Lead in Law Enforcement and Beyond with the online MS in Leadership & HR Development

For Lieutenant Tyler Comeaux Sr., leadership is about action, accountability, and growth. As an officer with the LSU Police Department (LSUPD), Tyler recognized the power of effective leadership in law enforcement, especially as generational shifts and evolving community needs reshape the field. To meet these challenges head-on, he pursued the online Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development (MS LHRD) from LSU. Learn more about his experience!

Meet Tyler Comeaux

1. How did your experience with LHRD courses as an undergraduate influence your decision to pursue the online MS in LHRD program?

I found my passion for the LHRD program in the course Leadership Concepts and Principles (LHRD 3723). This course showed me that leadership isn’t a single action — it’s about applying the right skills at the right time. Dr. Korduner emphasized the importance of building a leadership skill set instead of relying solely on innate qualities.

This perspective inspired me to see leadership as both a skill and a responsibility. It demonstrated how leadership shapes teams and culture, particularly in law enforcement, which must adapt to the generational shift. The MS program provides a clear path for me to keep growing and preparing for these challenges.

2. Can you share a specific example of how your MS in LHRD coursework has impacted your responsibilities at LSUPD?

During my first year in the MS program, I was tasked with designing a leadership development program for frontline supervisors. This project allowed me to apply what I was learning in real-time. My coursework built up the knowledge and skills I needed to tackle this project and have a significant impact on police supervision in Louisiana.

Chief Walters then asked me to collaborate with LSU’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI) and National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT) to create a program that strengthens leadership within our department and across the state. The project has grown significantly, and we’ll pilot the course this spring. This work is now central to my role, blending education with practical challenges to develop future leaders.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in the MS in LHRD program, and how has it shaped your perspective on leadership?

The most rewarding part has been personal. I earned my undergraduate degree in my late 30s and will complete my master’s in my early 40s. My son and wife have seen the effort I’ve put in, and sharing those accomplishments with them has been deeply fulfilling. Setting an example for my son is especially meaningful.

Leadership starts with discipline and accountability to yourself. The MS program has helped me become more structured and focused, improving how I lead at work and how I support my family. It’s shown me how personal growth directly strengthens professional development.

4. Which skills or knowledge from the MS in LHRD program have had the greatest impact on your professional growth?

Every course has added value, but the program’s biggest impact comes from how it integrates the lessons across classes. I’ve been able to apply what I learned immediately in the real world, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

The connections I’ve made through the LHRD program have been equally impactful. Working with LSU’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI) has taught me how to develop leadership in others while continuing to grow my own skills. Tools like coaching frameworks and leadership models have been especially helpful in my work.

5. How do you think you’ll use your degree to advance your career and make a difference in law enforcement or leadership development?

I want to help develop police officers and leaders who are empathetic, adaptable, and responsive. This means focusing on leadership development at every level, from individual coaching to department-wide training programs.

Through initiatives like the Louisiana Sergeants Academy, I aim to strengthen leadership in law enforcement. My work with LDI and other departments is part of this effort, focusing on improving culture, communication, and trust within the profession.

6. Can you tell us about the leadership training program you’re developing through the COPS grant and how the LSU Leadership Development Institute is supporting this initiative?

This past October, LSUPD, along with LSU’s LDI and the NCBRT, was awarded a grant by the DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office for the development of the Louisiana Sergeants Academy.

The Academy is a four-day leadership program for frontline supervisors to bridge the gap between the roles of patrolmen and patrol supervisors. It focuses on three key areas: self-leadership, leading others, and leading teams. Supervisors play a critical role in shaping their team’s culture and setting expectations. When the tone isn’t clear or ethical, it impacts trust internally and with the community.

LDI is hosting the program and has been instrumental in its design. They’ve added a one-on-one coaching component to help participants develop their strengths and apply what they learn. This coaching approach is new to law enforcement training and provides targeted support for real-world leadership challenges.

This program is about more than training. It’s about creating lasting change in law enforcement by equipping supervisors with the skills to lead effectively and ethically.

Lead the Future of Human Resource Development with the Online MS in LHRD from LSU

Tyler Comeaux’s story is a perfect example of how the online Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development from LSU empowers students to become changemakers, regardless of the field they’re in. This online MS LHRD program offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on leadership theory, human resource development, and applied learning—skills you can immediately use in real-world settings.

Do you have previous military experience or other certifications? You may be able to save time and money by using your past experience to earn credit toward this degree.

Take the next step— learn more about this program, and apply today!