Mark Dunaski, Ph.D.
Director, Public Safety Law Enforcement Leadership Graduate Programs
More About Mark Dunaski, Ph.D.
Educating future community leaders
Master’s Degree in Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership
Master’s Degree in Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership
As the first higher education institution in Minnesota to offer public safety supervisory and executive education, the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership program educates professionals who aspire to be leaders in their organizations. Our cohort-based, co-flex program encourages collegial learning, and professional networking, and hands on experience with relationship building skills that extend outside the classroom. As a graduate, you will join an unsurpassed network of dozens of alumni currently working as police leaders in Minnesota.
Get a feel for the program
What to Expect
Our adult learning-based program is designed to create critical thinkers and leaders in agencies throughout the state of Minnesota.
Classes and Curriculum
How It Works
The cohort-based co-flex program meets on Tuesday evenings with students attending either in person or online. The program runs September through June for two years, with a special opportunity to earn three summer credits during a week in Washington, DC, studying federal and national policy-making.
As a cohort you will take one 8-week class at a time together for two school years. The schedule and progression are set, and you can focus on your coursework and experience within the group of professionals and learners.
Schedule: Starts every fall; Meets Tuesdays 5:30- 9:30 p.m.
Classes and Credits
Number of Credits (for the MA): 31
Required Courses:- PLLD 751 Public Safety Law
- PLLD 752 Public Safety Leadership, Administration and Change
- PLLD 753 Community Building and Dynamics of Community Organizations for PSLEL
- PLLD 780 Integrative Seminar
- PLLD 801 Leadership and Organizational Theory
- PLLD 807 Foundations of Leadership: An Intellectual and Ethical Practice
- PLLD 845 Conflict, Communication and Decision-Making
- PLLD 851 Community Assessment and Evaluation
- PLLD 813 Leadership as Critical Reflection
- PLLD 841 Federal and National Policy Making and Law Enforcement in DC
- PLLD 750 Contemporary Topics for Public Safety
How It Works
The cohort-based co-flex program meets on Tuesday evenings with students attending either in person or online. The program runs September through June for two years, with a special opportunity to earn three summer credits during a week in Washington, DC, studying federal and national policy-making.
As a cohort you will take one 8-week class at a time together for two school years. The schedule and progression are set, and you can focus on your coursework and experience within the group of professionals and learners.
Schedule: Starts every fall; Meets Tuesdays 5:30- 9:30 p.m.
Classes and Credits
Number of Credits (for the MA): 31
Required Courses:- PLLD 751 Public Safety Law
- PLLD 752 Public Safety Leadership, Administration and Change
- PLLD 753 Community Building and Dynamics of Community Organizations for PSLEL
- PLLD 780 Integrative Seminar
- PLLD 801 Leadership and Organizational Theory
- PLLD 807 Foundations of Leadership: An Intellectual and Ethical Practice
- PLLD 845 Conflict, Communication and Decision-Making
- PLLD 851 Community Assessment and Evaluation
- PLLD 813 Leadership as Critical Reflection
- PLLD 841 Federal and National Policy Making and Law Enforcement in DC
- PLLD 750 Contemporary Topics for Public Safety
Flexibility to learn your way
The Co-Flex Approach
Utilizing our innovative "co-flex" learning format, you will join a cohort of your peers online or in person.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership Course Offerings
Our program offers flexible course options that fit your busy schedule.
01 Hands on experience in the nation's capital
Policy Trip to Washington D.C.
The cohort based public safety and law enforcement leadership program includes a course in Washington D.C. the trip offers unique opportunities to observe and interact with the policy process at a national level as well as meet and network with influential figures working and facilitating change in Washington D.C.
02 Engaging in opportunities to grow
Ongoing Professional Development
Network with leaders in the area of policy reform and be inspired by local, national and global change agents—or catch up on the latest qualitative research findings, annual events and conferences.
Faculty
You will learn from faculty and experienced police educators who provide diverse perspectives to your learning.
Kris Arneson
Assistant Chief (RET) Minneapolis Police Department
Kris Arneson has spent over 32 years in law enforcement working nearly every aspect of police work, including the bureau chief for patrol and major investigations. Kris has led two precincts, the first tour in southwest Minneapolis and the second the downtown precinct. She also worked a variety of assignments, most notably homicide investigations and street supervision.
Tim Leslie
Dakota County Sheriff
In 2010, Tim was appointed Chief Deputy for the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. In November 2014, he was elected County Sheriff. He assumed office in Dakota County on January 1, 2015 and was reelected in November of 2018. Tim has been an adjunct instructor in the UST Public Safety Leadership Master's Degree Program since 2010. In addition, he is an instructor at the MN BCA's Management Series.
Note to Veterans
Yellow Ribbon Eligible
The University of St. Thomas is proud to continue a long tradition of supporting veterans and military families by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please visit our Veteran Resources page or Graduate Financial Aid for more information.
Scholarships
01
Mikulay/Misencik Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership
The graduate scholarship will be awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences to students in the field of public safety. Recipients must be enrolled in the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership program and receiving acceptable grades based on satisfactory academic performance as required by the University of St Thomas. Preference is given for individuals who are involved in volunteer, co-curricular or community service activities. The scholarship funds help support educational diversity consistent with the university's mission and admission policies. In awarding scholarships special consideration will be given to diverse students or those who have overcome personal hardships.