A.A.S. Public Safety

Credit Hours

75%

Max Transfer Credit

Class Type

100% online

Next Start Date

Aug 17, 2026

Cost Per Credit

$398

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Home / Degrees / Associate Degrees / Public Safety

Grow your career faster with public safety associate degree credit for your training

In a profession where every milestone matters, keep yourself on track by earning your Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Public Safety. Franklin’s 100% online associate program awards maximum credit for professional training so you can finish your degree faster. Moreover, through Franklin’s partnerships with employers and professional organizations, you’ll be able to lower the cost of your remaining credits.

Moreover, if your long-term goals include a bachelor’s degree, the credits you’ll earn as part of your A.A.S. program position you for seamless transition into Franklin’s B.S. Criminal Justice Administration or B.S. Public Safety Management + Leadership.

Program Availability

Online

In , this program is offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

In , this program may be offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

On Site

Program Overview

Build your knowledge in criminal justice administration, management, ethics and leadership

The A.A.S. in Public Safety was designed to be highly customizable to your interests. You’ll build on your experience throughout the program, as you prepare for leadership roles. You’ll complete required major area courses in criminal justice administration, management, ethics and leadership. As a result of these courses, you’ll be able to apply critical thinking, reasoning and analytical skills required for ethical decision-making and problem solving in a public safety agency.

Leverage your professional training to advance your public safety career

The A.A.S. Public Safety is designed to help you maximize your previous learning by accepting up to 45 hours of college credit.

Up to 30 hours of the 45 hour maximum can be collected through prior learning credit, which is awarded for the completion of professional training or industry-aligned certificates. At Franklin, we’ve proactively evaluated police, corrections, paramedic and firefighter training for course credit, which means you’ll know how much credit you’ll be awarded toward your degree even before you register for your first class.

You can also supplement prior learning credit with transfer credit for previously completed coursework at a community or technical college.

Earn a degree that benefits you now and in the future

As a student in the A.A.S in Public Safety, you’ll develop both the technical and applied knowledge necessary to excel in management and leadership roles. You’ll learn in convenient and flexible 6-week online courses, virtual live sessions and classes taught by faculty with in-field experience. Their real world experience provides a unique perspective to help fuel your advancement within the field.

You’ll also earn a degree that transfers seamlessly into Franklin’s B.S. Criminal Justice Administration or B.S. Public Safety Management + Leadership. So when the time is ready, you can build on your associate degree credits to save time and money toward your bachelor’s.

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

Future Start Dates

Fall 2026

August

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Aug 7

Fall 2026

September

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Sep 18

Fall 2026

November

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Oct 30

Spring 2027

January

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Dec 25

Spring 2027

February

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Feb 5

Spring 2027

March

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Mar 19

Summer 2027

May

Recommended Register By:

May 7

Summer 2027

June

Recommended Register By:

Jun 18

Fall 2027

August

Recommended Register By:

Aug 6

Fall 2027

September

Recommended Register By:

Sep 17

Fall 2027

November

Recommended Register By:

Oct 29

Spring 2028

January

Recommended Register By:

Dec 24

Spring 2028

February

Recommended Register By:

Feb 4

Spring 2028

March

Recommended Register By:

Mar 17

Your Best Value

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MAX TRANSFER HOURS

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$23,880

Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

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Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

Instructor Led

Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

Non-Profit = Student Focused

Unlike for-profit universities, Franklin invests in student success, not shareholder gain.

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

60 Semester Hours

Non-technical Curriculum

General Education

Applied General Education

AND

PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

AND

SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

OR COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

AND

8 credits from the following types of courses:
Complete any course at the 100 or 200 level

English Composition

ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics

At least 4 credits from the following courses:

MATH 140 - Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning (4)

This is the first course in algebra specifically designed for students who are enrolled in programs that DO NOT require College Algebra. The course will include traditional beginner algebra topics, including basic numeric/algebraic skills and reasoning, solving linear equations, systems and inequalities, basic functions, basics of graphing (including algebraic and statistical graphs), and some data literacy. The topics will be addressed in a contextualized format incorporating a pedagogy that promotes problem solving and critical thinking skills through collaborative work and technology tools.

MATH 150 - Fundamental Algebra (4)

This course will address the outcomes of introductory and intermediate algebra. Topics include: basic algebraic properties, integers, simplifying and factoring polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations in two variables, functions, rational expressions, quadratic and rational equations, absolute value, radicals, graphing systems of equations, and other selected topics. Applications will be emphasized, and numeric, algebraic, and graphical modes will be used.

MATH 160 - College Algebra (4)

This course is designed to prepare students for Applied Calculus and Discrete Mathematics and to provide the mathematical background needed for the analytic reasoning used in other courses. Topics include functions and their graphs, including exponential and logarithmic functions; complex numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; basic principles of counting and probability; and other selected topics. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

AND

Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite to MATH 215. Course can count as a University Elective.

AND

Related Bachelor's degrees will require MATH 215.

Science

4 credits from the following types of courses:
Any Science course

Social and Behavioral Sciences

4 credits from the following types of courses:
Any Social and Behavioral Science course (Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines)

Technical Curriculum

Major Area Required

Complete one of the following:

CJAD 210 - Intro to Criminal Justice Administration (4)

This is an introductory course designed to expose students to the various Major elements of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections). Students will learn about the ways in which the various systems interact, the processing of offenders, the various forms of punishment and the alternatives to punishment. The future of the criminal justice system will also be discussed.

Completion of an approved Firefighter I training is an acceptable alternative to completion of CJAD 210.

AND

PUAD 305 - Introduction to Public Administration (4)

Students are introduced to the field and profession of public administration. Students learn to think and act as ethical public administration professionals by developing a broad understanding of the political and organizational environment in which public administrators work and by applying fundamental analytical, decision- making, and communication skills. The professional knowledge and skills explored in the course provide a foundation for subsequent public administration courses.

OR MGMT 312 - Principles of Management (4)

This course explores the basic concepts and processes of management. Students will explore the functional roles and processes of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling comprising the manager role. Students develop skills related to the manager function that are required in today's competitive environment.

AND

SEMT 322 - Ethics & Leadership in Public Safety Agencies (4)

This course will study ethics and leadership theories in the context of public safety agencies. Consideration of leadership skills and traits in both the strategic and tactical settings will be considered. Ethics will be considered in terms of creating a culture of ethics within a public safety agency.

Major Elective

12 credits from the following subjects: CJAD, FIES, SEMT, PUAD

AND

Or transfer related coursework, certificates, micro-credentials, certifications, credentials, licenses, or career and technical programs (PSMT).

University Electives

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses.

AND

Or transfer any college-level coursework, certificates, micro-credentials, certifications, credentials, licenses, or career and technical programs.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students completing an AAS degree are not required to meet the University algebra competency requirement.

A.A.S. Public Safety Program Details

Tuition Costs

Degree Requirements

1. To be awarded an undergraduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all courses required in the major program, including:
General Education
Business or Professional Core
Major Area and Elective Courses
Technical transfer credit (for specific degree completion programs only)

2. Meet these grade point average (GPA) requirements:

All students must attain a minimum Franklin University cumulative GPA of 2.00
All students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major area, and each major area course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements

3. Complete the residency requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 15 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

4. Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees

5. Not be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct

Program Chairs and Academic Advisors are available for consultation to provide information and guidance regarding the selection of courses, the accuracy of schedules, and the transfer process. However, students are responsible for understanding and meeting the degree requirements of their major program or degree and for planning schedules accordingly.

Overall Residency Requirements

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 20 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

Course Level Requirements

A student must have 40 credit hours overall that are equivalent to 300/400 level Franklin University courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree.

Business Core Requirements

Majors that have Business Core requirements are Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Forensics, Energy Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Forensic Accounting, Human Resources Management, Information Systems Auditing, Logistics Management, Management & Leadership, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management & Insurance. The Business Core is the foundation of the related academic disciplines appropriate for a baccalaureate degree in business. The purpose of the Business Core is to provide students with a conceptual understanding of organizations, how the functional areas interrelate to achieve organizational goals, and how to apply professional decision-making competencies and technical skills in today’s environment. After completing the Business Core, graduates will be able to:

analyze an organization’s accounting information in order to develop sound business decisions
identify and apply valuation models relevant to an organization’s financial decisions
identify the impact of forces influencing the major functional areas of business (e.g., ethical, legal, technological, economic, global and social)
apply marketing activities to the delivery of goods and services in business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets
apply interpersonal and resource management skills to enhance business success

Business Principles (BSAD 110) is a Business Core prerequisite. Transfer students with the equivalent of four business courses are not required to take Business Principles.

Major Area Requirements

A student must have 20 credit hours in the major area that are equivalent to 300/400 major level Franklin courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have 12 hours of major area courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree. A minimum 2.25 GPA is required in the major area for students enrolled in either the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, and each major course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements.

Capstone Requirement

Every major has a capstone experience for which credit cannot be transferred into the University. This is a Franklin course designed to integrate and assess the learning outcomes specific to each major as a whole. This course should be taken as the last major course. If, given the academic scheduling process and the student’s projected graduation date, this is not possible, then the student should have Senior Standing (90 or more credit hours), plus the skill-based General Education courses (COMM, SPCH, WRIT, MATH, COMP), all business or professional core courses, and the capstone prerequisite courses.

Subsequent Degree Requirements

Students pursuing subsequent bachelor’s degrees must earn in residency at Franklin University a minimum of 30 credit hours at the 200 level or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be major area courses equivalent to 300/400 level courses.

Additional Degree Requirements

Students seeking an additional bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (including the major requirements) beyond the first bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree. (See the “Subsequent Degree” section of the Academic Bulletin.)

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit and credit awarded on standardized exams, proficiency exams or portfolio credit awarded by another institution will not count toward the residency requirement at Franklin University. Credit awarded based on proficiency examination or portfolio evaluation conducted by Franklin University may apply as appropriate major area credit, but will not reduce the hours required toward the residency requirement.

Admission Requirements

A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

Has provided official documentation of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent (see Documentation Required below), or
Has an associate, bachelor or master's degree from an accredited institution* of higher education.

*Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.

Documentation Required

Documentation of high school graduation or equivalence - required for applicants who are transferring fewer than 60 semester hours that apply towards a Franklin degree.
If the student has transferable hours of 60 credit hours or more from an institutionally accredited institution of higher education, then they will not have to provide a high school diploma or equivalence. Acceptable forms of documentation of high school graduation or high school equivalence for undergraduate admission must include one of the following:

Official high school transcript listing the date of graduation
Official GED certificate
Official documentation of having passed a State High School Equivalency examination
Official documentation of a home school completion certificate/transcript
Official transcripts from all educational institutions (college, universities, professional schools, etc.) previously enrolled in, regardless if credit was earned.

A student classified as degree seeking will not be permitted to register for courses until all transcripts are received and placement tests completed (see specific requirements under “Placement Testing”).

Admission Process

Admission procedures should be started early to maximize scheduling options and financial planning. Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Prospective undergraduate students must demonstrate English language proficiency. A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language for education. A list of these countries can be found below.
The applicant has provided official documentation that meets Franklin graduate admission requirements from an institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
The applicant has submitted an official score report meeting the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL (See Placement Testing), Cambridge English Qualifications, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). ). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

Accuplacer ESL	DET	IELTS	PTEA	TOEFL IBT
Reading 95	-	Reading 5.5	-	Reading 19/30
Writing 5	-	Writing 5.5	-	Writing 19/30
Listening 90	-	Listening 5.5	-	Listening 19/30
Sentence Meaning 95	-	Speaking 5.5	-	Speaking 19/30
Overall 285	Overall 100	Overall 5.5	Overall 53	Overall 75

Students applying for admission to undergraduate programs to be attended from outside the U.S. or offered through Global Partnerships abroad must meet the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL*, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

Accuplacer ESL	DET	IELTS	PTEA	TOEFL IBT
Reading 95	-	Reading 5.5	-	Reading 19/30
Writing 5	-	Writing 5.5	-	Writing 19/30
Overall 100	Overall 100	Overall 5.5	Overall 53	Overall 75

*ACCUPLACER Assessments for Admission:

Prospective students may demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University. The ACCUPLACER ESL® suite of examinations are internet-based, computer-adaptive assessments designed to properly assess students’ English language competencies.
There are no fees for initial attempts at the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations if they test at Franklin University Testing Center or through Franklin’s online proctoring provider. Students are only responsible for any fees incurred for retake examinations.
Students who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake the examination(s), but not more than twice within a two-week period. If students take the exam twice within two weeks, subsequent examination retakes will be considered only after a three-month waiting period from the original test date. Passing scores will remain valid with Franklin University for a period of two years from the original test date.
All ACCUPLACER examinations must be administered by an ACCUPLACER approved proctor that meets specific criteria, as defined by our proctor expectations and Accuplacer. Proctors must be a Franklin University proctor, an ACCUPLACER remote test network proctor, or ProctorU. For additional information, contact testing@franklin.edu

Program Advisory Board

The University employs a team approach to planning, developing and maintaining its academic curriculum. An essential element of this process – and a key to the institution’s quality assurance practices – is the Program Advisory Board (and the associated Alumni Advisory Board). A diverse array of business and industry leaders make up these discipline-specific boards that provide guidance on theory-to-practice ideas, global business perspectives, and emerging topics in the field. Each academic year, Program Advisory Boards meet with Division Chairs and faculty for lively and engaged conversations, thus bringing members’ substantial professional experience and expertise into the classroom. In addition, some Division Chairs elect to engage Program Advisory Board members in the assessment of academic program outcomes.

Name	Organization	Title
Darrin Adams	Us Dept of Labor Veterans Employment Training Services	Retired, State Dir of Ohio
Reuel Barksdale	Columbus State Community College	Bus. Mgmt. Academic Advisor
Ben Calhoon	Calhoon Company, Realtors	Licensed Real Estate Broker
Heather Cassady	Turner Construction Company	Construction Executive
Leslie Gibbs	Cover My Meds	Senior Business Analyst
Breen'a Means	Ohio Public Employees Retirement System	Manager, Organizational Development
Kathryn Prince	Balanced Family Academy	Director of Operations
Leo Sedlmeyer	Sedlmeyer Consulting, Llc	President
John Stinnett	JP Morgan Chase	VP, Senior Prg. Manager

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Careers & Salary Outlook

From 2023-2033, jobs in Criminal Justice & Public Safety are expected to increase by 8%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

$86,216

3,751

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

Median Salary: $86,216
Job Postings: 3,751
Projected Growth: 8%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Fire Chiefs	709	19%
Fire Marshals	614	16%
Fire Captains	569	15%
Deputy Fire Marshals	330	9%
Deputy Fire Chiefs	342	9%
Assistant Fire Chiefs	216	6%
Assistant Fire Marshals	202	5%
Deputy State Fire Marshals	107	3%
Fire Battalion Chiefs	150	4%
Crew Chiefs	182	5%
Division Chiefs	43	1%
Battalion Chiefs	33	1%
Wildland Firefighters	62	2%
Fire Specialists	35	1%
Captains	42	1%
Assistant Chiefs of Operations	32	1%
Deputy Chiefs of Operations	29	1%
Deputy Chiefs	13	0%
Firefighters	23	1%
Assistant Chiefs of Training	18	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Fire Prevention	1,022	45%
Firefighting	1,021	45%
Fire Suppression Systems	740	33%
Fire Service	722	32%
Fire Science	692	31%
Emergency Medical Services	612	27%
Fire Protection	595	26%
Fire Safety	560	25%
Incident Command Systems	550	24%
Fire Investigation	500	22%
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Codes	441	19%
Emergency Management	430	19%
Emergency Response	429	19%
Public Administration	351	15%
Construction	350	15%
Fire And Life Safety	337	15%
National Incident Management Systems	314	14%
Performance Appraisal	257	11%
Fire Alarm Systems	256	11%
Code Enforcement	213	9%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		92%
	Other Support Services		3%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		2%
	Federal Government, Civilian		2%
	Investigation and Security Services		0%
	Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services		0%
	Other		0%

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an A.A.S. in Public Safety degree?

The A.A.S. in Public Safety is a two-year undergraduate degree program designed to prepare individuals in law enforcement, criminal justice, fire safety, emergency medical services, corrections, or other public safety-related fields, for management and leadership roles. Franklin’s transfer-friendly Public Safety A.A.S. is ideally suited for students with prior learning through professional training or previously earned coursework at a community or technical college.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Public Safety?

An A.A.S. in Public Safety from Franklin University prepares individuals in law enforcement, criminal justice, fire safety, emergency medical services, corrections, or other public safety-related fields, for management and leadership roles including police officer paramedic, firefighter or correctional officer.

Why get an A.A.S. Public Safety degree?

Great question! Graduating from a two-year associate degree program can position you for advancement sooner than with a bachelor's degree - or even a more traditional associate program. Plus, an A.A.S. Public Safety from Franklin can help you seamlessly transition into several Franklin online bachelor’s degree programs, so you can continue on your academic journey while building your résumé.

What makes Franklin’s A.A.S. Public Safety unique?

Franklin’s A.A.S. Public Safety was designed to recognize and accept police, corrections, paramedic and firefighter training for course credit toward degree requirements. Learners can maximize their work and life experience to receive up to 30 credits from prior learning, which is 50% of the total number of credits required for the degree.

When can I start my A.A.S. Public Safety degree?

Franklin makes getting started easy and convenient. We offer three trimesters every year, and classes start every 6 weeks. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that works best for you.

How much will my Public Safety A.A.S. cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost - especially once you've factored in transfer credit. Our 2026-2027 tuition rate is $398 per credit hour and with our tuition guarantee, you can lock-in your first-term tuition rate. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs. Visit MyTransfer Credit to see how transfer credits could help you save time and money.

How long does it take to get an Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety?

It depends. Our associate degree program is specifically designed for busy, working adults who want to finish fast. At Franklin, you can earn your A.A.S. Public Safety in as little as 24 months or leverage your previously completed coursework, professional training or certificates to finish faster.

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Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

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Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
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Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition	$398
B.S. in Nursing	$298
Current service members	$250
International students (Nonresident Alien)	$526

Other Fees and Charges	Cost
Resource fee (each semester)	$100

Class Type

Next Start Date

About Start Dates

Fall 2026

Spring 2027

Summer 2027

Fall 2027

Spring 2028

Cost Per Credit

Tuition Guarantee

Grow your career faster with public safety associate degree credit for your training

Max Credit for Work + Life

Balance Life + Learning

Keep Moving Forward

Build your knowledge in criminal justice administration, management, ethics and leadership

Leverage your professional training to advance your public safety career

Earn a degree that benefits you now and in the future

Keep the Credit You've Earned

Partner? Pay Less.

Tuition Guarantee

Highly Recommended

Instructor Led

Non-Profit = Student Focused

Overall Residency Requirements

Course Level Requirements

Business Core Requirements

Major Area Requirements

Capstone Requirement

Subsequent Degree Requirements

Additional Degree Requirements

Transfer Credit

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From 2023-2033, jobs in Criminal Justice & Public Safety are expected to increase by 8%

Description

Projected Growth

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