Exercises are essential for testing emergency operations plans and preparing responders and emergency services organizations for complex incidents. Through a mix of classroom instruction, assignments, and practical application, students will utilize the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) to design, develop, and execute a full-scale emergency shelter exercise. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have also fulfilled the primary requirements to be rated as a Level 2-Intermediate exercise professional in accordance with the National Standard Exercise Curriculum (NSEC). Students will also develop an appreciation for the experience of those who are displaced as a result of disaster. Course Pre (and/or) Co-Requisites (as needed): EPM 301

This seminar course will explore contemporary issues and topics in homeland security, disaster preparedness, and emergency management. Due to the complexity and coupling of modern society, strategic factors such as globalization, climate change, and technological interconnection have an impact on risk and resilience at the community level. Throughout the course, students will guide their own group discussions, utilize various media to report on important topics, and engage with subject matter experts.

The culminating academic experience for emergency management students draws on the foundational knowledge from earlier courses in research, risk analysis, law, and budgeting while focusing on the art and science of planning to produce a comprehensive emergency management plan. (Senior Students only)

This course is designed to provide a student who has completed more than half of the courses in the major, with a mentored opportunity to engage in independent study and research in a specific aspect of emergency management. (By prior arrangement with the program director; enrollment is limited; Pre-/co-requisites: ENG 242, ORBH 315, 325, 3.0 GPA in the major)

EPM 301, EPM 303, and EPM 310 (9 credits) and hold a 3.0 GPA in the major. A professional field experience in the application of emergency management and planning skills. Students can apply for positions that will provide hands-on field experience to enhance their career readiness and receive credits through a structured learning experience. (By prior arrangement with the program director; enrollment is limited; Pre-requisites: EPM 301, 303, 310, 3.0 GPA in the major)

This elective course will prepare students for their careers in emergency management. Through a series of classroom sessions and independent study, students will complete the requirements to achieve Associate Certification in accordance with the PA Emergency Management Agency’s Professional Certification Program. Students will also prepare their professional portfolios, finalize their resumes, and LinkedIn profiles while exploring topics related to professional development by engaging with subject matter experts and touring emergency management facilities at different jurisdictional levels.

This course provides students with a broad overview of the games industry. It covers the state of the industry, the societal impact of games, and the fundamentals of game creation. Additionally, students will explore the different genres of games and improve their understanding of the heuristics and aesthetics of play. This course is created in accordance with the Unity Curriculum Framework and the IGDA 2020 education guidelines. This course requires no prior knowledge of game design or programming.

Esports is one of the fastest growing industries, attracting 450 million viewers and generating over $1bn in revenue in 2020. This course will introduce you to the history of competitive gaming and will explore its ecosystem. You will learn to navigate Esports leagues, teams, players, publishers, tournament operators, media and affiliate organizations. Furthermore, you’ll get firsthand experience in analyzing the space.

The role of a publisher in the games industry is to ensure that a game can get in front of its audience successfully. To do that, a publisher must consider a variety of distribution strategies and channels. This course explains the role of a publisher in game distribution and details the various channels by which a game can be distributed.