Since the beginning of the new century, professionals in safety, security and emergency management have seen their careers change drastically in response to world events. In 2000, Eastern Kentucky University began offering their Master of Science in Loss Prevention & Safety completely online to help safety, security and emergency management personnel prepare for these new challenges. Now the university is offering an even wider range of options in the online and campus-based programs.

The first order of business is a name change for the program. The new name for the degree will be the Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management. The name change will coincide with a wider range of offerings within the program. Beginning with the summer 2007 term, the program will expand to offer degree concentrations and certificates in Homeland Security, Occupational Safety, and Fire & Emergency Services.

“Due to expressed interest from professionals in these fields, EKU is now offering a graduate degree with enhanced options and certificates,” said Graduate Program Director Dr. Tom Schneid. “The College of Justice & Safety has a national reputation in areas that comprise homeland security, emergency response, fire protection, security and occupational safety.”

Each concentration and certificate is comprised of four courses (12 credit hours) which can be added as a focus within the larger degree program or taken as a certificate for students who are not ready to pursue the full degree, but want the benefits of additional instruction in Occupational Safety, Homeland Security, and Fire & Emergency Services.

Beginning Fall 2007, the certificate or concentration in Homeland Security is comprised of four courses including Homeland Security Policy Analysis, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Intelligence for Homeland Security, and Hazards & Threats to Homeland Security.

Beginning Spring 2008, the certificate or concentration in Fire & Emergency Services is comprised of four courses including Strategic Planning for Fire and Emergency Services, Leadership in Fire & Emergency Services, Public Sector Finance and Budgeting, and Public Emergency Services.

EKU’s department of Safety, Security & Emergency Management is world renowned and offers the nation’s only completely online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management. This program is designed to meet the needs of today’s working professionals in homeland security, fire protection and administration, safety management, security, loss prevention, risk management, and occupational health and safety.

For more information about the Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management online program, contact an Eastern Kentucky University Enrollment Advisor at 1-866-277-9878 or visit the program Web site, http://www.safetymanagement.eku.edu.

For information about the campus-based master’s program, contact Dr. Tom Schneid at 859-622-7233 or visit http://www.ssem.eku.edu.