Emergencies can happen at any time. When disaster or tragedy strikes, there needs to be brave individuals who run towards the danger, to protect those who are running from it. Police officers. First responders. FBI agents. Security guards. Emergency management specialists. The list goes on.

Now, more than ever, our country needs courageous men and women who wish to protect others in need. If you are one such strong soul, you may be considering pursuing a career in the public safety or law enforcement field. But how do you get started? In today’s competitive work climate, you’ll want to earn your public safety and security degree.

With such a hands-on job helping others, you may be asking yourself, “Why do I need a degree?” and “What are the reasons to pursue an advanced education?” Read on, as we break down some of the top, career-focused reasons to pursue a public safety degree.

1.    Land the Job of Your Dreams

It’s no secret that earning a college degree will make you more appealing to employers. In fact, most great jobs today require them, including many federal law enforcement agencies. In this field, a college degree shows that you have the knowledge, the skills, and the commitment and dedication need to succeed. Once you have earned your degree, employers will know you are prepared to protect the general public from harm, and to keep your community safe.

Some careers available upon completion of a public safety and security degree program include:

• Computer Security
• Corrections
• Customs and Border Protection
• Cyber Crime Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Emergency Management
• Fire Science
• First Responders
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Law Enforcement
• Security
• Transportation Security Administration

2.    Master Valuable Skills & Knowledge for the Job

Earning a public safety and security degree is not just about that piece of paper. What you learn will help you exponentially throughout your career. These skills developed in a public safety program go beyond the basics of history and science from your days in high school. Students learn from real industry professionals, and work on applicable tools for their future job, such as:

• Grant writing
• Risk assessment
• Research methodology
• Policy analysis
• Safety and security planning

The beauty of this type of program is that it is interdisciplinary – meaning students may advance through a traditional bachelor’s degree program following a specific track of their choosing, such as Criminal Justice or Homeland Security. In Goodwin’s public safety program, for example, students leave able to:

• Showcase talent in grant writing, policy analysis, risk management, and research.
• Present professional speeches and written communications.
• Properly conduct public safety and security-related research.
• Exhibit an understanding of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
• Recognize and properly ethical issues in public safety and security.
• Spot any issues or unmet needs within the field, by conducting research and tweaking policies.
• Protect evidence-based decision making within the field.
• Carry out theories and practices involving modern-day issues in public safety and security.

3.    Edge Out the Competition

Not all public safety career paths require a college degree. When you invest the time in earning your degree, however, it can certainly help you prepare for your role and stand out among the competition.

Security Guards, for example, do not typically need a postsecondary degree, but the coursework of the program will help launch a career for those just starting out. Of course, if you are looking to land a job in security, but later advance to a management position or work on a police force and climb the ranks, your degree will eventually be a must-have. So you may as well start your career prepared in advance.

There are many federal agencies and advanced public safety roles – which offer great salary potential – that require at least a bachelor’s degree. This means if you want to work for the FBI or DEA, or Homeland Security Department, you will need to shoot high. Your competition will be earning that degree, as well. To get a jump on your success, it’s a good idea to start fresh, with a bachelor’s in public safety and security at an accredited, career-focused school like Goodwin College.

4.    Enjoy Program Flexibility

Earning your degree does not need to mean an end to – or even a pause on – the rest of your life. Students today can earn their public safety and security degree while maintaining other work and personal obligations. At Goodwin College, we understand that you still need to pay your bills and take care of your family. Our Public Safety courses are offered days and evenings, with six class starts per year. This flexibility is specifically designed to help students who are balancing work, home, and school, to still attain a quality education.

Want to learn more about the Public Safety program at Goodwin College? Call 1-800-889-3282 to request more information, or visit us online.