Degrees in Public Safety

From natural disasters to the threat of domestic or international terrorism, those who protect the public must be prepared for a variety of challenges. American Military University is a premier provider of accredited online education to public service professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.

Take the next step and complete a no-fee application.

We want you to make an informed decision about the university that's right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure.

• Degree Programs 

  • Criminal Justice
  • Emergency and Disaster Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fire Science
  • Homeland Security
  • Intelligence Studies
  • National Security
  • Public Administration
  • Security Management

• Why Choose AMU?

  Academic Quality meets Affordable Tuition

  American Military University (AMU) provides quality and affordable online education to U.S. Armed Forces, members of the public safety, service and national security communities, and working adults in a wide range of fields. AMU closely partners with industry organizations and is highly respected by public service, intelligence, homeland security and criminal justice communities for developing curriculum that is relevant to today’s job market. AMU is a member of the regionally accredited American Public University System. Here’s why more than 100,000 students make us their school of choice.

  • #1 most popular provider of education to the U.S. military*
  • Admission fees are waived for active duty, guard and reserve members 
  • No application or technology fees; and textbooks are provided at no cost to all undergraduate students earning academic credit 
  • Active duty tuition assistance covers up to 100% of undergraduate tuition and up to 75% of graduate tuition for as many as six courses per year**
  • Affordable tuition that is 20 percent less than the average four-year public university’s in-state rates according to the College Board’s 2010-2011 study
  • Save time and money by transferring previous education and training credits
  • Nationally recognized for quality online education and effective practices 
  • Experienced faculty; many who are executives in government and nonprofit organizations including the United Nations, State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  • 96% of AMU seniors say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their education
  • 97% of AMU seniors say they would recommend AMU to friends and colleagues

  To get started, complete our no-fee application now.

  *based upon 2011 DoD enrollment figures for U.S. servicemembers
  **refer to your service's policy on tuition assistance eligibility and availability

Video Spotlight

AMU Feature Video
Just what is online learning all about? Hear from our faculty and students about how AMU achieves academic excellence each day through online learning and take a tour of our virtual campus and classroom.

Transfer Credit & Academic Affiliations

AMU accepts transfer credit from leading public safety educators, including:

• FBI National Academy Associates
  • Receive up to 15 graduate semester hour credits for prior master's courses completed at the National Academy.
• California Post Command College
  • Receive up to 9 graduate semester hour credits towards a master's degree program.
• USMC Civilian Law Enforcement Academies
  • Receive up to 9 undergraduate semester hour credits for completion of a basic academy program.
• Southern Police Institute Alumni Association
  • Receive up to 12 undergraduate or graduate semester hour credits for courses completed at SPI
• Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department University
  • Undergraduate transfer credit awarded for completion of the Detective's College program.
• Los Angeles Police Department University Leadership Program
  • Credit awarded for completion of the University Leadership program.

AMU is a member of the following public safety alliances:

• National Fraternal Order of Police University
  • Scholarship funding available from the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.
• FBI University Education Program
  • This program sponsors FBI employees in educational programs that are relevant to the FBI's mission.
• ASIS Security Academic Consortium
  • AMU is a charter member and contributor to the Consortium Foundation Scholarship Fund.
• International Association of Emergency Managers
  • AMU is an affiliate member and recipient of the 2009 IAEM Education Program of the Year award.
• International Association for Intelligence Education
  • This cross-discipline group focuses on resources and development activities in intelligence education.

Public Safety Outreach

Our Public Safety Outreach Team represents nearly 200 years of collective, hands-on experience in police work, criminal justice, emergency services, fire-fighting, corrections, and first response. Contact one of our Public Safety Team members to discuss your education or answer your questions:

Back row from left to right: Mike Sale, Dennis Porter, John Currie, Anthony Mangeri, Jeff Hawkins
Front row from left to right: Tim Hardiman, Jeff Kuhn, Dave Malone

Mike Sale
Law Enforcement Education Coordinator, Canada

Dennis Porter
Sr. Law Enforcement Education Coordinator, Western Region

John Currie
Law Enforcement Education Coordinator, Southern Region

Anthony Mangeri
Manager, Fire/Emergency Services Outreach

Jeff Hawkins
Manager, Security Management Outreach

Tim Hardiman
Manager, Law Enforcement Outreach

Jeff Kuhn
Director, Public Safety Outreach

Dave Malone
Sr. Law Enforcement Education Coordinator, Midwest Region