Emergency & Security Management Studies (BESMS)

This online program is ideal for people who want a career in emergency management, security management, or public safety. It can also help those already in the field further their careers.

You may be fit for this program if you have:

• Strong organizational skills

• A background in planning or administration

• Experience as a search and rescue volunteer or in various emergency service positions

• Demonstrated a desire to serve the public

• The ability to work well under pressure

• Strong teamwork and communication skills

Program Strengths

This is the first degree program in Canada to combine emergency management and security studies with business.

Graduates of the program have a solid knowledge base and the skills to pursue leadership roles across the public safety sector.

They have gone on to careers in emergency management, disaster planning and security. 

Subjects

• Emergency Management, Disaster Planning and Public Safety
• Business Continuity
• Risk and Crisis Management
• Security and Intelligence
• Business Administration
• Leadership and Management

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

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.*

Note
*Prices are subject to change. Applicable fees and taxes are extra.

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.

STEP ONE - Apply to the Program

Apply by registering online at www.EducationPlannerBC.ca and completing the online program application form.

Write a 250-word letter 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.

STEP TWO - Submit Supporting Documents

Submit the entrance letter in person at the Registration Office, via email or by mail.

Application Deadlines

January start: November 29
May start: April 5
September start: August 3

Complete applications must be received no later than the dates posted above. Once accepted into the program, we will send you information on course registration.

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)

For more information, contact our Emergency Management Division.

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 at international@jibc.ca.

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.