Disaster Science and Emergency Services

The School of Disaster Science and Emergency Services offers programs for individuals seeking careers in four in-demand areas: Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Cyber Forensics, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire Protection Technology. Courses are available online, in traditional classrooms, and in distance learning classes. Students gain hands-on, real-world experience through participation in internships, simulations, and field trips.

The School's programs in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (BS) and Fire Protection Technology (AAS) are nationally accredited. The Fire/Medic option in the Emergency Medical Services associate program is in response to a growing demand from emergency service providers.

Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials

This training center brings the University, government agencies, and industries together into one comprehensive regional center to integrate educational programs, fire and hazardous materials training, and other related applications of fire and safety technology.

The University of Akron / Summit County Sheriff's Office Police Academy

The University of Akron/Summit County Sheriff's Office OPOTA Certified Training Academy is a unique collaboration in law enforcement training. The instructors consist of both experienced law enforcement officers and well-respected University of Akron faculty members.

Fire Protection Technology

This program prepares persons to serve governmental, industrial, and other fire protection agencies in firefighting and prevention, property protection, and handling emergency situations.

This program is accredited by:

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) 
Oklahoma State University,
1700 West Tyler,
Stillwater, OK 74078-8075
(405)744-8802
ifsac.org

Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Emergency Management and Homeland Security studies events or threats, such as natural disasters, terrorist incidents, and technological hazards. Students will acquire specialized knowledge in disaster management through prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions utilizing an All-Hazards focused approach. This dynamic discipline prepares graduates for careers in the governmental, corporate, public health, and nonprofit sectors. Emergency Management and Homeland Security can be a career that makes a difference in people's lives.

The program offers a Bachelor of Science degree, along with a minor and certificate, which is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Students can step-up from a responder-related associate degree, such as criminal justice or fire protection.

This program is accredited by:

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) 
Oklahoma State University,
1700 West Tyler,
Stillwater, OK 74078-8075
(405)744-8802
ifsac.org

Emergency Medical Services Technology

This program is for Certified National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics seeking to better understand social values and to develop technical knowledge and skills.

On This Page

Fire Protection Technology (FIRE)

FIRE 100  Introduction to Fire Protection  (4 Units)  
History and philosophy of fire protection; introduction to agencies involved; current legislative developments; discussion of current related problems, expanding future of fire protection and career orientation. (Formerly 2230:100)
FIRE 102  Fire Safety in Building Design & Construction  (3 Units)  
Exploration of building construction and design with emphasis on fire protection concerns; review of related statutory and suggested guidelines local, state and national scope. (Formerly 2230:102)
FIRE 104  Fire Investigation Methods  (4 Units)  
History of fire investigation; gathering of evidence and development of technical reports; fundamentals of arson investigation; processing of criminal evidence and procedures related to local and state statutes. (Formerly 2230:104)
FIRE 202  Incident Management for Emergency Responders  (4 Units)  
Efficient and effective use of human resources, equipment and systems. Emphasis on preplanning, incident management, problem solving related to emergency preparation and response. (Formerly 2230:202)
FIRE 204  Fire and Life Safety Education  (3 Units)  
Application and analysis necessary for the implementation of the Life Safety Code Handbook. (Formerly 2230:204)
FIRE 205  Fire Detection & Suppression Systems  (3 Units)  
Design, installation, maintenance and utilization of portable fire extinguishing appliances and pre-engineered automatic systems; fire detection and alarm signaling systems operational capabilities, requirements. (Formerly 2230:205)
FIRE 206  Fire Sprinkler System Design  (3 Units)  
Design, installation and operation of automatic fire suppression systems. Includes sprinkler, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, halogenated agent systems. (Formerly 2230:206)
FIRE 250  Hazardous Materials  (4 Units)  
Prerequisite: FIRE 100. Study of chemical characteristics and reactions related to storage, transportation and handling of hazardous materials. Emphasis on emergency situations, firefighting and control. (Formerly 2230:250)
FIRE 254  Fire Prevention  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: FIRE 100. Fire codes and standards relative to fire prevention, inspection, and code enforcement. (Formerly 2230:254)
FIRE 257  Fire & Safety Issues for Business & Industry  (3 Units)  
Industrial fire and safety issues related to specialized hazards, federal and state regulations. Emphasis on emergency response team preparedness, confined space entry, and rescue. (Formerly 2230:257)
FIRE 260  Fundamentals of Firefighting  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: Must be accepted into the Fire Academy, possess a valid driver's license, and permission of the department. Corequisites: FIRE 261, FIRE 262, and FIRE 263. Course 1 of 4: Minimum training level to function as a firefighter in the State of Ohio, identified in the National Fire Protection Association standards, NFPA 1001. (Formerly 2230:260)
FIRE 261  Firefighter I  (4 Units)  
Prerequisites: Must be accepted into the Fire Academy, possess a valid driver's license, and permission of the department. Corequisites: FIRE 260, FIRE 262, and FIRE 263. Course 2 of 4: Minimum training level to function as a firefighter in the State of Ohio, identified in the National Fire Protection Association standards, NFPA 1001. (Formerly 2230:261)
FIRE 262  Firefighter II  (4 Units)  
Prerequisites: Must be accepted into the Fire Academy, possess a valid driver's license, and permission of the department. Corequisites: FIRE 260, FIRE 261, and FIRE 263. Course 3 of 4: Minimum training level to function as a firefighter in the State of Ohio, identified in the National Fire Protection Association standards, NFPA 1001. (Formerly 2230:262)
FIRE 263  Emergency Vehicle Operations  (1 Unit)  
Prerequisites: Must be accepted into the Fire Academy, possess a valid driver's license, and permission of the department. Corequisites: FIRE 260, FIRE 261, and FIRE 262. Course 4 of 4: Proper operation of an emergency vehicle is critical for fire service providers. The Ohio Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) is designed to enhance safe vehicle operation by stressing theory and principles of defensive driving in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Students will learn safe driving practices, defensive driving principles, the responsibilities of an emergency vehicle driver, how to safely operate emergency vehicles during emergent responses, and the difficulties of driving fire apparatus. The course include hands-on driving exercises that will enhance the ability of a student to operate a vehicle during an emergency situation by teaching personal and vehicle control limitations. The course is a requirement to qualify for Ohio Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification. (Formerly 2230:263)
FIRE 280  Fire Service Administration  (4 Units)  
Prerequisite: FIRE 100. Fire officer professional qualifications; federal, state regulations governing department operations-OSHA, EPA; emergency and non-emergency operations procedures-ICS, IMS, Emergency Operations Center are presented. (Formerly 2230:280)
FIRE 290  Special Topics: Fire Science Technology  (1-4 Units)  
(May be repeated for a total of four credits) Prerequisite: Permission. Selected topics or subject areas of interest in fire protection technology. (Formerly 2230:290)
FIRE 294  Advanced Fire Investigation Methods  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: FIRE 100, FIRE 104, FIRE 205, and FIRE 206. Designed to meet student and in service fire investigators need to understand new/updated technology and methodology in managing fire investigations. (Formerly 2230:294)
FIRE 295  Field Experience I  (2 Units)  
Prerequisites: 30 credit hours of successfully completed course work in the Fire Protection Technology program which includes FIRE 100, FIRE 102, FIRE 104, FIRE 204, FIRE 205, and FIRE 280 and permission. Course designed to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a graduate of The University of Akron, Fire Protection Program. (Formerly 2230:295)
FIRE 296  Field Experience II  (2 Units)  
Prerequisites: 30 credit hours of successfully completed course work in the Fire Protection Technology program which includes FIRE 100, FIRE 102, FIRE 104, FIRE 204, FIRE 205, and FIRE 280. If not currently an active fire fighter, you must take FIRE 295 first. Course designed to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a front line supervisor, work in hazmat bureau or beginning arson investigator. (Formerly 2230:296)
FIRE 297  Independent Study: Fire Protection  (1-3 Units)  
Prerequisite: FIRE 100 and permission. Selected topics and special areas of study in fire protection technology under the supervision and evaluation of a selected faculty who assigns specific arrangements. (Formerly 2230:297)

Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS)

EMHS 105  Introduction to Disaster, Hazards & Risk  (3 Units)  
Provides a research based and practitioner overview of how people perceive and react to extreme events before, during, and after disasters. (Formerly 2235:105)
EMHS 201  Police Academy: Administration & Legal  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Police Academy. Corequisites: EMHS 202, EMHS 203, EMHS 204 and EMHS 205. Overview of the administration and legal issues of becoming an Ohio Peace Officer. (Formerly 2235:201)
EMHS 202  Police Academy: Homeland Security  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Police Academy. Corequisites: EMHS 201, EMHS 203, EMHS 204 and EMHS 205. Overview of human relations, civil disorders, investigation, and homeland security involved in becoming an Ohio Peace Officer. (Formerly 2235:202)
EMHS 203  Police Academy: Traffic  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Police Academy. Corequisites: EMHS 201, EMHS 202, EMHS 204 and EMHS 205. Overview of motor vehicle offenses, traffic crash investigation, speed measuring and sobriety testing required to pass the Ohio Peace Officer Training program. (Formerly 2235:203)
EMHS 204  Police Academy: Practicals I  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Police Academy. Corequisites: EMHS 201, EMHS 202, EMHS 203 and EMHS 205. Classroom and practical skills training in firearms, patrol, and driving to satisfy all state requirements for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Program. (Formerly 2235:204)
EMHS 205  Police Academy: Practicals II  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Police Academy. Corequisites: EMHS 201, EMHS 202, EMHS 203 and EMHS 204. Classroom and skills in defense tactics, physical fitness and First Aid/CPR/AED & WMD Awareness to satisfy requirements to become an Ohio Peace Officer. (Formerly 2235:205)
EMHS 210  Occupational Safety & Risk  (3 Units)  
Introduction to the field of health and safety as related to business and industrial operations. Emphasis is placed on hazard/risk analysis and the regulatory environment. (Formerly 2235:210)
EMHS 220  Environmental Law & Regulations  (3 Units)  
Introduction to the legal system and to the laws and regulations dealing with water, air, land, noise and other sources of pollution. (Formerly 2235:220)
EMHS 221  Environmental Law & Regulations II  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 220 and permission. Designed to provide students the opportunity to apply common regulatory reporting mechanisms in a practical manner utilizing a variety of software programs recognized in the environmental field. (Formerly 2235:221)
EMHS 230  Water & Atmospheric Pollution  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMHS 105. Basic concepts of aquatic and atmospheric systems and the processes which pollute them. Emphasis on control and monitoring of cultural, industrial, and agricultural pollution sources. Laboratory. (Formerly 2235:230)
EMHS 232  Environmental Sampling Laboratory  (2-3 Units)  
Corequisite: EMHS 230. Field experience with a wide range of environmental sampling techniques and equipment. (Formerly 2235:232)
EMHS 285  Disasters in Film and Media  (3 Units)  
Examines how contemporary culture perpetuates myths of natural and technological disasters. Students deconstruct and analyze reality from the myths in various types of media. (Formerly 2235:285)
EMHS 305  Principals of Emergency Management and Homeland Security  (3 Units)  
An overview of emergency management and homeland security history, theory, terms, concepts, organization, and roles. Emphasizes natural and technological hazards, and risk assessment processes. (Formerly 2235:305)
EMHS 340  Disaster Research Methods  (3 Units)  
Introduction to scientific method and processes, research ethics, and qualitative and quantitative methods. Use of research for appropriate decision making. (Formerly 2235:340)
EMHS 350  Disaster Preparedness & Response  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Legal requirement, planning formats, and response procedures are presented. Special focus community risk assessment: hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, and community response capability assessment. (Formerly 2235:350)
EMHS 360  Introduction to Terrorism  (3 Units)  
Corequisite: EMHS 305. Examines terrorism from historical, international, transnational, and domestic perspectives. Includes political and religious terrorism along with emergency management considerations. (Formerly 2235:360)
EMHS 365  Disaster Mitigation  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Examines disaster prevention and risk reduction. Focuses on such concepts as sustainability, resiliency, non-structural and structural mitigation and various sectors' responsibilities. (Formerly 2235:365)
EMHS 367  Disaster Recovery  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Provides foundations for disaster relief and recovery planning, stages of recovery, resources used, and formation of public/private partnerships for recovery action and resource allocation. (Formerly 2235:367)
EMHS 368  Professionalism in Emergency Management and Homeland Security  (3 Units)  
Prepares students for career entry into Emergency Management and Homeland Security areas. Professionalism, resume building, interview techniques, and resource sites will be examined. (Formerly 2235:368)
EMHS 370  Hazard Science and Management  (3 Units)  
Overview of hazards theory, the science of hazard development, and various hazard types. Emphasis on emergency management and homeland security perspectives in regard to various hazard management related topics. (Formerly 2235:370)
EMHS 384  Intelligence: Cyber and Homeland Security  (3 Units)  
This course introduces students to the role and operation of the intelligence community within the homeland security framework: History, mission, structure, capabilities, and methods. (Formerly 2235:384)
EMHS 401  Crisis Leadership  (3 Units)  
This course presents leadership research from an interdisciplinary perspective. Content is drawn the fields of business, training, simulation, organizational theory, government, and others. This course covers early leadership theory, horizontal theories, crisis training models and approaches, and crisis cognitive processing strategies. Students will examine the overall system of building better crisis leaders. (Formerly 2235:401)
EMHS 406  Disaster Management Technology  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Provides an overview of the various types of technology utilized in disasters, emergency management and homeland security. Topics include communications, watches, warnings, and operational challenges. (Formerly 2235:406)
EMHS 407  Hazardous Weather Observations  (3 Units)  
Overview of meteorological variables and weather data useful to EM including meteorological instruments, forecasts, model, radar and satellite imagery, thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter storms and hurricanes. (Formerly 2235:407)
EMHS 420  Disaster Vulnerability  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Analysis of citizen actions regarding major disasters including perspectives of individuals and emergency managers using case studies, theories, and social problems. (Formerly 2235:420)
EMHS 425  Private Sector Disaster Applications  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Examines emergency management and homeland security business components in the private and public sectors. Emphasizes business continuity plans along with case studies in hazards and disasters. (Formerly 2235:425)
EMHS 430  Contemporary Issues in Emergency Management and Homeland Security  (3 Units)  
Discussion of relevant issues impacting the field of emergency management and homeland security by analyzing various case studies. (Formerly 2235:430)
EMHS 435  Cyber Issues in Emergency Management and Homeland Security  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: EMHS 305. Discussion and analysis of cyber issues impacting the public, private, and nonprofit sectors of emergency management and homeland security. (Formerly 2235:435)
EMHS 480  Emergency Management & Homeland Security Capstone  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EMHS 495. Ties together relevant concepts in emergency management and homeland security to help prepare graduates for professional careers integrating theory and applications. (Formerly 2235:480)
EMHS 485  Cyber Forensics Capstone  (4 Units)  
Prerequisites: Senior standing in the Cyber Forensics program and placement by an advisor. This is the senior capstone course for the Cyber Forensics degree. This course is a culminating experience class in which issues in cyber forensics will be examined, applied, and analyzed into the broader application of societal contexts and issues. (Formerly 2235:485)
Gen Ed: Capstone  
EMHS 490  Current Topics in Emergency Management  (1-4 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMHS 305 and EMHS 350. A variety of course topics on current subjects related to emergency management and disaster preparedness. May be repeated for up to 12 credits. (Formerly 2235:490)
EMHS 493  Cyber Forensics Internship  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: Junior or greater standing in the Cyber Forensics program and placement by an advisor. This course provides the student with an experience in digital technology in the workplace. Each student is required to meet with an instructor to discuss and examine the workplace experience. (Formerly 2235:493)
EMHS 495  Emergency Management & Homeland Security Internship  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: 30 hours in program and permission from program director. Supervised work experience in emergency management and/or homeland security to increase student understanding by applying program education to an applied work experience. (Formerly 2235:495)
EMHS 497  Independent Study in Emergency Management  (1-4 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMHS 305 and EMHS 350. Selected topics, special areas of study in emergency management, disaster preparedness under the supervision of a faculty member with whom specific arrangements have been made. (Formerly 2235:497)

Emergency Medical Services (EMSP)

EMSP 100  Introduction to EMT Training  (3 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 101 and EMSP 102. Overview of the EMS System, safety/well being of an EMT, medical/legal and ethical issues in providing emergency care. (Formerly 2240:100)
EMSP 101  EMT-B Fundamentals  (2 Units)  
Corequisite: EMSP 100. Develop skils required of EMT-Basic for Assessment, air way management, patient evaluation for shock, trauma/special needs patient, learn appropriate interventions for all situations. (Formerly 2240:101)
EMSP 102  EMT-B Fundamentals II  (2 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 100 and EMSP 101. Provide students with the tools to start the EMT-Basic course and will prepare students to achieve national certification as an EMT-Basic. (Formerly 2240:102)
EMSP 201  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic I  (3 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 202, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Introduction to emergency medical care-paramedic, the well-being of the EMT-paramedic, and illness and injury prevention. (Formerly 2240:201)
EMSP 202  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic II  (3 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Instruction in medical/legal issues, ethics, and the paramedic, and general principles of anatomy and physiology. (Formerly 2240:202)
EMSP 203  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic III  (3 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Instruction in medical math, pharmacology, venous access , and medication administration. (Formerly 2240:203)
EMSP 204  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic IV  (3 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, and EMSP 205. Instruction includes therapeutic communications, life span development, and airway management/ventilation. (Formerly 2240:204)
EMSP 205  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic V  (3 Units)  
Corequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, and EMSP 204. Skill Session Practices, competency Testing from skills learned throughout the semester. (Formerly 2240:205)
EMSP 206  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic VI  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Corequisites: EMSP 207, EMSP 208, EMSP 209, and EMSP 211. Instruction is respiratory emergencies and cardiovascular emergencies. (Formerly 2240:206)
EMSP 207  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic VII  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Corequisites: EMSP 206, EMSP 208, EMSP 209, and EMSP 211. Instruction in cardiovascular emergencies, diabetic emergencies, and allergic reactions. (Formerly 2240:207)
EMSP 208  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic VIII  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Corequisites: EMSP 206, EMSP 207, EMSP 209, and EMSP 211. Instruction in paramedic skills, practical trauma, and medical skills practical. (Formerly 2240:208)
EMSP 209  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic IX  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Corequisites: EMSP 206, EMSP 207, EMSP 208, and EMSP 211. Medical skills practical and skills testing. (Formerly 2240:209)
EMSP 211  Fundamentals of EMT-Paramedic X  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: EMSP 201, EMSP 202, EMSP 203, EMSP 204, and EMSP 205. Corequisites: EMSP 206, EMSP 207, EMSP 208, and EMSP 209. Practical skills testing, client orientation, and written skills testing. (Formerly 2240:211)

Digital Forensic Technology (DGFR)

DGFR 100  Introduction to Cyber Forensics  (3 Units)  
An overview of digital forensics and computer-related issues facing government and businesses. Specific focus on forensic examinations and methodologies used in the field. (Formerly 2235:100)
DGFR 280  Cybercrime  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 100 or CRJU 100. Examines crime and deviance in cyberspace. Particular focus is on the prevention of computer intrusion in the workplace. (Formerly 2235:280)
DGFR 281  Computer Forensic Methods  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 100 or DGFR 280. Examination of computer forensic methods employed to identify, collect, recover, authenticate, preserve, analyze, and document electronic evidence for criminal or civil legal purposes. (Formerly 2235:281)
DGFR 282  Digital Forensic Imaging  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 100 or CRJU 100. This course cover the general principles of photography and practical elements and advanced concepts of forensic photography. (Formerly 2235:282)
DGFR 283  Cyber Warfare  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 280. Examines the participants, tools and techniques in digital conflicts and explores how to defend against espionage, hactivism, non-state actors and terrorists. (Formerly 2235:283)
DGFR 284  Windows Forensics  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 281. An examination of the tools, methodology, and advanced digital forensic analysis of the Windows Registry and the Microsoft Windows operating systems. (Formerly 2235:284)
DGFR 381  Computer Forensic Methods II  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 281. Obtaining and analyzing digital information from computer storage media to determine details of origin and content. (Formerly 2235:381)
DGFR 382  File System Analysis  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 281. The analysis of volumes, partitions, and data files to understand the design of file systems and data structures. (Formerly 2235:382)
DGFR 383  Ethical Hacking  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 283. An examination of the tools, methods, and structured approaches to conducting basic security testing to protect computer networks from attacks. (Formerly 2235:383)
DGFR 440  Intrusion Detection  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: DGFR:443 with a grade of C or better and junior or greater standing. This course will introduce students to the various methods used to detect external and internal intrusion of computer systems. (Formerly 2235:440)
DGFR 441  Network Forensics I  (3 Units)  
Prerequisites: DGFR 281 with a grade of C or better and junior or greater standing . This course will provide the student with basic knowledge of surveillance of networking devices, identifying and preventing attacks and incident response. (Formerly 2235:441)
DGFR 442  Wireless Forensics  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 443 with a grade of C or better and junior or greater standing. The forensic identification and tracking of attacks on wireless networks and mobile communications devices. (Formerly 2235:442)
DGFR 443  Network Forensics II  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: DGFR 441 with a grade of C or better or junior or greater standing. Deployment, building and running an NSM operation using open source software and vendor neutral tools with the Linx Operating System (Formerly 2235:443)
DGFR 480  Digital and Scientific Evidence  (3 Units)  
Prerequisite: CRJU 104. Examination of the role of scientific and digital evidence in the legal system. Courtroom admissibility and presentation rules are covered. (Formerly 2220:480)