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Department of Public Safety Administration 

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The Department of Public Safety Administration offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with six Specializations.  The program provides a student with the unique experience of infusing academic scholarly research with the practitioner methodologies of the field.  Students will gain knowledge from our practitioner experienced faculty, Scholarly Peered Reviewed Journals, texts, articles, and other forms of writing to complete their understandings of the topics presented.  The blending of these learning platforms formulates a higher learning experience while indoctrinating the student into the CORE VALUES of Saint Leo University. 

Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Specializations

The Blended Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program is for those professionals who wish to complete the graduate program by delivery modes other than traditional campus classes. The blended program offers classes in a variety of delivery formats—for example, online, , Zoom, and on campus, including the Institute for Excellence in Criminal Justice Administration.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program on University Campus is designed to serve the needs of working professionals. The program is offered in several formats: Campus during the three semesters (fall, spring, and summer), which consist of eight four-hour classes scheduled in the morning, afternoon and/or evenings on Monday through Saturday; online (eight-week sessions); University Centers (eight-week sessions);  Command Officer Management Executive Leadership Institute (special program offerings) and Summer Institute; or specially arranged programs such as the College Learning at Sea Program and Terrorism in Israel. CRJ 530 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice is a prerequisite for all courses.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program consists of 36 graduate credit hours and requires students to take the five core classes and choose six elective courses.

Visit the Masters in Criminal Justice Program Page and view the Specailizations

Command Officer Management Executive Leadership Institute 

Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management Executive Leadership Institute was designed to provide onsite education that prepares officers for the transition to Command Staff by addressing areas such as leadership, ethics, human resources, critical incident management, and other relevant administrative competencies.  

The Command Officer Management Program is a rigorous academic program.  The customized course curriculum was developed in collaboration with the law enforcement community and specific courses are selected for each Command School to meet agency needs.  The faculty that teach in this program are recognized as experts in their academic fields and have extensive law enforcement experience at the local, county, state and federal level.  

Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS).  For more information on the program, please contact Nikki Heister at Nikki.heister@saintleo.edu or 352-588-8487.

On ground Delivery

By offering the Command School at an agency facility or one of our local centers, law enforcement agencies realize significant savings in travel, housing, and meals.

The Command School professional development program is supported by several Sheriffs and Police Chiefs who have sent over 450 officers through the program. This 18-credit hour certificate program consists of 6 courses over 6 months (3 terms) for Undergraduate or Graduate academic credits.  Each course consists of 4 consecutive days of face-to-face instruction with the balance of the term completed through an online platform to minimize staffing disruption for the participating agencies.   

Online Delivery

By offering the Command School through an online modality, law enforcement agencies may realize a significant savings in travel, housing, and meals, while minimizing staffing disruptions during the program.

The Command School professional development program is supported by several Sheriffs and Police Chiefs who have sent over 450 officers through the program. This 18-credit hour certificate program consists of 6 courses over 6 months (3 terms) for Undergraduate or Graduate academic credits.  Each course consists of five consecutive ½ days of live instruction online, via Zoom (3 weeks total), with the balance of the assignments submitted through the online platform during the remainder of the term.  The program culminates in a one-week residency at the University Campus in St. Leo, Florida over the summer. 

Current Programs

Address:  

  • Training Center
    1409 Falkenburg Road

Host:   

  • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Dates: 

  • August 2025 - March 2026

 

 

Address:  

  • TBD

Host:   

  • TBA

Dates: 

  • Begins March 2026

 

 

If you are interested in participating or hosting a Command Officer Management Executive Leadership Institute, please contact: 

Academic Partners

FBI Academy | DCJ FBINA Graduates | Law Enforcement | Saint Leo University

Special Events

Hillsborough Speaker Series
Date Topic Presenter Registration Link
8/29/25 Leadership Dr. Chris Hansen  
9/12/25  Project Management Dr. Robert Sullivan  
10/24/25 Org Design in CJ  Dr. Forrest Beach   
1/7/25 Financial Mgmt. for CJ  Dr. Charlotte Braziel Registration
1/16/26 Behavioral Issues in CJ   Dr. Delmar Wright  
2/6/26 Strategic Management Dr. Phillip Neely  
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Faculty

The faculty teaching in the Department of Public Safety Administration have practitioner experience, which translates into outstanding lectures, insights, and discussions.

  • Phil Neely

    Dr. Phillip Neely, Ph.D.

  • Ernest Vendrell Headshot

    Dr. Ernest Vendrell, Ph.D.

  • Robert Diemer Headshot

    Dr. Robert Diemer, Ph.D.

Department of Public Safety Faculty Directory