Emergency Management and Homeland Security, 4-Year Option, BS

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, 4-Year Option (223501BS)

Program Contact

Dr. Stacy Willett 
​Program Lead Faculty
The Polsky Building 314
330-972-8317
smuffet@uakron.edu

Program Information

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. There are two program pathways: Students can step-up from responder related Associates Degrees such as criminal justice or fire protection or students can choose to follow a traditional bachelor’s degree curriculum. All university general education requirements must be completed as outlined in this Bulletin.

This program is accredited by:

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

Career Information

The Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security prepares students to enter and advance in the field of emergency management through the acquisition of specialized knowledge of disaster planning, preparedness, emergency response, mitigation and recovery. Service learning is incorporated in course work with joint projects involving county emergency management/ homeland security agencies as well as schools and non-profit agencies. In addition, The University of Akron has faculty who are nationally recognized in the field of emergency management, homeland security, geography, hazards, business, education, and leadership.

This degree program supports the primary goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Higher Education Project to encourage and support the implementation of emergency management and homeland security education in colleges and universities across the United States. This program has incorporated disaster based research as an area of specialization which will make this program unique from other emergency management and homeland security programs. In addition, disaster management is taught from a well-rounded perspective that includes the public and private sector equally.

For additional information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov or the Career Center at the Student Union, room 211.

The following information has official approval of The School of Disaster Sciences and Emergency Services and The College of Health and Human Sciences, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor. The College of Applied Science and Technology recommends that students take the General Education courses listed in this recommended sequence. Transfer students should consult their Advisor to identify courses that are equivalent.  

Three year accelerated option: for first time students who have earned credits for at least the first year of courses. Credits can be earned through qualifying scores on appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) exams or through College Credit Plus Program (CCP) courses. Credits for qualifying AP scores or CCP courses are determined by the appropriate academic department. Departments may assign varied course credit, depending on the student’s score on an AP exam or grade in a CCP course. Students may also receive credit by examination or via placement tests, where appropriate.

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Students should be aware that most internship sites require a background check. If students are unable to pass a background check, internship placement cannot be guaranteed. Accordingly, job placement will be difficult. Please meet with the Program Lead to discuss this.

Policy Alert: By the end of your first 48 credit hours attempted, you must have completed your required General Education English, Mathematics, and Communications (Speech) requirements.