Rural Public Safety Administration (BS)

Vision Statement

The Rural Public Safety Administration program at UMFK offers a liberal arts education with an emphasis in public administration, management and public safety. The degree program is designed to prepare students academically with professional skills to seek employment or advancement in public service, governmental and nongovernmental management and public safety, including law enforcement and the criminal justice system at the federal, state, regional and local levels.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Rural Public Safety Administration program at UMFK is to develop students as liberally-educated citizens, lifelong learners in a changing world, and proficient public administrators.

Program Description/Goals

The Rural Public Safety Administration major provides a liberal arts/public management background for students interested in starting a career in public service and public safety administration. The major is interdisciplinary and has as its core 30 hours of coursework devoted to identifying, investigating, and understanding public safety issues including an applied component of internship. Parts of the program are a collaborative partnership between UMFK, the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, the Maine Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

To gain a competitive edge in the law enforcement field, it is recommended that a student earn the Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice prior to entering the Bachelor’s degree program. All credits earned in the Associate’s degree program will count toward the Bachelor’s degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. the ability to analyze, synthesize and generate knowledge in their chosen field of study (analysis)
2. the ability to analyze a fact situation and determine options and solutions (analysis)
3. the ability to reason critically and make informed decisions (analysis)
4. the ability to conduct independent research (synthesis)
5. the ability to absorb new bodies of knowledge and understand the relationship and impact of the new body of knowledge on existing knowledge (synthesis)
6. the ability to be effective communicators using multiple mediums (oral, written, electronic) individually and collectively (articulation)

Accreditation

The University of Maine at Fort Kent has received specialized accreditation for its business and business related programs through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), located in Lenexa, Kansas. In accordance with IACBE accreditation guidelines, the following student outcomes are assessed annually and reported on the UMFK website:

1. The student will be a liberally-educated citizen.
2. The student will be a life-long learner.
3. The student will be a proficient business manager.
4. The student will develop entrepreneurial skills.