National University System Supports Public Safety Professionals Worldwide
National University System has embarked on a major initiative to make education more affordable and accessible to those in public safety. Affiliated universities City University of Seattle and National University offer a 25% tuition scholarship for both sworn and non-sworn employees who work in the public safety field.
Commitment to Career and Professional Development at National University
We pride ourselves on our strict alignment with official training standards for several public safety agencies, including Police Officer Standards and Training (POST), Probation Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals, and Fire Department.
Solutions Tailored For Your Organization
Tuition Reduction
NU makes earning a degree more affordable by providing significant tuition savings for employees.
Targeted Solutions
We will help you create a customized development solution that targets your current and future needs.
Customized Cohorts
Use our state-of-the-art facilities for conferences, training, or events at preferred partner rental rates.
Specialized Courses
Our team will design courses that complement your business strategy and align with industry competencies.
CityU First Responders Tuition Scholarship
City University of Seattle is proud to support law enforcement employees who protect and serve our communities. CityU offers credit for prior learning including WSCJTC training, as well as a 25% tuition discount and a 10% tuition discount for dependents.
NU Public Safety Promise Scholarship
National University is proud to serve those who protect and serve. All public safety employees receive a 25% tuition scholarship for over 75 degree programs. Earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree or certification in fields such as criminal justice, homeland security, and public administration. Plus, your dependents save 10% on tuition as well.
Eligible Agencies
- Police and Sheriff
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Department of Homeland Security
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Office of Public Safety
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Attorney General
- Customs and Border Protection
- Department of Justice Office of the Emergency Response Services
- Fire Department
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. Secret Service
- And more!
National University System Public Safety Programs
Across our affiliates, National University System offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to help advance your knowledge, skills, and expertise and assist you in your chosen public safety field. Our programs support public safety personnel at all levels and roles with programs such as:
What Our Students Are Saying
“National University honed my leadership skills and paved the way for career advancement.”
About the Public Safety Team
Joe Patterson
Vice President, Partnership Development, Workforce Education Solutions
Joe Patterson is the Vice President of Partnership Development for the National University System. He leads the Workforce Education Solutions teams supporting partners in Corporate & Banking, Healthcare, K-12, Public Safety, and Community College sectors. Joe has held multiple leadership roles in higher education since 2005 leading global business development, account management, enrollment, marketing, and operations teams for a variety of universities, most notably Thunderbird School of Global Management, Concordia University – Portland, and NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education. At Thunderbird, Joe led all executive education and custom corporate activities in North America, South America, and Asia. Joe’s work with corporate clients took him to more than 20 countries on 4 continents, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Prior to working in higher education, Joe held operational leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and financial services industries including McKesson and Discover Card. Joe holds a Global MBA and Executive Certificate in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a B.A. in English from Arizona State University. He is also an alum of Penn State University’s Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning.
Marc Bailey
Director of Public Safety Outreach, Workforce Education Solutions
Marc Bailey has served in public safety since becoming a San Diego police officer in 1979, receiving his BBA from National University, while serving in that capacity. After leaving law enforcement for a time, he enjoyed a 35-year career in radio and television, gaining valuable insight and experience in dealing with the issues that affect those in public safety and the communities they serve. Marc rejoined law enforcement 10 years ago, while still working as a news anchor and still rides a regular patrol shift each week as a reserve sergeant for the El Cajon Police Department. He joined National University in 2016 and earned his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2018. Marc is committed to making higher education both affordable and accessible to an often overworked and underappreciated community of public servants. He knows that when this happens, the individual, the organization, and the community all enjoy the benefits.
Shelley Zimmerman
Adjunt Professor, Leadership and Public Safety
Shelley Zimmerman joined National University in January 2019 as a Chancellor-appointed professor focusing on public safety and leadership. Prior to this appointment, Zimmerman was hired by the San Diego Police Department in October 1982. She was promoted to Chief of Police on March 4, 2014, and retired on March 2, 2018, after an illustrious thirty-five-year career. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, FBINA #241. During Zimmerman’s career, she worked many of the San Diego Police Department’s patrol commands. Zimmerman also has extensive investigative experience. She received numerous awards and citations throughout her career which included the San Diego Press Club Headliner of the Year award, the San Diego Business Journal’s Woman Who Mean Business Exemplary Award, and the San Diego Police Foundation Women in Blue Award.
Contact National University System Today
Learn more about National Workforce Education Solutions. Fill out the form below or contact us at WESPublicSafety@nusystem.org