Emergency & Security Management Studies (BESMS)

Program Overview

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Emergency & Security Management Studies (BESMS)

Overview

Become a leader in the growing fields of emergency, disaster, and security management.

Program Details

What You Need to Graduate

The program consists of 40 courses, totalling 120 credits.

To earn a Bachelor of Emergency & Security Management Studies degree, you must complete 99 credits of required courses (33 courses) and 21 credits of electives (7 courses) for a total of 120 credits (40 courses). To meet degree requirements, a minimum of 45 of these credits (15 courses) must be upper division (300- and 400- level) courses.

Program Format

This program is paced and facilitated online. You can collaborate and share experiences in an interactive online learning environment. Courses are led by faculty who are experts in their fields.

You can pursue your studies full-time or part-time.

Full-Time

Full-time students generally take three to five courses per semester. You must take at least three courses per term to be considered full-time. We offer all courses between the September (Fall) and January (Winter) terms with special offerings during the May (Summer) term. If you are a full-time student, expect to complete the program in four to five years.

Part-Time

Part-time students take one to three courses per semester. We offer all courses between the September (Fall) and January (Winter) terms with special offerings during the May (Summer) term. If you are a part-time student, expect to complete the program in five to six years.

Time Commitment

Courses run on a 14-week term in the fall and summer, and a 15-week term in the winter. Although most activities do not require you to be online at a specific time of day, you must be active in your courses every week. Some courses will have scheduled online lectures. Instructors will try to record these for students who can’t attend live. Plan to dedicate approximately six hours per week for each course.

Upcoming Intakes

There are three intakes each year in September, January, and May.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition

The Bachelor of Emergency and Security Management Studies is a 40-course program (120 credits). Tuition fees are charged on a per-course basis. See the course pages for descriptions and prices.

Total tuition fees are approximately $23,000.*

Textbooks & Supplies

Some courses have open-source textbooks or a series of readings and resources embedded in the course materials.

Several courses require textbooks. Textbooks for each course can be purchased through the JIBC Store, directly from the publisher, or through online retailers such as Amazon or VitalSource. Once you enroll in this program, you can find a current list of courses on the ESMS Online Campus. ESMS Online Campus is a resource site available to current students.

Admission Requirements

• High school graduation diploma (or equivalent)
• Grade 11 mathematics with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
• Grade 12 English / Grade 12 First Peoples English with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)

Required Documents

• A copy of your high school transcript
• A letter of approximately 250 words describing your interest in the program, and detailing how you intend to manage your studies with your other responsibilities to ensure your success in the program.

Credit Transfer and Program Laddering

For more information on transferring credit from another post-secondary institution, please see the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Information and Application.

Graduates of the Emergency Management Certificate program receive credit for ESMS-1300 and ESMS-2300. They also receive 6.0 credits toward their security and emergency management electives.

Graduates of NAIT's Diploma in Disaster & Emergency Management receive full two-year credit towards the completion of the four-year BESMS program.

Financial Aid and Awards

This program is eligible for student loans, external awards, and JIBC awards, bursaries and scholarships.

International Applicants

International applicants interested in this program are encouraged to visit the International Students page or contact JIBC's Office of International Affairs.

FAQs

Q: I’m not a Canadian citizen, can I still take the program?

A: International students are welcome to apply to the program. International application and tuition fee rates apply.

Q: How long will it take to complete the program?

A: It depends on how many courses you take.

Part-time Studies (one to three courses per semester), Diploma: 2.5-3 years, Degree: 5-6 years

Full-time Studies (three to five courses per semester), Diploma: 2-2.5 years, Degree: 4-5 years

Q: Can the program be taken entirely online?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I take some classes in person?

A: Not at this time.

Q: I’ve completed the EM certificate program. Can I get credit for any courses?

A: Graduates of the EM certificate program receive credit for ESMS-1300 Foundations of Emergency Management I (3.0 credits) and ESMS-2300 Foundations of Emergency Management II (3.0 credits). They also receive 6.0 elective credits.

Q: I’ve completed the Exercise Design certificate program. Can I get credit for any courses?

A: Graduates of the Exercise Design certificate program receive credit for ESMS-3360 Exercise Program Management.

Q: I’ve taken other emergency management courses through the JIBC. Can I get credit for them?

A: The degree program is comprised of specific core courses. You cannot transfer in our individual.

Q: I’ve taken some courses/completed a diploma/degree at another institution. Can I transfer credit in?

A: You may be able to get credit for relevant coursework completed at another institution. See JIBC’s policies on transfer credits.

Q: I’ve worked in the field for 15 years. Can I get credit for that?

A: You may be able to get credit for relevant experience. See JIBC’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policies and procedures.

Q: I graduated from high school 25 years ago. Do I need an official transcript?

A: We need an official (sealed) transcript(s) confirming that you meet the admission requirements of high school graduation (or equivalent). This includes grade 12 English with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent), and grade 11 mathematics with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent).

If you have completed courses (not continuing education) at another post-secondary institution, submit your official transcripts reflecting all post-secondary work. In this case, you may not need to submit your secondary school transcript, it will depend on the type of courses you have completed and the institution’s admission requirements.

If you have not completed courses at another post-secondary institution, contact the Ministry of Education. They should be able to provide you with a secondary school transcript.

Q: Do you have a mature student policy?

A: Students who are at least 21 years of age who do not have BC Grade 12 or any of the equivalencies listed in the Grade 12 equivalency procedures, but meet all other admission requirements may, with the approval of the Registrar or designate, be admitted into the program based on other qualifications or experience. However, all students are required to meet specific course prerequisites. Students without grade 11 mathematics or grade 12 English must complete the appropriate equivalent.

For more information see JIBC’s Admissions policy and procedure.

Q: Can I start the program in January/May?

A: Yes. See the deadlines in the How to Apply section for specific time frames for submitting your application.

Q: Do I need to buy textbooks?

A: Textbooks are required for several courses. You can order these from the JIBC Store, the publisher, or online retailers before the start of the semester.

Q: Do I need to be employed in the field?

A: No.

Q: Does this program qualify for BC student loans?

A: Yes. Please see JIBC Financial Aid & Awards.

Courses in This Program

Core Courses

• ESMS-1100 Emergency & Security Legislation
• ESMS-1200 A Systems Approach to Business
• ESMS-1300 Foundations of Emergency Management I: Planning & Preparedness
• ESMS-1400 Foundations of Safety & Security
• ESMS-2210 Introduction to Information Management
• ESMS-2300 Foundations of Emergency Management II: Response & Recovery
• ESMS-2310 Human Behaviour & Social Constructs of Disasters
• ESMS-2340 Foundations of Business Continuity Management
• ESMS-2400 Introduction to Risk Management
• ESMS-2450 Critical Infrastructure Protection Systems
• ESMS-2500 Crisis Communication
• ESMS-3110 Corporate Investigations
• ESMS-3210 Information Security Management
• ESMS-3330 Technology Applications in Security & Emergency Management Environments
• ESMS-4200 Root Cause Analysis & Problem Identification
• ESMS-4220 Ethical Issues in Public Safety
• ESMS-4250 Policy Development and Implementation
• ESMS-4340 Advanced Business Continuity Management
• ESMS-4410 Strategic Partnering
• ESMS-4500 Issues & Crisis Management
• ESMS-4900 Degree Capstone Project
• INTL-3410 Introduction to Intelligence Analysis

Business & Liberal Arts Foundations

• BUSN-1100 Business Communications
• BUSN-1101 Introduction to Human Resource Management
• CRES-1851 Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• ETHS-1100 Applied Ethics
• ENGL-1100 Academic Writing
• ENGL-1110 Critical Reading & Writing
• FIRE-2145 Financial Management
• STAT-1100 Statistics
• RESM-2100 Research Methods
• SOCI-1100 Reconciling Colonial Practices in Justice and Public Safety
• BUSN-3110 Project Management

Core Electives

• ESMS-3420 Safety & Security Management for Major Events
• ESMS-3360 Exercise Program Management
• ESMS-4300 Current Trends in Security & Disaster Management
• ESMS-4310 Resilience & Recovery
• ESMS-4420 Planning for Terrorism, CBRNE & Major Health Crises

Liberal Studies

• PSYC-1100 Introduction to Psychology
• BUSN-3115 Data & Research Management

Courses must be outside the primary area of study. Acceptable electives include Inter-Cultural Studies, Economics, History, Philosophy, Political Studies, Psychology and Sociology. Courses may be taken at JIBC or transferred in from another institution.

Program Outline

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Outline

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Program Content

The program focuses on Emergency Management, Disaster Planning, and Public Safety, providing students with a solid foundation for careers in these areas.

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Program Structure

The BESMS program consists of 40 courses (120 credits) and can be completed in 4-6 years, depending on the pace of study. Students can choose to study full-time (3-5 courses per semester) or part-time (1-3 courses per semester). Courses are delivered online and are facilitated by experts in their respective fields.

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Course Schedule

The program offers three intakes per year: September, January, and May. Courses typically run on a 14-week term in the fall and summer, and a 15-week term in the winter. While most activities don't require specific online attendance times, students are expected to actively participate in their courses on a weekly basis. Some courses may have scheduled online lectures and events, which are usually recorded for students who can't attend live. Students should expect to dedicate approximately six hours per week for each course.

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Individual Modules

The program curriculum includes a range of core courses and electives covering various aspects of Emergency Management, Security Management, Business, and Liberal Arts.

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Core Courses:

• ESMS-1100 Emergency & Security Legislation
• ESMS-1200 A Systems Approach to Business
• ESMS-1300 Foundations of Emergency Management I: Planning & Preparedness
• ESMS-1400 Foundations of Safety & Security
• ESMS-2300 Foundations of Emergency Management II: Response & Recovery
• ESMS-2310 Human Behaviour & Social Constructs of Disasters
• ESMS-2340 Foundations of Business Continuity Management
• ESMS-2400 Introduction to Risk Management
• ESMS-2450 Critical Infrastructure Protection Systems
• ESMS-2500 Crisis Communication

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods

The BESMS program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning. These methods include:

• Online lectures and discussions
• Case studies and simulations
• Group projects and assignments
• Independent research and presentations

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Faculty

The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in Emergency Management, Security, Business, and related fields. They bring real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom, creating a stimulating learning environment.

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Unique Approaches

The program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach to Emergency Management and Security, combining theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Students gain hands-on experience through simulations, case studies, and group projects, preparing them for the demands of the professional world.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BESMS program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the emergency management, security, and public safety fields. Potential career options include:

• Emergency Management Officer
• Security Manager
• Public Safety Officer
• Disaster Preparedness Planner
• Business Continuity Specialist
• Risk Management Consultant
• Crisis Communication Specialist
• ... (Other career options)

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Career Outcomes

Graduates of the BESMS program are highly sought after by employers due to their comprehensive knowledge, diverse skillset, and practical experience. They often find employment in government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and international organizations involved in emergency management, security, and public safety.

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Financial Aid and Awards

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Conclusion

The Bachelor of Emergency & Security Management Studies (BESMS) program at JIBC offers a comprehensive and flexible education to individuals seeking a career in the dynamic and growing field of emergency management, security, and public safety. The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in this challenging and rewarding field.