Certificate in Emergency Management
The Certificate in Emergency Management is designed to produce
individuals who are equipped with the fundamental
competencies expected of professionals in the field of emergency management. The Certificate in Emergency Management is a convenient part-time undergraduate program that is designed for entry-level or mid-career professionals in emergency management, both in public and private sectors. The curriculum is mapped to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand will continue to grow for specialized workers in areas related to emergency preparedness. The job growth generated by increased emergency management needs creates an increased need for emergency management education.
Who Should Choose Emergency Management?
Students working in public and private sectors may benefit from this program, including all levels of government, law enforcement, fire personnel, military, facilities, and emergency medical personnel. Students who already possess an undergraduate degree and want to increase their knowledge of emergency management fundamentals can round out their prior education and experience with this certificate. Students without a bachelor's degree may choose this certificate as a stand-alone credential or as a desirable achievement en route to their undergraduate degree.
In particular, evening or online students pursing a degree in Professional Studies or General Studies will find the certificate to be a fitting complement to their undergraduate studies. In addition, full-time day students pursuing a variety of majors such as Construction Management, Criminal Justice, and Political Science will find this certificate attractive.
Course Requirements
Certificate in Emergency Management 18.0
Required Courses 12.0 EMER 210 Hazard Mitigation 3.0
EMER 215 Public Management in Times of Crisis 3.0
EMER 220 Emergency Incident Risk Management 3.0
EMER 225 Infrastructure Disaster Recovery 3.0
Electives (students select two of the following courses) 6.0
EMER 235 Public Information Strategies 3.0
EMER 245 Search and Rescue 3.0
EMS 307 Critical Incident Stress Management 3.0
EMS 445 Organizing Community Response in Disasters 3.0
Course Descriptions
EMER 210 Hazard Mitigation 3.0
This course examines risks associated with natural and man-made hazards and explores how to reduce threats to life and property.
EMER 215 Public Management in Times of Crisis 3.0
This course covers comprehensive disaster plans and training for the public manager. The course will include planning for natural disasters and accidents, and planning for events related to terrorism.
EMER 220 Emergency Incident Risk Management 3.0
This course will focus on risk management skills used by first responders to emergency incidents. Particular attention will be paid to the emergency operations systems of the Philadelphia police and fire departments in conjunction with the Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management.
EMER 225 Infrastructure Disaster Recovery 3.0
This course will focus on the recovery of a business after a disaster occurs. This course will take the view of the private business enterprise and ways to maintain “business as usual” The course will provide information about the process of business recovery planning.
EMER 235 Public Information Strategies 3.0
This course presents ways organizations handle and disseminate information to the public. Specifically, the course will analyze the role of the public information officer, the procedures for providing information to internal and external audiences, dealing with media outlets, and the importance of crisis communication plans.
EMER 245 Search and Rescue 3.0
This course will focus on the fundamentals of Search and Rescue (SAR) skills and training. Students will be taught the proper use of equipment and how to assist people in distress by using SAR systems to provide responses to lost, injured, or overdue people who may be in harm’s way in varied environments.
EMS 307 Critical Incident Stress Management 3.0
Investigates the impact and consequences of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on victims, families, emergency workers and community members resulting from natural and man-made disasters. Readings and discussions will center on psychological, biological, social and behavioral reactions to emergencies with an emphasis on risk factors, social support systems and treatment.
EMS 445 Organizing Community Response in Disasters 3.0
This course will cover community preparation, planning, education, and integration of community response agencies into mass events.
