied.

Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.

When will I be notified if I have been awarded a scholarship?

You will be notified the week of November 1 by email, whether or not you were selected to receive scholarship funds.

I don’t know if I can apply for the Spring term. Will there be a scholarship available in the Spring?

We don’t know from term to term what funding will be available for scholarships. Currently, the funds available for the merit scholarship are designated for new students starting the Spring 2022 term only. Future merit scholarships, if available, may vary in amount as well as selection criteria.

Will everyone who applies for the scholarship by the deadline receive an award?

No, not everyone will receive the scholarship, although the odds are good! Historically, 25-50% of those who applied have received a scholarship.

Can I still apply if I don’t meet all of the admissions criteria?

Please work with your enrollment advisor if you are interested but do not meet all published admissions requirements. The two most important and least flexible criteria are that you must have completed your bachelor’s degree and you must have at least two years of experience working professionally in law enforcement. Military experience may also be considered. Beyond that, if your bachelor’s GPA falls short, or if you earned your undergraduate degree from a nationally accredited school rather one that is regionally accredited, we encourage you to speak to an enrollment advisor about your specific circumstances. Sometimes a low undergraduate GPA can be offset by exceptional experience and/or the completion of prestigious leadership training programs like the FBI National Academy. Alternately, you may be given the opportunity to write an additional graduate-level essay to demonstrate your readiness to take on the writing demands of a rigorous master’s degree program.

What is the online course format?

Coursework is taken year-round, with three 14-week semesters each year (Fall classes start in September, Spring classes start in January, and Summer classes start in May.) Each 14-week semester consists of two courses running for seven weeks each back to back, allowing you to focus on one course at a time. Each class is broken into week-long modules, and students can log in and complete their assignments anytime within the week. This is what’s referred to as asynchronous learning because you will not be required to join class on a specific day and time each week.

What is the cost of tuition for the MS-LEPSL program?

Tuition for the MS-LEPSL program is $729 per unit. The total tuition cost for the 31-unit program is $22,599.

Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.

Is there any requirement to come to campus?

The MS-LEPSL program is 100% online. There is no on-campus requirement. However, we do hope you and your family can join us on campus for commencement. And if you are ever in the San Diego area we hope you’ll stop by for a tour of our beautiful campus.

What is your graduation rate?

More than 90% of the students who enroll in the LEPSL program graduate. This is far above the national standard and a true testament to the quality of the program and the commitment to student success shared by our faculty and staff. This is a unique hallmark of USD. You will never be a number here. We value our relationship with each student and alumnus, and we truly care about helping you reach your goals.

Who teaches the MS-LEPSL program?

We often say our faculty is our secret sauce. Students appreciate the extensive criminal justice and leadership experience of our accomplished practitioner faculty, who collectively have a diversity of professional experience in law enforcement and military leadership. Please view our faculty page for complete profiles.

How long will it take me to complete my degree program?

The MS-LEPSL is a 31-unit program designed to be completed in 5 semesters (20 months). If you need to take a break from your coursework for any reason your path to graduation will be delayed.

Do you accept transfer credit from professional leadership training programs?

Yes! USD has entered into formal partnerships with several law enforcement training and professional development organizations to make it easier for graduates of those programs to seamlessly transition into the LEPSL program. Current transfer credit opportunities include:

  • FBI National Academy (up to 12 units)
  • FBI-LEEDA’s Trilogy (6 units)
  • PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police – SMIP (6 units)
  • California POST’s Command College (12 units)
  • California POST’s Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (6 units)
  • San Diego County Regional Leadership Institute (6 units)
  • Marine Corps University’s Command and Staff College – CSCDEP (6 units)

We are constantly evaluating new partnerships – check the transfer credit page on this website for more details.

Does the program have to be completed within 20 months?

The curriculum schedule functions on a carousel system, meaning that if you miss a course you will have to wait for the rotation to complete before jumping back in. Each course is offered once every five semesters. We encourage you to speak with an enrollment advisor or your program coordinator if you think you might need to take a leave of absence.

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