Master the Skills Shared by the Most Effective Leaders in Law Enforcement

Earn Your M.S. in Law Enforcement Leadership in 20 months, 100% online

Trust the program that is endorsed by law enforcement & highly rated by students

Designed for current criminal justice professionals who want to grow and lead, University of San Diego’s accredited, 100% online master’s degree program supports rapid career advancement by exploring today’s biggest law enforcement challenges and providing practical skills that prepare you to be a more effective leader.

In just 20 months, you’ll explore and address some of today’s most challenging issues in criminal justice while learning:

  • Organizational leadership frameworks, and how to influence others for the common good
  • Constitutional law and how it shapes law enforcement policy today
  • Budget, finance, resource allocation, and collective bargaining
  • Communication techniques, including interpersonal dialogue, written/electronic communications, report and grant writing, media relations and communicating to large audiences
  • Dispute and conflict resolution techniques that emphasize ethics and integrity
  • Techniques for successful community engagement
  • Analytical procedures for evaluating crime trends and conducting community and organizational assessments

Watch a KUSI feature story about the M.S. in Law Enforcement Leadership

 

Why University of San Diego (USD)?

  1. Top 100 nationally ranked university (U.S. News and World Report)
  2. Endorsed by law enforcment Unions & associations representing your best interests have endorsed the program
  3. Top tier, ethics-based education USD develops professionals eager to #LeadTheChange
  4. Accomplished practitioner faculty and professors High ranking criminal justice professionals with extensive leadership experience
  5. 100% online program that you'll finish in 20 months Flexible schedule designed specifically for working LE professionals
  6. Strong networking opportunities Collaborate with LEOs from different agencies across the country
  7. Credit for Your Training Get credit for your FBINA and California Command College training
  8. Tuition Discount Available Union/association members, active military, veterans and spouses save $50/unit
Student Testimonial
At USD, you’re dealing with instructors who challenge you to get to the next level. Having this on my resume was instrumental in getting my current position.
Eugene Harris, Chief of Police, San Gabriel, CA
Student Testimonial
I chose the LEPSL program because of the immediate and future application of the curriculum towards my profession of police leadership, as well as for the tremendous networking opportunities. The online format is perfect for me to be able to balance school, work and life. I researched programs for a few years, and LEPSL was the best choice for me after factoring in tuition cost, time management requirements, professionalism of faculty and the prestige of the University. I feel like I am a more effective leader within my organization and am better prepared for a second career after retirement.
Eric Skaja, Captain, Escondido Police Department
Command College Graduate
Student Testimonial
I highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking to advance their career, improve their knowledge base, and become a change-maker within the policing profession. I considered MPA programs and Master's in Criminal Justice degrees, but neither were the right fit for me. This program ties together everything I do at the practical level while enhancing my efforts through proven theories based on research and empirical evidence. The knowledge that I am gaining from this degree program will make me a better leader for my agency and the community I serve.
Dennis Nayor, Deputy Chief of Police
Student Testimonial
After attending an informational meeting the decision to apply to USD was quite simple. The innovative concepts, the relevant topics discussed, and the network of peers to be able to debate with became the overwhelming reason behind my decision to enroll at USD. I'm glad I selected a school where I will be proud to announce my alma mater.
Geoffrey S. DeCesari, Detective, San Diego Police Department
Program Endorsement
Police officers today need skills in leadership, management, and communication for advancement. The University of San Diego degree focuses on these skills. USD’s program should be attractive to officers interested in advancement and is likely to help them stand out as they seek promotions.
Brian R. Marvel, President, Peace Officers Research Association of California

Program structure

USD’s online M.S. in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership is a 31-unit program designed to be completed in 5 semesters (20 months). Coursework is taken year-round, with three 14-week semesters each year. 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.

All courses are presented in a flexible online format that allow you to schedule classes around your existing commitments. As an online graduate student, you will have access to your classroom at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus and course resources from any computer with internet capability.

Join our next class! Contact us to see how to get started.