Doctor of Philosophy in Public Safety

Take your public safety leadership to the highest level.

Investigate relevant research and theory in the fields of criminal justice, emergency management, law enforcement, and other public safety professions. This program is designed to strengthen your ability to lead, teach, or consult in the field of public safety. It also delivers an advanced understanding of the complex, multijurisdictional management issues faced by public safety organizations in the post-9/11 environment.

Outcome goals and graduates' proficiency levels

We have not yet collected enough information to publish learning outcome data for this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Safety specializations

  • Criminal Justice
  • Emergency Management
  • Public Safety Leadership

Quality and Professional Relevance

  • Capella is a preferred provider of higher education for the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA).
  • Capella is the first and currently only university recognized by Quality Matters™ at the program level for our commitment to course quality assurance in support of our public safety programs.
  • Capella is one of very few online universities to offer a full progression of BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Public Safety.
  • Capella faculty have extensive public safety experience in organizations such as the FBI, NYPD, Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Customs, U.S. Army, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
  • All Capella Public Safety specializations were developed in a post-9/11, post-Hurricane Katrina environment.
  • The National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have designated Capella a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.

Expected Program Outcomes for All Specializations

  1. Understand the current practices of the public safety fields.
  2. Conduct valid, reliable, and ethical research.
  3. Think critically and write effectively in one’s discipline and/or professional practice.
  4. Effectively advocate for social change and community improvements.
  5. Embrace the need for diversity/multicultural perspectives in decision-making.
  6. Develop social and professional ethics.
  7. Communicate professionally.

Doctoral degree graduates

Data from graduates across all doctoral programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.

Capella University doctoral graduates report satisfaction with salary, benefits, and responsibilities. Half of the graduates surveyed work in higher education and another 12 percent hold positions in the P–12 environment.

Satisfaction with Job Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered "satisfied" or "very satisfied"
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 – Q3 2010.


Doctoral graduates report receiving salary increases and getting recognition from employers for their Capella degrees. Around half those surveyed have advanced in their careers and just over a third have presented at a professional conference or worked as a consultant.

Career & Professional Accomplishments Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 – Q3 2010.

Doctoral degree graduates

Data from graduates across all doctoral programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.

Capella University doctoral graduates think their education meets academic program outcomes and helps them meet career goals. They are likely to recommend Capella to others.

Satisfaction with Capella Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered affirmatively
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 – Q3 2010.

Our doctoral graduates report they have gained practical knowledge and expertise which are applicable in a range of professional settings.

Improvement in Skills and Abilities Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who rated themselves as "proficient" or "distinguished" on ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 – Q3 2010.


Expense completion &
career information

Expected time to completion:

Not enough data to report at this time.

On Time Completion Rate:

Not enough data to report at this time.

SOC codes:

  • 13-1061 (Emergency management specialists)
  • 33-1000 (Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides)
  • 25-1000 (Postsecondary teachers)

Program cost

$74,438

Books:

$3,565–3,772

Fees:

$525

Median Debt:

Not enough data to report at this time.

Learn More »

Earn Your Doctoral Degree

Become an expert in your field. Enroll in an online PhD, PsyD, or EdD program at Capella.


Alumni Success Story Quote

Photo of Laura Pettler, PhD Laura Pettler, PhD

"Another aspect that was very important was the partnership Capella has with the Federal Bureau of Investigation— it lent credibility to the program."

Watch Laura's story »