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Why Choose Mercer

Recognized as a “Best Online Degrees in Georgia” school by OnlineU

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Designated as Georgia’s first “Purple Heart University” by the Military Order of the Purple Heart

Recognized as one of the “Best Colleges for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report

Become a Leader in Criminal Justice.

Earn your degree with maximum convenience, including a 100% online format, accelerated eight-week sessions, and five options to begin class in January, March, May, August, or October.

Mercer University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership is designed to equip students with the professional capabilities to advance their careers as a leader in public safety.

Program courses develop students with advanced training in critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership tactics to meet and exceed the rising expectations within the field of public safety.

Through the M.S. in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership, Students Will Develop In-Depth Knowledge and Skills In The Areas Of:

  • Conflict resolution and negotiation
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Global perspectives of public safety
  • Leadership and management initiatives
  • Organizational communication
  • Organizational theory and behavior
  • Research, analysis, and problem solving
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Graduates will be prepared to lead in a variety of criminal justice and public safety settings with a thorough knowledge and understanding of excellence in leadership practices, effective cooperation, ethical behavior, problem-solving, and consolidated public service.

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Applicants to this graduate program must hold a bachelor’s degree at time of program admission.

Contact Our Admissions Team to Get Started!

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Get The Most From Your Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership

At Mercer, we offer program features that make your educational experience more effective, efficient, convenient, and affordable.

  • Enjoy a convenient online format. Earn your degree at your pace with flexibility, convenience, and 100% online classes.

  • Accelerate your courses. Move through the program quickly with eight-week courses that fit into your busy schedule.

  • Begin class as soon as you’re ready. Choose to start classes in January, March, May, August, or October.

  • Learn from exceptional faculty. Each Mercer program is taught by highly-credentialed, accessible faculty that genuinely care about the success of every student. Online courses are taught by the same professors who lead on-campus classes.

  • Know your professors and peers. Mercer’s online learning system connects students with professors and classmates, allowing you to build relationships for a more personalized experience where no one gets lost in the crowd.

  • Apply for veteran benefits. Professional staff assistance is available to military-connected students and their families.

  • Take advantage of career resources. Connect with Mercer’s Center for Career and Professional Development for assistance with internship and job searches, résumé-writing, interview preparation, networking, and more.

  • Join a supportive learning community. Students enjoy a personalized, supportive environment from orientation to graduation.

Career Options

Chart your path to a successful public safety career

Mercer’s M.S. in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed at the highest level in their professional field. Careers may include:

  • Assistant or Deputy Police Chief
  • Chief Investigator
  • Commissioner
  • Correctional Administrator
  • Crime Scene Supervisor
  • Criminologist
  • Deputy or Assistant Fire Chief
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Director
  • Emergency Management Director
  • Federal Marshal
  • Fire Chief
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Homeland Security Specialist
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Parole Administrator
  • Police Chief
  • Private Security Firm Manager
  • Probation Administrator
  • Security Management Director
  • Sheriff

Why Mercer?

Mercer University is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive institutions of higher learning with over 9,000 students enrolled across 12 schools and colleges. We are ranked among the top tier of national research universities and have earned consistent recognition for our academic programs and educational opportunities.

For more than three decades, Mercer has led the way in helping students of all ages—with all different backgrounds from all over Georgia and beyond—find the personalized support and flexibility needed to make a Mercer education a reality. Because no matter who you are, what you’re looking to study, or wherever you want to go, Mercer is for you.

Mercer University Macon campus

What are Mercer Graduates Saying?

“Promotion from Sergeant to Lieutenant is very competitive in my department. I wanted to get a degree from a university that had a solid academic reputation that would help me stand out from the crowd, as well as a curriculum that would prepare me to perform at the next level. The courses stressed critical thinking and problem solving. In my opinion, those are two of the most critical aspects of public safety leadership above the first-line supervisory level.”

Donald Kraus
M.S. in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership, ’20