Graduate Studies

Public Safety Administration

“Our agency participates in WIU’s internship program and consistently sees the quality students produced in the LEJA program. The WIU LEJA program is one of the finest in the country, and Quad City Law Enforcement has been a direct beneficiary.” – Victor Moreno, 2004 Chief of Police, East Moline, Illinois

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

  • Community Engagement and Public Safety Leadership (begins Fall 2022)
  • Emergency Management (begins Fall 2022)
  • Police Executive Administration

Program Overview

The School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration is known for academic excellence and ranks among the top law enforcement programs in the country. The program offers students a rich blend of theoretical, administrative, legal, and practical knowledge as well as teaching valuable research skills. The Master of Arts degree is designed to provide a course of study for those currently employed in criminal justice and related fields of academe. Courses provide students with current information in the areas of criminological theory; administration; civil and criminal liability; research and quantitative skills; and specialized areas such as policing, corrections, security, and multiculturalism in criminal justice. Graduates possess the skills needed to manage and lead in the increasingly complex field of criminal justice. Additionally, students are academically prepared to pursue advanced degrees in respected doctoral and law degree programs.

Why Choose Public Safety Administration at WIU?

The School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration has established a strong reputation for preparing graduate students to assume a variety of managerial positions in the criminal justice system. Superior preparation of Public Safety Administration graduate students continues to be in great demand statewide and regionally. Students completing the degree have been highly successful in advancing their careers in administrative positions statewide and nationally. Over 30 percent of the first-line supervisors and administrators in law enforcement agencies within the state obtained their advanced degree from LEJA. The degree also prepares students to pursue doctoral education.

Our Faculty

LEJA faculty comprise a wide-range of diversity and are highly respected in their fields of expertise. Faculty poses terminal degrees and substantial criminal justice professional experience. Faculty have experience in: administration and management; international criminal justice, police liability, prosecution and legal defense work; security management; crime analysis and mapping; law enforcement, adult corrections and the juvenile justice system. Faculty are active in researching and publishing in a variety of criminal justice system subject areas. Faculty routinely provide technical assistance to local, national, and international criminal justice agencies.

Other Information

The School offers graduate assistantships. Students interested in these positions should review the graduate school’s criteria and application process.

Quick View

Degrees Available:

  • M.A.

Locations:

  • Macomb
  • Quad Cities
  • Online

Required GPA:

  • Cumulative: 3.0 or
  • Last 2 years: 3.0

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Goals Statement

Interesting Facts: Fall 2023

  • Currently enrolled: 66
  • International: 2
  • Minority: 26
  • Students with Assistantships: 12

Department Contact Information:

Stipes Hall 403
309/298-1038