Emergency Management Professional (EMP)

This course introduces Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) as a profession. The course begins with the historical context of HSEM and provides a foundation for the many disciplines within the field including threats and hazards analysis, hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, response and recovery. The course also provides an overview of current issues, policies, best practices and lessons learned.

This course demonstrates the importance of risk reduction programs and the history of Threats and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA). Emergency management professionals must assess weaknesses and establish programs to reduce risks during preparedness for the whole community. This course will give students a basic understanding of risk management and risk prevention in emergency management.

In order for a community to be truly prepared to respond to any type of natural and/or man-made disaster, it must develop effective emergency planning. This course will provide an introduction to the multiple aspects of disaster planning. It explores the patterns of human disaster behavior, social psychology and communication as well as the basics of generic planning actions, planning concepts, implementation, and action.

This course will introduce the major principles involved in preparing for and mitigating the impact of hazards in the context of emergency and disaster management. Topics include key features and characteristics of various hazards, both natural and man-made, the risk assessment process that is used to determine community vulnerability, and in-depth discussion of hazard mitigation planning.

The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand and think critically about response and recovery operations in the profession of emergency management. Students will utilize problem based learning by analyzing actual disaster events and applying the theories, principals, and practice of response and recovery. In addition, students will learn about the issues faced by vulnerable populations and how to address the unique needs during disaster response and recovery.

This course will focus on methods and procedures for involving private-sector organizations and volunteers in emergency management programs in ways which benefit the whole community. The focus of the course is on maximizing the effectiveness of volunteer resources by implementing a people-oriented system that addresses defining volunteer roles, designing a plan of action, recruiting volunteers, training individuals who volunteer and motivation and maintenance of a successful program. Participants will acquire skills and knowledge to make appropriate volunteer assignments that enhance the effectiveness of an integrated emergency management system.

The course examines the issues and concepts that make up the field of public health and how public health agencies and organizations prepare for and support disaster response. It will examine the intersection of security and public health policy, threats to public health, legal and policy infrastructure and the tools that are available to improve preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

This class provides a detailed overview of technology and how it is applied in the field of emergency management. Students will learn how to utilize technology in emergency planning, response, recovery and mitigation efforts and they'll uncover the key elements that must be in place for technology to enhance the emergency management process. Course topics include Web Emergency Operations Center (WEOC), using technology with training and exercises, reverse 911 notification systems, video conferencing/downlinks and Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing capabilities.

This course is designed to give the student an overview of various statutes, regulations, constitutional law, and common law associated with homeland security and emergency management. Students will examine local, state and federal laws and the authority of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Major topics covered include civil rights, international anti-terrorism efforts, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Patriot Act. Students will be introduced to the legalities and ethics relevant to organizing for counterterrorism, investigating terrorism and other national security threats, crisis and consequence management.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the concepts underlying the Public Information Officer (PIO) role. This course provides a basic understanding of the PIO function. Provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency.

This course provides an overview of the structure and issues surrounding public service. Course participants will examine the context of public administration: the political system, the role of federalism, bureaucratic politics and power, and the various theories of administration that guide public managers. Lessons will be drawn from the most current applications of emergency management public administration, such as recent response efforts and Homeland Security.

Provides current and relevant information about terrorism, terrorist behavior, homeland security policies and dilemmas and how to deal effectively with threats and the consequences of attacks. Students will gain insight into the key players involved in emergency management, local and state issues and interacting and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies. Course components include identifying terrorism, causes of terrorism, preventing terrorist attacks, responding to terrorism attacks and avoiding communication and leadership collapse.

This course will introduce students to scientific concepts and principles in several key areas related to natural and human-caused disasters. The course focuses on common and emerging threats that provide a basis for understanding the science of disaster.

This course provides a foundation for business continuity management and continuity of operations planning (COOP). Topics include business continuity initiation, risk evaluation and control, business impact analysis, developing business continuity strategies and plans, developing training and exercise programs, coordinating with external agencies, and exposure to current case studies.