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 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.
| 3rd Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| EMHS 305 | Principals of Emergency Management and Homeland Security | 3 |
| EMHS 340 | Disaster Research Methods | 3 |
| EMHS 360 | Introduction to Terrorism 1 | 3 |
| STAT 250 | Statistics for Everyday Life | 4 |
| SOCIO 243 | Contemporary Global Issues | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| EMHS 350 | Disaster Preparedness & Response | 3 |
| EMHS 370 | Hazard Science and Management | 3 |
| HIST 210 or HIST 221 | Humanities in the Western Tradition from Ancient Times to 1500 or Humanities in the World since 1300 | 3 |
| SURV 101 | Basic Surveying | 3 |
| SOWK 244 or PAFS 256 | Death & Dying or Diversity in American Society | 3 |
| Domestic Diversity Requirement | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| 4th Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| EMHS 365 | Disaster Mitigation | 3 |
| EMHS 367 | Disaster Recovery | 3 |
| SURV 445 | Applications in GIS using GPS | 3 |
| SURV 201 or SURV 205 | Intermediate Geographic and Land Information Systems or Building Geodatabases | 3 |
| PHIL 120 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Current Topics in Emergency Management 2 | ||
EMHS:xxx | Approved Emergency Management Elective 2 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| EMHS 420 | Disaster Vulnerability | 3 |
| EMHS 495 | Emergency Management & Homeland Security Internship | 3 |
| Natural Science Requirement | 3-4 | |
| Complex Issues Requirement | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Visual Arts Awareness | ||
| Exploring Music: Bach to Rock | ||
| Viewing Dance | ||
Arts Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Current Topics in Emergency Management 2 | ||
EMHS:xxx | Approved Emergency Management Electives 2 | |
| Hours | 18-19 | |
| Total Hours | 67-68 | |
- 1
Traditionally offered Fall only (see program contact).
- 2
A student must take 3 to 6 credits in either EMHS 490 Current Topics in Emergency Management or EMHS:xxx Emergency Management and Homeland Security electives for a minimum of 6 credits.
Total Credits for Degree = 127 minimum (including 1st and 2nd year credits)
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.