Experimental Graduate Level course in Emergency Management

History and perspectives of the field, hazards concepts and taxonomies, all-hazards approach, phases of emergency management, risk assessment, risk communication, emergency management functions, sustainable development, best practices, the EOC, the disaster plan, CEM, IAEM, forging intra- and intergovernment relationships. Offered in fall and spring.

The emergency-management professional is engaged in an ever-increasing workload involving reporting, budget preparation, grant applications and communicating with the public. This course is designed to enhance the necessary skills for the emergency manager to successfully negotiate the increased demands of the profession. Offered in fall.

An overview of the findings of disaster sociology, including, but not limited to, an examination of the social science definition of disaster, the disaster mythology, the impact of the media, organizational challenges during disaster, creating and maintaining a disaster-resilient community, national and international disaster researchers and the research literature. Offered in fall.

This in-depth course provides the emergency responder with a greater appreciation of the challenges, responses and adjustments encountered by those exposed to disastrous events. Offered in spring.

An in depth investigation of emergency management practices as applied to response, and short term and long-term community recovery. The course will explore disaster recovery efforts with a foundation of statutory requirements, key concepts, core principles, roles and responsibilities of leadership, of individuals and households to governmental entities and between government and non-government sectors. Pre-requisite: EMGT 601

Natural Science examination of natural or environmental hazards and their associated risks. The overview will include hazards such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. Offered in summer and winter.

An examination of industrial and societal risks associated with the manufacture, handling, storing and transporting of biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological materials. Offered in spring.

A sociological exploration of what terrorism is, why it occurs, prudent approaches to reducing the incidence of terrorism, and failed approaches; the origins and functions of homeland security; the necessity of maintaining an all-hazards approach; and issues surrounding the placement of FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security. WMD history; an overview of the basic known biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear materials likely to be used as weapons; approaches to inoculation and treatment before and after exposure. Offered in spring of odd years.

Draws on communication theory to examine common challenges and best practices encountered in ernergency, crisis and risk communication situations by public information officers, public authorities, first responders, and health professionals. Provides the opportunity to develop strategies and communication solutions in interpersonal, rnediated, social n1edia, and public contexts. Prerequisites: EM 601 or permission of the instructor and MSEM director

International organizations and the challenges and experiences they commonly encounter in mitigating and responding to disaster events; considers if a global economy, global village will help or hinder future efforts. Offered in summer of odd years.

In-depth analysis of planning methodologies and constructs as well as pitfalls and limiting factors in the development and execution of emergency management plans at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. Origins of emergency management planning, applicable policies and legislation, historical incident review and analysis, contemporary and emerging planning doctrine, and advanced planning concepts.

In-depth investigation and development of one or more topics of current interest not addressed in current curriculum. Topics will vary according to the needs of students and the faculty involved. Offered periodically.

In-depth investigation and development of one or more topics of current interest not addressed in current curriculum. Topics will vary according to the needs of students and the faculty involved. Offered periodically

In-depth investigation and development of one or more topics of current interest not addressed in current curriculum. Topics will vary according to the needs of students and the faculty involved. Offered periodically.

In-depth investigation and development of one or more topics of current interest not addressed in current curriculum. Topics will vary according to the needs of students and the faculty involved. Offered periodically.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with emphasis on their use in emergency management. Covers the different types of GIS data available, sources of data and software tools for querying and spatially analyzing data. Offered in fall of odd years.

Provides a comparative perspective to emergency management by examining different governmental frameworks for emergency/disaster management from around the globe. Students will gain insight, through a variety of case studies into the connections between a country's political and legal culture, level of political-economic development and disaster vulnerability to the organization of its domestic emergency/disaster management system.

Theoretical perspectives drawn from sociology are applied to emergency management. The EM professional will develop insight into the common responses to planning, responding, recovery and mitigation. Offered in spring.

Intensive study of a particular emergency-management area, topic or event. Permission of program coordinator is required.

A capstone experience in which emergency management knowledge and skills are applied and integrated within a field experience. Those already working within an emergency management related career will use their current position as the basis for completing a project applicable to enhancing their current skills and applying best practices. The course will provide you with the opportunity to participate in supervised emergency management work activities, or focused research, that provide experiential and research-based learning in the application and integration of the theory and skills acquired in earlier coursework. Permission of the program coordinator is required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of 24 credit hours in the MSEM program, submission and approval of the Field Experience Practicum Proposal Form.