Since 2007, the EKU HLS Program has become one of the leading (and largest) programs in the nation instructing students on the theories, strategies and applications of safeguarding of life and property through the protection of critical infrastructure; preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters; providing counterterrorism and law enforcement intelligence support; and employing the latest security technologies. The program is home to a team of faculty with extensive field experience and higher education credentials, who utilize an active learning methodology in their courses that focus on real-world challenges and the associated solutions derived from critical thinking.
The Eastern Kentucky University Homeland Security Program is best described as a modern program that stands on the legacy of existing EKU security management and disaster preparedness instructional programs that have served as national leaders in the field for over five decades. Starting in 2007, EKU became home to one of the first undergraduate homeland security programs in the nation when it expanded its offerings by instituting a multi-disciplinary undergraduate HLS Program. The EKU program differentiates itself from other programs by offering a stand-alone Bachelor of Science degree with
specialization opportunities in the following disciplines:
In summary, the MISSION of the Homeland Security Program is “to prepare graduates seeking careers protecting life and property as homeland security and emergency management specialists, who will become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, and leaders in their professional communities.”
What can you do with a Homeland Security Degree?
| Emergency / Disaster Management | Federal / State / Local Law Enforcement |
| U.S. Military Services | Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) |
| U.S. Intelligence Community | U.S. Secret Service (USSS) |
| Dignitary Protection Services | Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) |
| Geographic Information Systems Analysts | Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) |
| Risk Managers / Emergency Planners | Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| Corporate / Industrial Security | Diplomatic Security Services (DSS) |
News
10th Annual Homeland Security Undergraduate Research Showcase
View the photo gallery from this years HLS Research Showcase. View Photo Gallery
Published 04/22/2024
Senior Created a Solution to a Complex CSEPP Problem
Hannah Gabbard had an amazing achievement this year; she produced a “cost-effective solution to tracking difficulties in low-income communities to ensure the accountability of citizens and resources during disasters and coordinated exercises per the Incident Command System.” Read more
Posted 7/23/2023
Students explore evolving homeland security challenges during research showcase
Rise in domestic violent extremism, volatile weather events, misinformation and disinformation, and cyber events are a few homeland security challenges addressed during the 9th Annual Homeland Security Undergraduate Research Showcase. Read more
Published 5/25/2023
Students complete training, visit State Emergency Operations Center
Students enrolled in HLS 260 Disaster Preparedness and Response visited the Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort on March 21, 2023, to learn about recent disasters and how the state responds to disasters. Read more
Published 5/25/2023
Homeland Security Program Contact Information
Dr. Chad Foster
Campus Coordinator, Homeland Security
Phone/Voice Mail: 859-622-2608
Email: Chad.Foster@eku.edu
Dr. Brian Simpkins
Online Coordinator, Homeland Security
Phone/Voice Mail: 859-622-6761
Email: Brian.Simpkins@eku.edu
Polly Rose
On-Campus Administrative Coordinator
Phone/Voice Mail: 859-622-1028
Email: Polly.Rose@eku.edu
Chris Adkins
Assistant Online Coordinator
Phone/Voice Mail: 859-622-7568
Email: Christopher.Adkins@eku.edu