College of Justice and Safety

• Introduction
• Meet a Professor
• Meet a Graduate
• Meet a Student
• Arcade
• J&S Careers
• Why EKU's J&S Program?
• Preparing for J&S
• How to Apply
• Scholarships
• F.A.Q.
• Campus Visit
• Request Information

Frequently Asked Questions

• General Info
• Admissions
• Financial Information
• J&S Information

General

Where is EKU? How do I get directions to campus?

Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky, about 30 miles south of Lexington. View driving directions to campus

How do I arrange a visit?

Prospective students can choose from two types of visits: Spotlight Days or Weekday Campus Tours. You can register and learn more about the different types of visits on the EKU Campus Visit Page.

Where do EKU students come from?

Our students represent all 120 Kentucky counties, every one of the 50 states and about 60 nations.

Are you a 2 year or 4 year school? Public or private?

Eastern is a public university offering two-year and four-year degree programs.

What sports do you have?

EKU’s intercollegiate sports teams compete in the NCAA division 1 level (1-AA in football) in the Ohio Valley Conference. As a student, you’ll enjoy free admission to all athletic events.

Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis and track

Women’s Sports: basketball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track and volleyball

What’s there to do on campus?

As a student at EKU, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get involved in campus life, meet new people and develop your leadership potential. EKU’s 175 student organizations include honor societies, departmental clubs, activity and special interest organizations, social fraternities and sororities, service organizations, and religious groups.

There are also many opportunities to maintain an active lifestyle. You can join an intramural team with friends, play competitively against other schools in club sports or work out in one of the University’s fitness and wellness centers.

There are also plays, concerts and a variety of other activities on campus including First Weekend – fun, free activities planned for every first weekend of the month. Check out the EKU First Weekend web page to see what’s happening this month.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

To contact specific people in the College of Justice & Safety, visit the Faculty & Staff Directory. For general questions concerning admissions to EKU, contact the Office of Admissions at 859.622.2106. For information about a specific major or degree in the College of Justice and Safety, visit our department pages. For any other questions, contact us at:

College of Justice & Safety
354 Stratton Building
Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475

Phone: (859) 622-3565
Email: jus.dean@eku.edu

Will my credits transfer? Even out of state?

If you attended or are currently attending a public college or university in Kentucky or any other regionally accredited college or university, your previous college coursework will transfer to EKU. Your transcript will be evaluated and credit will be applied to the appropriate general education, departmental or degree requirements. If you have taken courses that do not have exact equivalents at EKU, those credits will transfer as free electives.

What is the male/female ratio?

The student population at Eastern Kentucky University is about 60% female and 40% male, however, students within the College of Justice & Safety are about 30% female and 70% male.

Is on-campus housing available? Is it co-ed?

All single, full-time undergraduate students under the age of 21 or having fewer than 60 credit hours are required to live in University residence hall facilities. Exception is made for students residing with their parents within 50 miles of the Richmond campus. Some residence halls are co-ed. For more information visit www.housing.eku.edu or call the Housing Office at 859-622-1515 and request a housing brochure.

Do freshman have to live on campus?

All single, full-time undergraduate students under the age of 21 or having fewer than 60 credit hours are required to live in University residence hall facilities. Exception is made for students residing with their parents within 50 miles of the Richmond campus. For more information visit EKU Housing or call the Housing Office at 859.622.1515 and request a housing brochure.

What is the average class size and student/teacher ratio?

The student/teacher ratio at EKU is about 17-1 and the average class size is 25 students

Can I take classes while in high school?

There are two options for high school students who wish to take classes at EKU. High school "Specials" are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who take classes at EKU. To be admitted in this category, a high school student must submit an application for admission and a letter of recommendation from his or her high school principal. High school special students are not eligible for financial assistance.

EKU also has a Jump Start program. Jump Start courses are open to any high school senior in Eastern Kentucky University's service region. Students may enroll in courses at any EKU campus site including Richmond, Manchester, Corbin and Danville. Applicants must submit an EKU application form and a Jump Start Recommendation Form to be eligible to participate in the Jump Start Program. Applicants must be in good academic standing with their high school in order to participate in the Jump Start Program. Tuition is waived for students participating in the Jump Start Program. For more information visit the Jump Start Program website

What if I already have a college degree?

Post-bachelor's students are those who have earned a four-year degree and are attending EKU for the purpose of earning an additional undergraduate degree or who are seeking certification only in a particular curriculum. Post-bachelor's students must submit an application for admission and official transcripts from all institutions attended.

I have a disability, is there anyone on campus to help me with my needs?

Eastern Kentucky University has an Office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities that represents our continuing commitment to providing access for all Kentuckians. We want to work with you to help foster the growth and development of the unique skills and talents, which you bring to campus. For more information visit the EKU Disabilities web site.

How safe is your campus?

A copy of the Eastern Kentucky University annual security report and the daily crime log is available for viewing. Information on viewing these websites and obtaining a copy of the report can be found at the EKU Public Safety web site.

Admissions

How do I apply for admission?

The admissions process is easy and we encourage you to apply early. Just submit a completed EKU application, the application fee and have your ACT scores and academic transcripts sent to EKU’s Admissions Office. Information and forms are available at www.admissions.eku.edu, you can even apply online.

What tests do I need to take, ACT or SAT?

The ACT is recommended, however, a table is available for comparable SAT scores.

What kind of grades and test scores do I need to get in?

To be granted full admission to EKU, you must have:

1. Graduated from an accredited high school and earned a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or received a G.E.D., or completed an EKU-approved home-school or distance learning high school program
2. Submitted a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (with no standard scores below 18 in English, Math and Reading). An EKU concordance table is available for comparable SAT scores
3. Met the Kentucky Pre-College Curriculum

How do I request an admissions brochure?

Fill out our online form to request more information. You can also contact the EKU admissions office at 859.622.2106 or admissions@eku.edu

Is there an application fee?

Currently the application fee is $30

I’ve already been admitted, what do I do now?

Once you’ve been admitted:

• Apply for campus housing. A housing application will be mailed after you’ve been notified of admission into EKU.
• Apply for financial assistance
• Attend summer orientation

Financial Information

How much does it cost to attend?

EKU provides a high quality education at a price that you can afford. View current tuition costs

Can I receive financial aid to help pay for college?

For full consideration for financial aid, you must first apply and be admitted to EKU. Once you’re admitted, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. You can get the FAFSA several ways: from your high school guidance counselor; at www.fafsa.ed.gov; by calling the EKU financial aid office at 859.622.2361; or by calling the Federal Student Aid office at 800.433.3243.

Financial aid applications are considered on a first-come first-serve basis, so get all your forms in early.

How can I get financial aid information?

Visit the EKU Financial Aid website at www.finaid.eku.edu or call the Financial aid office at 859.622.2361

Do you offer academic scholarships?

EKU awards numerous scholarships based on academic merit, special talents or accomplishments, and need. Eligibility for need-based scholarships and other forms of assistance is determined by your family’s income and whether other family members are also attending a postsecondary institution.

The College of Justice & Safety also offers an academic scholarship for students majoring in one of our programs. This scholarship provides $1,000 per semester, which may be renewed a maximum of seven times. (Renewal is contingent upon continued outside funding of scholarships). To receive a College of Justice & Safety academic scholarship application, contact the office of the dean at 859.622.6525 or email Elizabeth Ballou.

College Information

What degree programs are offered?

The College of Justice & Safety offers degrees in:

• Assets Protection and Security
• Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Emergency Medical Care
• Fire and Safety Engineering Technology
• Police Studies

Several degree programs are available as two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor degrees. We also have masters degree programs in:

• Correctional/Juvenile Justice Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Loss Prevention & Safety

How do the College of Justice & Safety’s programs compare to other programs?

Because the programs offered at the College of Justice & Safety are so unique we are often in a class of our own.

• Our Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies program is the only program in the nation devoted exclusively to preparing students for careers in adult corrections or juvenile justice.
• The Police Studies program is the only four-year policing program in Kentucky and one of the few in the nation dedicated to professional policing.
• The Emergency Medical Care program is the only accredited paramedic education program in Kentucky and one of only a handful in the nation offering a four-year degree.
• Our Fire and Safety Engineering Technology program is considered one of the best in the nation and students come from all over the country to study this program at EKU.

How many students are in the College? Where do they come from?

There are about 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Justice & Safety. Because our programs are so unique and respected, students come from all over the country to attend EKU’s College of Justice & Safety.

Does the College of Justice & Safety offer 2 year or 4 year degree programs? Public or private?

Eastern is a public university and the College of Justice & Safety offers two-year and four-year degree programs.

Do you have a degree in Forensic Science?

EKU offers one of the only accredited forensic science programs in the country. Due to the high concentration of science-focused courses, that program is housed in the College of Arts and Science and more information can be found here.