Browse the links below for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the online program.
Requirements
- To be a distance learning student, what type of computer should I have?
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- What are the general requirements for the emergency and disaster management degree?
- What emergency and disaster management courses are required?
- What elective courses are offered in the emergency and disaster management program?
Transfer, Liberal Studies, & Credit
- Can I transfer community college emergency management courses to WCU?
- What Liberal Studies courses are required?
- How is the Liberal Studies requirement different if I received an A.A. or an A.A.S. degree at the community college?
- Can I receive academic credit for FEMA or other training I have completed?
- Can I receive credit for my experience in the emergency management field?
- Where can I get more information?
Admission
University Experience Course
- What is the University Experience Course?
- How am I notified about the University Experience course beginning date?
Tuition and Fees
More Information
To be a distance learning student, what type of computer should I have?
All distance learning students should have, at a minimum, a personal computer running Windows XP or a Macintosh computer running system OS X or higher. The computer must be able to connect to the university's network through an appropriate DSL or cable modem. A minimum of 512 MB RAM memory is essential, as is a 40 GB hard drive. All computers should have either a CD-R or CD-RW (preferred) drive. Systems must be capable of connecting to Western's network, utilize a WCU-supported OS, as well as have a supported version of Microsoft Office. Systems having less than this minimum specification will not perform satisfactorily or meet WCU's computer requirement. Due to limitations, Windows XP Home Edition is NOT supported.
In addition, all distance learning students should be able to perform common computer functions such as e-mailing, chat, discussion boards, browsing the Internet, zipping and unzipping files, downloading and uploading files, keyword searching, and be able to use Microsoft Office products including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Common distance learning pedagogies used in the Criminal Justice Online Program include:
- Chat Rooms–synchronous (at the same time) communication with others in the class
- Discussion Boards–asynchronous (not at the same time) communication with others in the class
- Drop Boxes–electronic tool(s) for uploading and submitting written assignments and files
- Online Tests–self-administration of timed quizzes and exercises
- Email–communication between two or more members of the class
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be accepted into the Online Program, a prospective student must meet the application requirements of the University and:
- Have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from an accredited community college;
- Have an Associate’s of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or
- Have substantial progress toward the “44 General Core” courses that satisfy the General Education/Liberal Studies requirement for a North Carolina community college.
What are the general requirements for the emergency and disaster management degree?
A minimum of 120 semester hours are required. This requirement is comprised of:
- Emergency and Disaster Management : 48 hours
- Liberal Studies: 42 hours
- General Electives: 30 hours
In addition, all students are required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours at the junior/senior level while at WCU to satisfy WCU graduation requirements.
What emergency and disaster management courses are required?
Required core courses (24 semester hours)
- EMGT 250: "The Emergency Management System"
- CJ 300: "Research Methods and Writing"
- EMGT 322: "Social Dimensions of Disaster"
- EMGT 324: "Emergency Planning"
- EMGT 326: "Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation"
- EMGT 332: "Disaster Response and Recovery Operations"
- EMGT 340: "Policy and Political Basis for Emergency Management"
- CJ 435: "Homeland Security"
What elective courses are offered in the emergency and disaster management program?
Elective courses (24 semester hours):
- EMGT 351: "Resource Management"
- CJ 360: "Asset Protection"
- EMGT 452: "Legal Aspects of Emergency Management"
- EMGT 460: "Case Studies in Emergency Management"
- EMGT 493: "Topics in Emergency Management"
- EMC 445: "Emergency Medical Services Management"
- ET 445: "Occupational Safety Hazards"
- PSC 303: "State and Local Government"
- PSC 304: "Public Administration"
Can I transfer community college emergency management courses to WCU?
Yes, students can transfer a maximum of 24 semester hours of community college emergency management courses into the emergency and disaster management degree. Depending on the community college course, the course will be used to satisfy either a core course or an elective course. If FIP 236 was taken, the course can substitute for EMGT 250.
Any additional hours in emergency management above the 24 hour maximum will transfer in as a general elective course. Additional information about the transfer of emergency management courses from a North Carolina community college can be located within the articulation agreement.
What Liberal Studies courses are required?
A list of the required Liberal Studies courses and the Transfer of Credit policy can be found on the Registrar's website. If you click on the link entitled “WCU Liberal Studies Equivalencies at NCCC Institutions,” you will see a listing of community college courses and the equivalent course at WCU.
Students have the option of completing the 44 General Core requirement offered by the community college system in place of the WCU Liberal Studies requirement. The General Education requirements are somewhat different than those of WCU. Contact your transfer adviser at the community college for more information.
Pursuant to University of North Carolina System Policy, students who graduate from an accredited community college in North Carolina and who have earned either an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree will have fulfilled all Liberal Studies (general education) requirement at WCU.
Students who have earned a degree from an accredited institution located outside of North Carolina will undergo a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credits and may have to complete additional courses to fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement.
Students who possess an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree will undergo a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credits. In most cases, the student will be required to complete additional courses at a community college or through WCU to fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement.
Transfer students who have questions in regard to their previous college courses fulfilling WCU’s Liberal Studies or General Education Core requirements are urged to contact Ms. Amy Fahey in the Advising Center.
Can I receive academic credit for FEMA or other training I have completed?
No, WCU does not recognize training, certifications, or other continuing education units as being equivalent to academic courses at the university level. Transfer credit will only be awarded for courses offered by institutions of higher education that are accredited by nationally recognized, regionally accredited organizations. Evaluation of academic transcripts is conducted by the Registrar’s Office, not the individual department.
Can I receive credit for my experience in the emergency management field?
No, you cannot receive credit for your experience in the emergency management field.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, visit the Distance, Online and Continuing Education Admissions website.
What is the University Experience Course?
The University Experience Course is an online course developed by the Division of Educational Outreach to give you the tools you need for success in online learning. Read more about the University Experience Course.
How am I notified about the University Experience course beginning date?
The course will be discussed in materials given to you as part of your admissions materials or at the recruitment information session. A welcome email and a letter will be sent to you.
What is the tuition rate for distance learning courses?
Visit Distance Education Tuition and Fees.
Who can I contact in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department for additional information?
If you have additional questions in regard to the Emergency and Disaster Management Online Program, please e-mail Professor Carlie Merritt, program coordinator.