Center for Public Safety and Justice

The Center for Public Safety and Justice serves as a hub for innovation, education, and leadership development in public safety, addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. 

We aim to empower public safety leaders to improve public service and enhance the well-being of communities, not just in Virginia but across the nation and beyond.

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Aerial Summer Rotunda and Lawn

The Center embodies the University’s belief that public service is essential to the health of our democracy. We are committed to advancing leadership, research, and education to strengthen public safety and justice in a diverse and rapidly changing world, bringing together educators, practitioners, and scholars.

Pillars of Focus:

Educational Leadership

Expanding upon long-established programs, such as the Master of Public Safety and the National Criminal Justice Command College, and developing new degree completion partnerships tailored for public safety professionals.

Innovation & Networking

Serving as a venue for collaboration between educators and practitioners to study public safety issues and develop innovative solutions.

Research & Fellowship

Fostering continuous learning and practical application.

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Center for Public Safety and Justice Leadership

Join Us in Impacting Public Safety

Engage in Education

The Center for Public Safety and Justice seeks to expand upon our existing programs which provide world-class education to current and future public safety leaders, including: 

  • The Master of Public Safety program: A highly respected online program with students in all fifty states which fosters leadership skills and 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 community relationships that are vital for success.
  • The FBI National Academy: Through an affiliation with the University of Virginia, National Academy students earn college credit for the academic portion of the curriculum. Each student who completes 18 semester hours of academic work with an average of “C” or better is awarded a certificate in criminal justice education by the University. A wide range of vocational subjects further complements a program designed to serve the needs of the National Academy’s diverse student body. Each of 6 courses is 3 credits, including the physical fitness course. Students are required to take a total of 6 courses that include: a mandatory physical fitness course and a mandatory leadership course and 4 elective courses of their choosing. Upon successful completion of the NA, students receive 18 continuing education credits from tUVA to put toward a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
  • The National Criminal Justice Command College: An intensive, 10-week residential program run in partnership with the Virginia State Police for mid-to-upper-level law enforcement leaders from across the country. Focused on leadership, innovation and collaboration, the NCJCC inspires students to challenge traditional assumptions and provides an integrated, forward-looking approach to solving contemporary public safety challenges.  
Participate in an Event

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You may also view all UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies events.

Donate or Support

Although evolving, there are immediate funding and sponsorship opportunities within the CPSJ to accomplish its strategic vision and secure its funding in perpetuity so that CPSJ can serve as a beacon of high-quality public safety education, research and engagement at UVA, in the Commonwealth and in the Nation. Donate onlineor reach out to our Director of Development, Jessica Robertson to discuss opportunities at jrobertson@virginia.edu or (434) 962-1744. 

Recent News

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Gordon Graham and other panelists speak
October 4, 2024

UVA Launches Center To Provide Advanced Public Safety Education

The new Center for Public Safety and Justice, part of UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, builds on the school’s long-standing public safety initiatives. Those include the Master of Public Safety degree program as well as partnerships with the FBI National Academy and the National Criminal Justice Command College.
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Oscar Odom
September 23, 2024

Challenges in Public Safety Today

Dr. Oscar Odom, Associate Professor with the Master of Public Safety Program, shares his thoughts on challenges faced in pubic safety today.