Beginning in spring 2008, Eastern Kentucky University will add a new concentration in Fire & Emergency Services to its online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management degree program. The concentration is four courses, 12 credit hours, which can be added as a focus in 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 fire and emergency services instruction. Classes for both the concentration and certificate begin January 14, 2008.

"Due to expressed interest from security management professionals, EKU is now offering an online graduate degree with enhanced options and certificates in fire protection and emergency services," said Online Program Director Dr. Tom Schneid. "The College of Justice & Safety has a national reputation in areas that comprise homeland security, emergency response, fire protection, hazardous materials, security and emergency medicine."

Because the Fire & Emergency Services option is comprised of specialty courses, the option will have a limited enrollment period restricted to application dates during the spring term. The application deadline for class registration in the Fire & Emergency Services certificate and concentration is December 14, 2007. Students missing these deadlines will have to wait until the spring 2009 term to begin this track.

The four-course certificate or concentration in Fire & Emergency Services is comprised of:

• Strategic Planning for Fire and Emergency Services - Comprehensive strategic planning including theory and value of strategic planning are examined. Steps to develop a strategic plan are examined and discussed. Students will assimilate a mock strategic plan for their organization that examines organizational development with consideration given to resource management.
• Leadership in Fire & Emergency Services - Students will examine leadership issues including developing as a leader, leadership styles, decision skills, influencing persuasion, and storytelling. Characteristics of effective leaders are examined and discussed. Students will evaluate their leadership skills and shortcomings, and develop a plan for obtaining needed inventory of leadership skills within themselves and their organizations.
• Public Sector Finance and Budgeting - This class examines the relationship of fire department budgeting within the scope of overall financial management of municipal governments. Funding sources including taxes, supplements from other governments, grants, cost accounting and auditing are explored. Students will demonstrate their understanding of complex financial management issues by preparing arguments for prioritization of fire service issues over other governmental considerations.
• Public Emergency Services - This course provides an overview of the theories and techniques of management practices regarding the operation and delivery of public sector emergency services. Agency coordination, budgetary considerations, resource assessment, and liability issues are emphasized.

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

About Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is a comprehensive university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools serving more than 16,000 students on its 725-acre Richmond campus and its educational centers throughout Kentucky. Joanne K. Glasser serves as the 10th (and first female) president of EKU, which is embarking on a significant transformation into a state leader and a university of national distinction.