Online Safety, Security & Emergency Management FAQ

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How long will it take to earn my Master’s in Safety, Security & Emergency Management?

The Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management curriculum is 36 credit hours and can be completed in just two years. On a case-by-case basis, you may be able to receive credit for previous graduate-level courses which will allow you to complete the program in even less time.

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How much does the program cost?

The total cost for this Master’s degree program is only $18,000*. Eastern Kentucky University offers the nation’s only online Master’s in Safety, Security & Emergency Management and has made this program’s cost extremely competitive. Our goal is to ensure that all students who have the desire to further their education have the opportunity to do so.

*Tuition rates are based on the 2007 Tuition Schedule. Tuition and fees are determined annually and are subject to change.

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What options are available to help me pay for the program?

There are many options available to assist you with paying for the program. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for their employees so you may want to start there. Other options include financial aid and private loans. Our Enrollment Advisors are here to assist you with exploring all of the options available to you. Contact us today at 1-866-277-9878 to learn more.

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What are the admission requirements?

Applications for admission are accepted six times annually. Successful completion of the following requirements is necessary for admission to pursue study leading to a Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Complete the Graduate School online application and pay $35 application fee
• Submit official transcripts from the university that granted your baccalaureate degree
• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Achieved an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 overall or in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate program
• GRE scores of 1250 if taken before October, 2002, and 425 verbal and 425 quantitative and an analytical writing score of at least 3.0 on the GRE, or a 375 on the MAT if taken after October 2002
• TOEFL score of 550 for International Students
• Three letters of recommendation

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I have read the Web site. What if I have more questions?

An Enrollment Advisor is available to answer all of your questions. To have your Enrollment Advisor contact you, click on the Request Information button at the top right of this page, or call 1-866-277-9878.

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Why is regional accreditation important?

Regional accreditation is important because it is the primary type of institutional accreditation used in the United States. Some institutions with online programs hold national accreditation rather than regional accreditation because they are unwilling or unable to meet the rigorous standards of regional accreditation. You should also know that many educational institutions holding regional accreditation do not recognize credits or degrees earned at institutions that are nationally accredited. This is very important information if you plan on transferring from one college or university to another part way through a degree program, or if you plan to pursue additional degrees at different colleges or universities.

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What should I look for in a distance learning program?

We recommend you search for a program that has regional accreditation, dedicated full-time faculty, high student satisfaction, and minimal travel requirements. Unlike correspondence courses, EKU’s distance learning programs are not self-paced or independent study. They have the benefit of traditional education, like instructor-led structured curriculum, with the convenience and interactivity of online technologies.

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Do I earn the same degree as on-campus students?

Yes. Eastern Kentucky University awards the same accredited degree regardless of the program delivery method. You will receive the exact same degree as the traditional campus-based students.

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I am not computer savvy; can I do this?

Yes. We understand that some students are novices when it comes to computers; therefore, Eastern Kentucky University provides technical support for all of its students. In addition to assistance from your Program Manager, the University provides technical support online as well as by telephone. Online support can be accessed anytime of the day. You can speak with a computer technology professional about computer issues, including Blackboard, seven days a week.

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Can I transfer graduate credits that I have previously earned?

On a case-by-case basis, a student may petition to have graduate credit from an accredited college or university counted as the equivalent of another course in the curriculum and accepted as transfer credit. In such cases, a student will have to supply a course syllabus to ensure that the content in the course taken at another college or university is equivalent to the content of the course in the SSEM curriculum. Transfer credit courses must be graduate level courses. Students must be fully admitted to the program before graduate credit from another college or university will be evaluated by the EKU Graduate School.

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I have an extremely busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?

Yes. You can complete your studies conveniently in the comfort of your own home. There are no campus visits required. You will have access to your course 24 hours a day and the coursework can be completed around your busy schedule.

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What are the computer requirements for participation in the program?

To participate in Eastern Kentucky University’s distance learning Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management program you will need a computer system with current specifications. Click here for our current computer requirements.