Montgomery County Community College and Neumann University recently held a Public Safety Community Day to share information about their collaborative public safety administration educational pathway and careers in this growing industry.

Through this seamless pathway, students can start their education at MCCC by enrolling in the Public Safety Administration Associate of Science degree program, which has formats for both full- and part-time students. Upon completion, students easily can continue their education with Neuman University’s online Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration program through MCCC’s University Center partnership.

Neumann will accept up to 90 transfer credits from MCCC, creating an affordable way for students to earn their bachelor’s degrees by taking additional courses at MCCC. Neumann’s online format provides a flexible schedule, particularly for students who are balancing work, family and school responsibilities. The online program may be completed in as little as 20 months.

During the event on June 23, Therol Dix, J.D., MCCC Vice President of Pottstown Campus and Educational Partnerships, and Lawrence DiPaolo, Jr., Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs at Neumann University spoke about how the partnership will help to streamline degree completion and open new doors of opportunity.

Participants also heard from a panel discussion led by MCCC’s Dean of Business & Professional Studies, Dr. Terence Lynn. The panelists included:

• Jilian Donnelly, Ed.D., Executive Director, Adult and Continuing Education unit, Neumann University
• Edward Glassman, Neumann University 2016 graduate, B.S. in Public Safety Administration and Fire Chief of Upper Moreland Township.
• Eric Bullen, MCCC graduate, Public Safety Administration
• Dr. Chris Shultz, MCCC Instructor
• Megan Young, Montgomery County Office of Public Health
• Jayden Sampson Criminal Justice Assistant Professor and creator of the Public Safety Administration program

The guests spoke about their experiences, careers in public safety, the Public Safety Administration programs and how the career field has changed and grown over the years.

Public safety administration is the study of disaster relief, response, preparedness and recovery. Potential careers in public safety administration include chief security officer, emergency management director, occupational health and safety specialist and social and community service manager, to name a few.

As part of the event, representatives from local, federal and state organizations, including Lansdale Police Department, Laurel House, Mission Kids, Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Montgomery County Department of Public Safety,  Montgomery County Office of Public Health, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Victims Services, Upper Dublin Township Police Department, Upper Merion Township Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Whitpain Township Police were on hand to network, share information and answer questions.

MCCC’s University Center offers select bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at MCCC’s Blue Bell and Pottstown Campuses and online through its partnerships with Albright College, Chestnut Hill College and Neumann University.