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School of Safety, Security &​ Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

School of Safety, Security &​ Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Preparing the Safety Professionals of Tomorrow

Since its inception in the early 1970s, the programs in EKU’s School of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (SSEM) have been the first choice for students from across the nation and around the globe to prepare them for professional positions as safety managers, fire professionals, paramedics, and a wide variety of homeland security and emergency management positions. As a student, you will have access to respected faculty and top-notch facilities that will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Regardless of the field you choose, you will be poised to take on the safety and security challenges of tomorrow.

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Why Study Safety, Security, and Emergency Management?

The need for trained professionals to respond to and recover from man-made and natural disasters continues to rise. As new threats emerge in the 21st century, careers that focus on ensuring safety and protecting people from harm will continue to advance and evolve to meet the moment. The field of SSEM is diverse, containing careers from fire safety to counterterrorism, which means there are many different ways to contribute based on your interests and skills.

The EKU Center for Total Worker Health® is committed to promoting and improving the health and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond through graduate level education, continuing education, and applied research. The EKU Center for Total Worker Health® aims to be a leader in advancing the environmental health and safety of workers across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond by preparing competent and committed environmental health and occupational safety professionals.

“Total Worker Health® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Participation by Eastern Kentucky University does not imply endorsement by HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.”

Student Stories & Features


  • Jesse Valdez

    EKU Safety Leadership and Management Student
    The advisors, administrator, and instructors at EKU are compassionate, empathetic, and available to meet the educational needs of all students when necessary.
  • Ricky De La Cruz

    EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Student
    I really like the responsiveness of my assistant professors and really enjoy having to balance my schedule around family and the work week.
  • Matthew Harris

    EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Graduate
    I was an online student but I felt like I was truly part of the EKU family.

Upcoming Events

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Sat
22

Ask Me

August 22, 2026 at – August 28, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Tue
25

Chellgren Success Series – Syllabi Survival Guide

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Wed
26

Chellgren Success Series – Syllabi Survival Guide

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Wed
26

Walkabout Wednesday

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Thu
27

Madison County Farmers Market (On Campus)

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Thu
27

Student Success Center 10 Anniversary Celebration Reception

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News & Updates

EKU Graduate Builds Global Career in Fire Safety

Saad Sharba, ’99, envisions the future of fire safety as senior manager of emergency management and corporate safety at NEOM. From Saudi Arabia, Sharba first came to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) to study abroad. After meeting students and visiting a class, he decided to stay for EKU’s Fire Engineering program, where he discovered vast opportunities […]

EKU Graduates Celebrate Their Paths to Success

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated the Class of 2026 at spring commencement ceremonies held on May 7 and 8, 2026, at the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. “At EKU, every path is made possible,” said EKU President David McFaddin at the commencement ceremonies. “Each of you took a unique path to get to this […]

Jessica Gutzwiller Honored with EKU’s Young Alumni Award

Jessica Gutzwiller, ’19, was awarded with the Young Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Young Alumni Award recognizes individuals who graduated from EKU in the last 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional talent in their professions.  Growing […]