Curriculum

Certificate in Emergency Management - 18 credits

Required Courses
EMER 210	Hazard Mitigation	3.00 credits
EMER 215	Public Management in Times of Crisis	3.00 credits
EMER 220	Emergency Incident Risk Management	3.00 credits
EMER 225	Infrastructure Disaster Recovery	3.00 credits

ElectivesStudents select two of the following courses
EMER 235	Public Information Strategies	3.00 credits
EMER 245	Search and Rescue	3.00 credits
EMS 307	Critical Incident Stress Management	3.00 credits
EMS 445	Organizing Community Response in Disasters	3.00 credits

Course Descriptions

EMER 210 Hazard Mitigation - 3.00 credits

This course examines risks associated with natural and man-made hazards and explores how to reduce threats to life and property.

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EMER 215 Public Management in Times of Crisis - 3.00 credits

This course covers comprehensive disaster plans and training for the public manager. The course will include planning for natural disasters and accidents, and planning for events related to terrorism.

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EMER 220 Emergency Incident Risk Management - 3.00 credits

This course will focus on risk management skills used by first responders to emergency incidents. Particular attention will be paid to the emergency operations systems of the Philadelphia police and fire departments in conjunction with the Managing Director's Office of Emergency Management.

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EMER 225 Infrastructure Disaster Recovery - 3.00 credits

This course will focus on the recovery of a business after a disaster occurs. This course will take the view of the private business enterprise and ways to maintain business as usual. The course will provide information about the process of business recovery planning.

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EMER 235 Public Information Strategies - 3.00 credits

This course presents ways organizations handle and disseminate information to the public. Specifically, the course will analyze the role of the public information officer, the procedures for providing information to internal and external audiences, dealing with media outlets, and the importance of crisis communication plans.

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EMER 245 Search and Rescue - 3.00 credits

This course will focus on the fundamentals of Search and Rescue (SAR) skills and training. Students will be taught the proper use of equipment and how to assist people in distress by using SAR systems to provide responses to lost, injured, or overdue people who may be in harm's way in varied environments.

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EMS 307 Critical Incident Stress Management - 3.00 credits

Investigates the impact and consequences of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on victims, families, emergency workers and community members resulting from natural and man-made disasters. Readings and discussions will center on psychological, biological, social and behavioral reactions to emergencies with an emphasis on risk factors, social support systems and treatment.

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EMS 445 Organizing Community Response in Disasters - 3.00 credits

This course will cover community preparation, planning, education, and integration of community response agencies into mass events.

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