The Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) associate degree program is designed to prepare the next generation of emergency management and policy leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to improve outcomes in disasters of all types. The 98 credit online degree program includes instruction in policy as well as planning and operational components of emergency management and homeland security, including opportunities to gain practical experience and work with current incident management technologies.
The curriculum provides policy foundations and advances students through core competencies in hazard identification; risk and vulnerability assessment; planning; terrorism; mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; and planning for diverse populations. The Associate in Technology Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) degree will prepare students with the competencies to work in an all-hazards preparedness environment, including an understanding of socioeconomic and cultural diversity issues. Students are required to have access to computer, internet, and browser. This degree can be completed online.
Career Opportunities
The Federal Department of Labor identifies homeland security as a “high-demand field,” one that requires a large number of trained professionals across a number of industry sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 22 percent increase in emergency management specialist positions by 2014. Graduates may find positions with a variety of organizations in the public and private sectors. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit bls.gov/oes and search for the relevant occupational term.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply effective interpersonal communication, critical thinking and decision-making skills commensurate with a defined level of responsibility.
- Develop agency/organization specific tools to evaluate specific domestic security challenges for the 21st Century that face the United States and other industrialized nations.
- Design and modify plans and programs at federal, state, and/or local levels to reflect the evolving strategic policy issues associated with a statutory and presidential direction for homeland security.
- Interpret ethical and legal issues that impact emergency management and homeland security.
- Recognize how to access and disseminate information through multiple agencies in order to forecast the risks, types, and orders of magnitude of terrorist threats most likely to confront the nation/state.
- Define the interdisciplinary nature of Homeland Security/Emergency Management functions and be able to assess and integrate various functional areas.
- Develop policies, procedures and protocols to allow seamless agency integration from prevention to incident response scenarios.
- Apply a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to assume leadership roles in emergency management, homeland security, and/or public policy.
- Participate in employer-directed training for performance enhancement and career advancement.
DEGREE
Homeland Security, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree
CERTIFICATES
Homeland Security Emergency Management Certificate
Homeland Security Emergency Management Tribal Certificate