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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP)?

The Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP) is a unique, part-time course of study for current leaders in the field of public safety. The first of its kind in the nation, it brings together an inter-jurisdictional cohort of public safety professionals to develop and enhance leadership skills while focusing on the latest, most relevant issues facing local communities, the region, nation, and world. PELP draws on the best contemporary business curricula and tailors the learning to the needs of public safety leaders. At the conclusion of the course of study, participants receive either the Master of Science in Management or the Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership.
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What is the Public Safety Aspiring Leaders Program (PALP)?

The Public Safety Aspiring Leaders Program (PALP) is patterned after the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP) and is a unique, part-time course of study for future leaders in the field of public safety. The first of its kind in the nation, the programs bring together an inter-jurisdictional cohort of professionals to develop and enhance leadership skills while focusing on the latest, most relevant issues facing local communities, the region, nation, and world. The program draws from the best contemporary business curricula and tailors the learning to the needs of public safety leaders. At the conclusion of the course of study, participants receive either the Master of Science in Management or the Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership.
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How are the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP) and the Public Safety Aspiring Leaders Program (PALP) different from other management programs?

Both the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP) and the Public Safety Aspiring Leaders Program (PALP) focus on developing and enhancing the ability of leaders to deal successfully with the many complexities facing the field of criminal justice. The programs go beyond the curriculum offered by traditional management programs. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, integrity, communication, crisis management, technology, and managing change. There are high expectations for interagency cooperation, problem solving, case analysis, critical thinking, and academic excellence. The programs cultivate personal and professional growth, focus on styles of leadership, and help leaders succeed in a dynamic, ever-changing culture. The cohort group - remaining with the same group of students through all courses - promotes close interaction with peers. Many students develop life-long friendships with classmates and faculty.
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What agencies participate in the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP) and the Public Safety Aspiring Leaders Program (PALP)?

See a complete list of participating agencies.
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How and when do I apply?

Each year, public safety executives throughout the region are notified that new classes are being formed. Most agencies post or circulate the information. In addition, you can apply online or call (410) 516-9900 to have an application package mailed to you. Applications are accepted throughout the year. See a schedule of cohorts forming.
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Can any public safety official get into the Police Executive Leadership Program (PELP)?

No. All applicants to PELP must hold supervisory or executive positions in public safety agencies. Additionally, applicants must be nominated by their chief executive officer (chief of police, commissioner, superintendent, director, etc.). To be accepted into the program, applicants must meet their agency's criteria, the Division of Public Safety Leadership's criteria, and application standards set forth by the Johns Hopkins University.
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What are the requirements for admission?

All candidates must meet entrance criteria established by the university. For more information, visit the admission pages for the PELP undergraduate program, graduate program or accelerated graduate program.
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If I have credits comparable to a bachelor’s degree, but have not been awarded a degree, can I get into the graduate programs?

No. Students must have obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to attend the graduate program.
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What is the degree I will be awarded?

Successful completion of the graduate programs leads to a Master of Science in Management. Successful completion of the undergraduate programs leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.
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What accelerated programs does DPSL offer?

The accelerated programs are only open to graduates of the PELP and PALP undergraduate programs. It allows them to obtain a Master of Science in Management in as little as 11 months following their graduation from the undergraduate program.
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How does this program compare to a degree in criminal justice?

The Police Executive Leadership (PELP) and the Public Safety Aspiring Leaders (PALP) Programs focus on developing and enhancing leadership skills. Programs are built on a business/leadership model, not a criminal justice curriculum. There are no criminal justice courses in the program. The programs draw from the fields of management, leadership, philosophy, technology, and liberal arts to offer a unique curriculum. Current issues in criminal justice are discussed during classes such as ethics and integrity, managing human resources, managing differences, managing information systems, and organizational behavior.
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Who teaches in the program?

The faculty includes full-time and adjunct professors from Johns Hopkins University, major organizations and other universities throughout the region. The faculty combines scholars, business leaders, specialized practitioners, and others to offer students diverse perspectives and challenges. See a directory of faculty and a list of guest lecturers for more information.
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What about attendance?

All students are expected to attend all classes and be on time. The program is designed so that the majority of learning and collaboration occurs in the classroom. Missing a class is comparable to missing three or four standard college classes. As such, missing a class requires make-up work.
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What is the workload? What is the expectation for work outside of the classroom? What is the time commitment?

The reputation and influence of the programs are built on the high standards of excellence established by Johns Hopkins University. Students are expected to perform individual and group work between class sessions. All classes require outside work. Several courses require students to meet with their work group between sessions.
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How are student projects developed?

Individual and group projects are an important and enjoyable part of the learning program. Students identify projects based on their interests, goals, and needs in the workplace. The members of the team determine group projects jointly. Also, group and class project ideas are solicited from public safety executives in the region. Past projects undertaken have included improving secondary employment practices, establishing an operational framework for a housing authority police department, incorporating ethics in academy training curricula, conducting a beat realignment study, and assessing processes for certifying police officers.
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Are there any themes, philosophies, or specific concepts that drive the program?

The program explores four basic themes that are the foundation of the curriculum: (1) values and ethics, (2) collaboration and cooperation among jurisdictions, public safety agencies and community organizations, (3) managing diversity and differences, and (4) developing and maintaining quality leaders. These themes are conveyed in all courses throughout the two years of study.
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What financial aid is available and where do I go to learn more about it?

Several financial assistance programs are available to students. The Office of Financial Aid can be reached at (410) 872-1230. The office is located in Columbia, Maryland, at 6740 Alexander Bell Drive. Potential students may obtain information on financial assistance at any time and should apply immediately upon submitting their application for admission. Learn more about JHU financial aid.
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What happens to graduates after they retire from their agencies?

Very few students or graduates have retired since the program began in 1994. Over 66% of students have been promoted within their agency. Read more about our distinguished alumni.
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What is the make up of each Public Safety Leadership cohort?

Each cohort is limited to 24 people and is carefully planned to be diverse. Classes consist of professionals of various agencies, ranks, experience, race, gender, and more. This diversity enhances the learning program and has been one of the highlights of the program.
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Where are Public Safety Leadership classes held?

Generally, classes are held at the Columbia, MD Center, located minutes from Interstate 95 and Route 175. Occasionally, other campuses are used.
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