Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Partnership

UVA MPS students celebrate graduation 2025

The University of Virginia is proud to partner with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department to offer high quality, impactful education at a special tuition rate. Esteemed for its rich history and distinguished academics, the University of Virginia provides faculty members who are nationally renowned for their expertise and coursework that will help you develop as a public safety leader adept in addressing the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. 

Benefits for Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Network Participants Include:

  • Fellowship funds equal to 10% off the Master of Public Safety degree tuition
  • Personalized assistance and coaching from pre-application advising through graduation
  • Connection with University of Virginia's network of over 270,000 alumni, including the Master of Public Safety alumni group

Hear from Master of Public Safety student and LASD Lieutenant, Ryan A. Vienna 

Vienna shares why he chose University of Virginia for his degree, and how the program is transforming how he views public safety. 

Why University of Virginia?

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Top College in Virginia
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Best Value Public Univ.
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Best Alumni Network

Our Public Safety Education Programs:

Master of Public Safety

UVA's Master of Public Safety is a flexible online program designed for working public safety professionals who want to improve their leadership skills. Students:

  • Take 11 online courses, each of which is eight weeks in length
  • Typically complete the program in 20 months
  • Have the opportunity to count credits received in the FBI National Academy, FBI ELEVATE or UVA National Criminal Justice Command College toward the degree
  • Have multiple options to start the program, including January, March, June, August and October
  • Finish the program with a deeper understanding of how to run complex organizations, negotiate and collaborate with peer agencies from the local level to the national, and build and nurture the community relationships that are vital for success.

View additional information, including how to apply, scholarship availability, faculty members, and more on our Master of Public Safety program page. 

Learn more about the Master of Public Safety Program

Hear from LASD Acting Commander, Ernie Bille

Bille applied graduate credits earned at the FBI National Academy to his UVA Master of Public Safety degree, where he connected with a national network of leaders and benefitted from their diverse experiences and perspectives. 

Ready to Learn More?

We'll share details about the program, our partnership with the LASD, and help you understand the application and enrollment process.
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Master of Public Safety Curriculum

Core courses include:

  • Transformational Leadership in Changing Times
  • Constitutional Framework of Public Safety
  • Developing and Implementing Systems of Emergency Preparedness
  • Creating and Sustaining Community Dialogue
  • Stewardship of Public Assets

Students can choose their five electives from a variety of topics, including: 

  • Public Safety
  • Cyber Security Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Public Administration
  • Leadership
  • Procurement & Contracts Management
  • Project Management
Joseph Lankford Headshot

The professors they've chosen for teaching in this program with the Master's of Public Safety, they're relevant. They're already doing the job. They're in the business, and they're subject matter experts.

Meet Joseph

Ready to Learn More?

We're here to offer more information. Let us help you take the first step in advancing your future.

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