Student Success Center
M.S. in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership
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Welcome!
As an online student, most of your interactions with the university will be done through various websites. For example:
- You’ll use your USD Email Address for all university-related communications.
- You’ll use Blackboard for all of your coursework and assignments.
- You’ll use My.SanDiego.edu for tuition payments and to access most campus resources.
- You’ll use this site, your Student Success Center, to get specific information about textbook information, deadlines, and more!
(619) 260-7503
COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST
Our number one priority is you! Our team has prepared a checklist of items that will set you up for success and clarify all action items as a new student. After you have enrolled for your first term, please complete and review all of the following before classes start.
1. View Your Mandatory New Student Welcome Webinar
This webinar will go over a comprehensive look at your program and what to expect as an online learner including resources and tips for success. Each webinar should last around 30-40 minutes. Please RSVP for your Welcome Webinar as soon as possible.
2. Schedule Your New Student Check-in Call
In this call, you’ll “meet” a member of your Student Success Team for your program. Once you attend the welcome webinar, you will be given the link to schedule your new student check-in call. This will be a chance for us to answer any additional questions you have before you start your first term. Please be sure to have any Blackboard-related, program-related, or finance-related questions prepared.
3. Complete Your Blackboard Orientation Course – Due May 5, 2023
Once you have been registered in your classes, you will be able to access your New Student Orientation Course on Blackboard within 24 hours. When accessing Blackboard, please make sure to use Firefox or Chrome as your browser.
The New Student Orientation course is designed to help you navigate your way around Blackboard prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and the discussion board.
Your Orientation is mandatory, and must be completed before the first day of class—so we encourage you to get started! Please plan to spend about 8 hours completing the Orientation course. You can move through the Orientation at your own pace, so schedule your time accordingly.
Looking for assistance? View the guide for navigating your Blackboard Orientation course.
4. Finalize Your Tuition Payment Plan
We recommend that students start this planning early as some funding sources can take some time to process. Tuition payments should be completed in full by the first day of the semester. Visit the “Paying for your Program” section for more information.
5. (If Applicable) Start the Transfer Credit Process
Students in the MS-LEPSL program may be eligible to transfer in previous coursework to satisfy some degree requirements and graduate on an accelerated timeline. See the “Student Resources” section for a list of eligible programs and more information.
6. Review your Student Handbook
Please make sure to review your student handbook prior to the first day of class, and reference it as needed throughout your program. The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
IMPORTANT DATES
Below is a list of significant dates regarding the registration process, payment deadlines, and other important academic and program deadlines.
Summer 2023 Dates & Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 10, 2023 |
| Registration Opens | March 6, 2023 |
| Registration Deadline | April 21, 2023 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | May 5, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | May 8, 2023 |
| Payment Due Date | May 9, 2023 |
| Semester Begins | May 9, 2023 |
| First Course Start Date | May 9, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | May 12, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | June 5, 2023 |
| First Course End Date | June 26, 2023 |
| Second Course Start Date | June 27, 2023 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | July 11, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | July 24, 2023 |
| Second Course End Date | August 14, 2023 |
| Semester Ends | August 14, 2023 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | August 28, 2023 |
Fall 2023 Dates & Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2023 |
| Registration Opens | July 3, 2023 |
| Registration Deadline | August 14, 2023 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | September 1, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | September 4, 2023 |
| Payment Due Date | September 5, 2023 |
| Semester Begins | September 5, 2023 |
| First Course Start Date | September 5, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | September 8, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | October 2, 2023 |
| First Course End Date | October 23, 2023 |
| Second Course Start Date | October 24, 2023 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | November 6, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | November 20, 2023 |
| Second Course End Date | December 11, 2023 |
| Semester Ends | December 11, 2023 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | December 25, 2023 |
Spring 2023 Dates & Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | December 2, 2022 |
| Registration Opens | November 2, 2022 |
| Registration Deadline | December 16, 2022 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | January 6, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | January 9, 2023 |
| Payment Due Date | January 10, 2023 |
| Semester Begins | January 10, 2023 |
| First Course Start Date | January 10, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | January 13, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | February 6, 2023 |
| First Course End Date | February 27, 2023 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | March 13, 2023 |
| Second Course Start Date | February 28, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | March 27, 2023 |
| Second Course End Date | April 17, 2023 |
| Semester Ends | April 17, 2023 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | May 1, 2023 |
Download a pdf of your academic calendar
Class Registration Directions
You have most likely already filled out an Enrollment Agreement, which enables our team to register you for classes each term. No further action is required on your part.
If you are not able to register for both of your courses in a given term, please contact your program coordinator immediately. This often happens for students who have transfer credit or need to take a leave of absence.
Textbook information
Students are required to have their textbooks on hand by the first day of class. Unless otherwise specified, students may select any vendor they prefer (such as Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com, etc.) to purchase their course materials. In the event a specific vendor is required, it will be specified in the course materials list. The best way to ensure that you have the correct book is to search by the ISBN number(s) listed on the book list.
Physical copies of books are not on hand at the USD Torero Store. The USD Torero online store does offer price comparisons for different online vendors for some books.
Although all textbooks for all courses are listed, students only need to purchase the items for the classes they are taking for the semester.
Digital Inclusive Access (IA) – Integrated VitalSource Textbooks
If your course is indicated to have a “Digital Inclusive Access” textbook, you do have the option to use the integrated Vitalsource e-textbook without needing to purchase a textbook through an outside vendor. For more information, view the “Digital Inclusive Access” FAQs document.
- Students are able to access the e-textbook directly in the course without worrying about purchasing the wrong version or textbook!
- If your course is indicated as using “Digital Inclusive Access” on the textbook list, please note that you must opt-out within the first 4 days of each course to avoid being charged for the guaranteed-lowest price textbook.
- If you do intend to use “Digital Inclusive Access”, no further action is required after you create a Vitalsource account.
- No refunds can be issued once the textbook charge has been assessed.
PAYing for your program
Tuition at USD is billed per semester, not per course. Payment (or enrollment in an official USD payment plan) is always due by the first day of the semester. Students may not carry balances from one semester to the next.
Accounts with outstanding balances after the official payment due date may be subject to course cancellations/removal or a student account hold during the semester; related holds can prevent upcoming registration, graduation, or obtaining transcripts.
Remember: tuition is always due by the first day of each semester.
Program Tuition
Once you have been registered for your courses, your student account will reflect the appropriate tuition costs according to your program. Your program’s tuition* is the following:
Spring 2023 (and previous semesters)
- Per Unit (classes are typically 3-units) = $699 ($50/unit discount is applied to those who request it – please see below)
- Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $4,194
- Total Program Cost* (including 5 semesters) = $21,669
Summer 2023 and Beyond
- Per Unit (classes are typically 3-units) = $729 ($50/unit discount is applied to those who request it – please see below)
- Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $4,374
- Total Program Cost* (including 5 semesters) = $22,529
Students who need to re-take or withdraw from a course may need to pay additional fees according to the Refund/Drop Deadline policies listed in your Student Handbook.
If you have any questions about your Student Account, please reach out to the One Stop Center via email at onestop@sandiego.edu or phone at 619-260-2700. All costs and fees are subject to change and are based on the academic year of enrollment.
Requested Discounted Tuition
USD is proud to offer a public safety/military discount to LEPSL students in any one of these categories:
- Active member in a professional law enforcement association or union (examples: NTOA, IACP, FBINAA, FOP, PORAC, or your local DSA or POA)
- Military: Active duty or veteran
View the list of accepted documents that qualify for a tuition discount of $50 off per academic unit and submit your request for discounted tuition. You will be notified by a member of our team if your request was approved or if further documentation is needed.
Refund Policy
Students will be registered for their prescribed courses each semester. All courses must be dropped prior to the first day of the semester to receive a 100% tuition refund and within the first three days of the start date of the semester to receive a 95% tuition refund. No refund (reversal of tuition) will be provided after the third day of the semester for any class.
DEGREE PROGRESS & COMMENCEMENT
DegreeWorks
You can track your progress toward earning your degree using the Degree Works feature in your MySanDiego student portal. Degree Works shows you which courses you have completed, grades, cumulative GPA, any outstanding graduation requirements, and more!
To access Degree Works:
- Log in to your MySanDiego student portal.
- Under the “Torero Hub” tab, click on “My Academics.”
- On the right-hand side under “My Academic Resources”, click on “Degree Works.”
Petition to Graduate
Submitting your petition to graduate is a requirement for every student. About a semester before your final term, you will be reminded by your Program Coordinator to submit your petition to graduate. Once completed, your Academic Coordinator will review your academic record and contact you if there are any outstanding requirements or issues.
Commencement and Diploma Details
If you are planning on participating in the commencement ceremony (which means walking in your cap and gown here on campus), you will be invited to come to the University of San Diego in the month of May to participate in the ceremony. Commencement details and information will be sent from your Student Success Team around the month of February. Please note, there is only one commencement ceremony each academic year. Fall graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May after they graduate, while Summer graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May before they graduate.
The registrar will process their final audit of the degrees 6-8 weeks after grades are posted for your final semester. Once the degree is conferred in the system, the Registrar will order your diploma from the vendor and the vendor will send it to you directly to the address that was listed on your petition to graduate. Mailing time is an additional 6-8 weeks from the date of order, and you will likely receive your diploma in the mail in 3-4 months after you have completed your degree requirements. *Please note, if your mailing address changes after you submit your Petition to Graduate, please notify the Graduate Records office at (619) 260-2217 or usdgradrec@sandiego.edu.
Course Requirements
Completion of all the courses in the prescribed curriculum of ten 3-unit courses and the 1-unit Integrative Capstone course, for a total of 11 courses and 31 units, is required to successfully complete this program.
Course Titles and Descriptions
Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement and Public Safety (LEPS 500)
This course examines cutting-edge issues facing law enforcement and public safety including: evolving technology, legal standards regarding the use of force, officer health and wellness, UAVs, facial recognition, correctional realignment, drug policy changes, bail reform, records disclosure, and more. These issues are changing the landscape of law enforcement faster than ever before; this course will help law enforcement leaders proactively prepare for their agencies to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
Communication Skills for Law Enforcement Leaders (LEPS 510)
From interpersonal communication with colleagues and citizens to formal written reports to working with the media, this course studies all of the different ways law enforcement leaders need to communicate to be successful. The course introduces and develops a series of communication skills essential for someone leading a modern law enforcement department.
Best Practices In Community Engagement (LEPS 520)
This course looks at best practices regarding how individuals in law enforcement engage both broadly with the community and with key stakeholders. This course specifically zeros in on these aspects of communication in the modern climate of increased transparency and collaboration. Building from real case studies, students will complete this course with an understanding of how to appropriately position their agencies in the national dialogue about policing in the contemporary climate, being leaders in a progressing industry, and what it means to be a changemaker in the field of policing.
Public Safety Law In a Dynamic World (LEPS 530)
In an era where evolving technology is outpacing the law, this cutting-edge course helps provide direction and answer questions around the legal complexities of using law enforcement technologies and other contemporary legal issues. The course looks at right-to-privacy and 4th amendment cases that are guiding legal precedents regarding smartphones, UAVs, BWCs, Brady issues, DNA evidence, cyber crime, terrorism, peace officer records release, and transparency legislation. The course features hypothetical scenarios in which students make leadership and mission decisions broaching legal questions where there is no clear correct legal answer.
Organizational Leadership for Law Enforcement (LEPS 540)
How do law enforcement and public safety professionals lead under stress, in environments of change, and in the modern social and political climate? Strong leadership is crucial in law enforcement organizations; from officer safety, to thriving teams, to organizational success or failure, the stakes are high day in and day out. Leadership is a broad and diverse toolkit that can, and should, be understood and applied differently by individuals and organizations. Throughout this course, students will be exposed to practical and application-based examinations of organizational models and leadership theories. Designed to create immediate payoff with real-time and actionable lessons, the course uses a variety of case studies from law enforcement, corporate America and the military to present a holistic look at leadership, ethics, and best practices in modern law enforcement and public safety organizations.
Data Fluency and Analysis for Law Enforcement Leaders (LEPS 550)
In today’s law enforcement and public safety field, leaders need to be able to justify resource allocation decisions, present data-driven initiatives and demonstrate success and failure with sound data and evidence. This course nurtures a contemporary and critical understanding of the importance of crime data and related evidence to maximizing both ethics and efficacy within agencies. Honing in on intelligence-led, evidence-based, data-driven policing, students will learn how to effectively present accurate, detailed crime data and related evidence for key stakeholders.
Effective Leadership in Modern Public Safety: Theory, Concepts, & Application (LEPS 560)
This course examines best practices for effective and impactful leadership in the dynamic, contemporary world of public safety. Relevant leadership theories will be coupled with real-world case studies from law enforcement, the military, academia, and the private sector to present a well-rounded analysis of the dynamic concept of leadership. The course emphasizes self-reflection, tangible strategies, and practical skill building to nurture immediately applicable leadership proficiencies that will support today’s law enforcement and public safety personnel to thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment.
Public Policy Innovation (LEPS 570)
How do agencies carry out reliable public policy research? Which resources do they invest in and why? Are the programs in place working? How can any given law enforcement leader be an effective, critical consumer of research, evidence, and best practices? This course looks at how to make good policy decisions, how to involve key stakeholders, and how to create and communicate policy. Nurturing practical research skills for law enforcement leaders, students will complete a project in which they are placed in groups to collectively write an MOU for a gang or human trafficking multiagency task force. Working each week to contribute to the document, they produce a real MOU by the end of the course; something typically high-ranking individuals and/or those in specialized assignments have the opportunity to do.
Law Enforcement Management and Conflict Resolution (LEPS 580)
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.
Budget and Finance for Law Enforcement Leaders (LEPS 590)
Would you know how to create and present a budget if asked to do so? Budget and finance is an area in which many new to a command staff position feel they need additional training. And with the increased emphasis on evidence-driven rationales for budgetary decisions, all law enforcement leaders need to have a robust understanding of budgeting, contract negotiation, finance, and staffing/resource allocation. This course will expose students to different types of budget models and how they function in a public safety environment. Key learning concepts include performance-based, line-item and zero-based budget models, along with best practices for finding, writing and securing grants that are often key to organizational goals.
Integrative Capstone* (LEPS 599)
In the final course of the program sequence, students create an online portfolio to showcase what they’ve learned throughout the program. In what could be described as a ‘resume on steroids’, this portfolio contains a compilation of exemplary projects, term papers, presentations, and skill-based exercises that were completed throughout the program. The creation of the capstone project requires students to identify and critically reflect on the major program themes and what they’ve learned in the program. The reflection and the portfolio itself are both invaluable assets for career advancement.
*Note: all electronic portfolios have password protection and other security options to keep information secure.
Previous alumni and current LEPSL faculty have prepared a “Capstone Tips and Tricks” document to better prepare you all to succeed in the course.
Student Resources
This list is helpful resources that will set you up for success. Haven’t written in APA formatting since your undergraduate program? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what type of computer you will need? No problem. We have listed helpful resources below.
Transfer Credit / Validation of Credit For Professional Training
If you have completed any of the programs listed below, you may be eligible for transfer credit. Please use the links provided below to start the process.
Important notes:
- Students need to have transfer credit submitted, evaluated, and approved before the end of the first course offered in their first semester. Any requests for transfer credit after the first course will not be permitted. We recommend working with your Program Coordinator to have your transfer credit processed before the start of classes to ensure a smooth scheduling experience.
- Using transfer credits may affect your financial aid or military/veteran benefits package. FAFSA requires at least 4.5 units of enrollment in a term, and taking one course (3 units) puts students below the part-time 4.5 unit FAFSA threshold.
- Concurrent enrollment in Command College or FBINA in the LEPSL program is not permitted. Concurrent enrollment in SLI, FBILEEDA, SMIP, or SDRLI is permissible if you have the bandwidth to do so, however, you will NOT be able to use that training as transfer credit since all transfer credit must be submitted, evaluated, and approved before the end of the first course offered in their first semester.
- To be eligible for transfer, the equivalent course must 1) not have been counted towards another degree and 2) the credits must have been earned within the last five years from an accredited university. No guarantee of transfer is made until all signatures are secured and the credit is verified through an official transcript.
Programs Available for Transfer Credit (No Credit Validation Required)
- FBI National Academy (graduate classes only completed at University of Virginia in the last 5 years)
- Marine Corps University’s College of Distance Education and Training (CDET CSCDEP)
- 8901 Theory and Nature of War + 8902 National and International Security Studies = LEPS 560 Organizational Change and Theory for Law Enforcement (3 units)
- 8903 Operational Art + 8906 MAGTF Expeditionary Operations = LEPS 540 Organizational Leadership for Law Enforcement (3 units)
- Other graduate-level college coursework completed in the last 5 years from a regionally accredited university. Note that if the course credit has already been applied to another graduate degree or certificate, it is not eligible for transfer into the LEPSL program (No “double-dipping” of units).
Make sure to work with your Enrollment Advisor to order your official transcript, which is required in order for us to process the transfer credit request with the USD registrar. Once received, you should receive a DocuSign request from our office to complete the necessary paperwork.
Programs Available for Credit Validation
The MS-LEPSL program has approved a number of law enforcement professional training programs for a process called credit validation, which allows us to assign graduate academic credit that can then be transferred into the program. There is a fee for this service, which is performed by USD’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education.
The credit validation process will ask for you to create a new account/application on the Continuing Education website. This step creates an account separate from your USDOne Graduate profile. If you experience any difficulties with the application or website, please contact the Enrollment and Student Services team at 619-260-4585.
The following programs are eligible for credit validation.
Technical Requirements
You must own or have unrestricted access to a computer for this program. A fast Internet connection is also mandatory.
Courses will utilize a variety of technologies and multimedia. To complete course activities and to access course content, please verify that you have the following technologies and plug-ins available:
- Browser Plug-ins – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Flash, Shockwave, Adobe Reader, and Java.
- Mozilla Firefox is the recommended browser.
- Microsoft Office is required. If you are using Office 2003 or earlier, download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack.
- Speakers or headset – to listen to multimedia.
- Webcam – for recording video.
- Email – To contact your faculty.
- High-speed internet connection strongly encouraged (DSL or better)
Graduate Writing Expectations and Tips
All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations. If you want additional writing support, we recommend Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to APA formatting guidelines.
Another helpful writing resource is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Enrolled students can submit assignments for review by a writing professional.
Download Microsoft Office 365 (Free for USD Students)
Students at the University of San Diego are able to download Microsoft Office 365 for free! If you don’t have it already, you can download the Microsoft Office 365 suite using your USD student email.
TimelyCare – Telehealth for USD Students
TimelyCare is a provider of 24/7, no-cost telehealth services for USD students to address common conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. TimelyCare services are available at no cost to the student. Services include:
- Live and on-demand self-care sessions (yoga, breathing, stretching)
- Access to on-demand counselors for emotional health support
- Access to schedule a session with a licensed counselor (up to 12 times per year)
MS-LEPSL Student Handbook
The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
External Tutoring Resource
USD does not offer subject-specific tutoring resources, so students who are looking for tutoring support are encouraged to identify a tutor using Wyzant.com. Please note that Wyzant is not a USD-managed resource, so use them at your own discretion.
Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities for Graduate Students
It is the policy of the University of San Diego to adhere to the rules and regulations as announced in this brochure or other University Publications. The University nevertheless hereby gives notice that it reserves the right to expand or delete or otherwise modify this online publication whenever such changes are adjudged by it to be desirable or necessary. Changes will be made periodically as needed.
Blackboard (Bb) @ USD
In your program, you can think of Blackboard as your virtual tool to share information with professors and peers. You will use Blackboard to access your course content, find course syllabi, review your assignments, and more. Be sure to use your USD login credential to log in. If you have any difficulty logging into your course, be sure to contact ITS at (619) 260-7900 or help@sandiego.edu.
Netiquette Guidelines
The concept of netiquette covers proper communication online. Read our guidelines to help cultivate a supportive and productive online environment.
your partners toward success
At USD, you join a community of individuals who are all committed to one common goal: your success. As you familiarize yourself with your team, take the opportunity to virtually meet and connect with the resources available to you as a student. Click on the profiles below to learn more about each office or staff member and watch a brief video about their role in supporting you through graduation.
Career and professional resources
Whether you’re hoping to find a new job or earn a promotion, USD has a wealth of resources available to prepare you for your dream role.