UG Course Descriptions

Examination of the emergency management practices used during an emergency situation by responders, particularly the structure and responsibilities of the Incident Command System (ICS), the management of facilities and resource identification. National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles are also discussed and applied.

This course prepares emergency response managers to conduct a comprehensive, capabilities-based threat and risk assessment for terrorism/all-hazards incidents under the National Response Framework (NRF) and National Preparedness Guidelines. Learners will identify shortfalls, perform gap analysis and develop a needs assessment to fill shortfalls/gaps identified within the preparedness cycle.

Introduction to the general principles of accounting and budgets specific to emergency management, including an overview of fiscal issues related primarily to the public sector in emergency services, specifically public funding sources, spending, budgeting/allocations, risk management, and grant writing. The fundamentals of financial planning, cost concepts, capital budgeting and management analysis are applied in the public and private sectors. Issues surrounding the development and management of budgets are also examined.

An overview of the major legal and liability issues in emergency management. The focus is on the legal environment within which emergency managers operate, including their roles in rule-making, policy administration, contract law and their potential personal legal liability for discretionary actions.

Hazard mitigation reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters and helps break the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. Mitigation efforts can contribute to a community’s preparedness, which is a state of readiness to respond to disasters or other emergency situations. This course will introduce the major principles involved with emergency preparedness, including mitigating the impact of hazards in the context of emergency / disaster management.

This course provides a basic overview of disaster response and recovery, focusing on methods to manage and minimize the consequences of disasters (natural, man-made, and technical). The components of response and recovery are reviewed in the context of strategies that organizations, particularly governmental bodies, and communities can utilize to respond to and recover emergency situations.

This course prepares emergency managers to consider the human dimensions of disaster, and to operate effectively with the public and media concerning a variety of threats to community wellbeing. Students will understand and learn to develop strategies for community-based planning,communicating and negotiating with the public, and managing conflict.

The course examines the fundamentals of the emergency operations planning process, including the art and science of planning. The focus is on developing effective all-hazard emergency operations plans that save lives and protect property threatened by disaster. The course considers the spectrum of emergency planning and explores processes used to develop strategic plans. Upon completion of the course, students will have a broad knowledge of many aspects of emergency operations planning.

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.