Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Step-up Option, BS

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Step-up Option (223500BS)

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 which is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Students can step-up from responder related Associates Degrees such as criminal justice or fire protection. Students can also choose to follow a traditional college program with little or no bridgework. All university general education requirements must be completed as outlined in this Bulletin. 

This program option requires the student to have earned an associate degree (60 credits) before entering this program. 

This program prepares students who have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours in subjects including, but not limited to, fire protection, criminal justice, community services, environmental health and safety, or other related areas to enter the field of emergency management in either the public or private sectors. Students will acquire specialized knowledge in preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery in regard to an all hazards approach. Students without this coursework must meet with the program director or an academic adviser to discuss required “bridge” coursework.

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. As a “Step-Up” degree, it is built upon strong technical programs. Service learning is incorporated in course work with joint  projects involving county emergency management 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 as well as 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 education in colleges and universities across the United States. We have incorporated emergency management and homeland security research as our area of specialization which will make us unique from other programs. In addition, we teach emergency management and homeland security 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 Health and Human Sciences 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. 

Requirements

Summary

*

A bachelor's degree requires a total of 120 credits. The remainder of credits must come from a previously earned Associate degree or additional electives. Please meet with an academic advisor for more information. 

General Education Courses

Core Courses

¹

Students must complete all General Education requirements set forth by UA. 

²

STAT 250 or higher is required. 

Recommended Sequence