Q: Who are you accreditated by?
A: IEP-JSU is accreditated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Q: Is there a residency (on campus) requirement?
A: No, our program can be earned 100% online.

Q: What are the tuition rates?
A: Tuition rates

Q: Which program should I pursue, the MS or MPA?
A: We typically recommend students who are interested or anticipate careers in Emergency Management consider teh MS-EM program unless their career path specifically reequires an MPA. The MS-EM is a 30 hour program consisting of emergency management coursework. Currently, you will find the MPA-Emergency Management concentration is a 36 hour program that includes 15 hours of Public Administration, 15 hours of Emergency Management and 6 hours of electives (typically emergency management, given the area of concentration) as bases on the 2004-2005 catalog. There is a Master's certificate program which 15 hours of emergency management coursework that can eventually be applied toward either degree program.

Q: Is there a comprehensive exam?
A: Yes, passing of the comprehensive exam is required for graduation from either of our degree programs.

Q: Is there a thesis option?
A: No, there is no thesis option for the Emergency Management programs.

Q: How long do I have to finish my degree?
A: You have up to six years to finish either degree progrom.

Q: Can certificate courses by used toward my MS or MPA degree?
A: Yes, certificate courses can be used toward either degrees; however, it is inluded in the 6 year time limit.

Q: How do I apply?
A: If you are interested in pursuing this program, your first step is to apply to Graduate Studies.  If you have any questions about this process, please contact Kelly Smith or Tonna Wilson as they handle the admissions process for that Department (800-231-5291, ext. 5329). Generally speaking for degree programs, an application, a $30.00 application fee, 3 references (a form is available online through Graduate Studies  to assist with this process), official transcripts from every college you have attended (ensuring at least one has a Bachelor's Degree posted), and satisfactory scores on either the GRE or MAT must be supplied.  Certificate candidates need only provide the application, application fee, and an official transcript from the college/university who granted the Bachelor's degree.   If you received a bachelor's degree from a non-accredited school or an institution outside of the U.S., additional admissions information is required.

Q: Do I have to have a specific undergraduate degree?
A: No special area of study at the undergraduate level is required for admissions to any of these programs. In most cases, Graduate Studies allows a student to register for one term while the admissions process is completed.  The Fall 2007 term will begin August 29, 2007.

Q: How will I access my online courses?
A: The online classes themselves are administered through a program called Blackboard.
To view system requirements, a demo course and login information for this program, please go to jsu.blackboard.com.

Q: What types of assignments can I expect?
A: Course requirements will vary from instructor to instructor; however, you can expect such things as Discussion Board postings, Virtual Class sessions, research paper requirements, exams, and/or group projects to name a few.  The first day of classes, a syllabus is provided to you so that you will know what your professor will require and when these requirements will be due.

Q: What about transfer credit?
A: Only the Dean of Graduate Studies can determine transfer credit. An application for transfer credit evaluation is available through the Graduate Studies http://www.jsu.edu/depart/graduate/graduate.html . Transfer credit that is accepted is applicable to the 6 year rule. A max of 6hr. transfer credits can be taken for the 30 hr. program. A max of 12hr. transfer credit can be accepted for the 36 hour program. For more details please view the graduate bulletin at http://www.jsu.edu/depart/graduate/bulletin/ . Transfer credit courses must have been taken at a Recognized accredited college/university for graduate credit to be considered for transfer credits.

Q: Can I get work experience credit?
A: No, work experience credit is not accepted at the graduate level.

Q: What about military financial aid?
A: If you will be using military financial assistance, you need to contact JSU's Office of Veterans Affairs for assistance (800-231-5291 ext. 5892).  The Bursar's Office can be reached at 800-231-5291 ext. 5458 or  Fax/256-782-8067 for military tuition paperwork submission.

Other Questions: Please refer to the Graduate Bulletine online at http://www.jsu.edu/depart/graduate/bulletin/ or contact College of Graduate Studies at graduate@jsu.edu or (256)782-5329