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Human Services & Behavioral Health

Emergency Management and Business Continuity Course Descriptions

EM 102: Introduction to Emergency Management

Credits: 5.0

Provides a broad overview for exploring a career in emergency management (EM). Students will learn what an emergency management professional does, what an emergency management program consists of, and how that can be applied to a variety of organizations. Previously EMERG 102.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define essential elements of an effective emergency management program.
  2. Define the many roles, responsibilities and functions of the professional emergency manager in addressing holistic community needs. 
  3. Describe the actions taken in hazard identification and components of an emergency plan and principles that guide the planning process.
  4. Examine the actions taken when planning for incident prevention and hazard mitigation in the context of population, infrastructure and equity.
  5. Describe basic components of mutual aid systems.  
  6. Analyze compliance requirements for emergency communications and warnings.

EM 110: Incident Command System

Credits: 2.0

This course describes the history, features, principles, and organization structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Previously EMERG 115.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the structure, roles, and purpose of the ICS as it is applied to emergency operations.  
  2. Analyze the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and its application to coordinating and integrating response to domestic incidents.  
  3. Apply Incident Command System principles to solve disaster response problems.  

EM 120: All Hazards Emergency Planning

Credits: 3.0

Introduction to fundamental concepts, systems, and processes that guide and support effective emergency management planning, including the history and rationale behind planning. Previously EMERG 125.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the historical basis of and rationale behind the modern emergency management planning processes and requirements. 
  2. Demonstrate how emergency planning is integrated throughout all aspects of the practice of emergency management. 
  3. Describe how the elements of risk analysis (i.e., frequency and consequence of hazards) inform and guide the creation of emergency management plans. 
  4. Explain why centering emergency planning on the concept of planning with the whole community creates better plans. 
  5. Describe the components of an emergency plan, including principles that guide the planning process, and resources/national standards that can be used in the planning process for all types of emergency planning.

EM 130: Technology and Emergency Management

Credits: 3.0

This class provides a detailed overview of the technology used and applied in the field of emergency management. Students will learn how to utilize technology in emergency planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts and they will identify key elements that must be in place for technology to enhance the emergency management process. Previously EMERG 137.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Compare the range of technologies available for emergency management use.   
  2. Utilize technology and access data.    
  3. Identify legal, ethical, and social elements in the employment of a technology.  
  4. Demonstrate a working level knowledge of developments in technology. 
  5. Research the potential impact of new technologies on emergency management.

EM 157: Public Information

Credits: 2.0

This course will prepare students to support emergency management public information operations, including integration with a Joint Information System, use of a Joint Information Center, coordination with on-scene public information officers, use of alert and warning systems, emergency and routine information distribution (including media and social media), and ensuring appropriate messaging for the whole community. Previously EMERG 157.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe characteristics and responsibilities that make an effective public information officer.
  2. Describe guidelines for department policies, which guide public information functions.  
  3. Describe purpose, elements, and roles in a joint information system/joint information system.
  4. Describe various types of alert and warning systems. 
  5. Identify access and functional needs that must be addressed in public messaging. 
  6. Create messages that are appropriate for specific audiences and platforms.

EM 160: Emergency Response Awareness to Terrorism

Credits: 5.0

Provides current and relevant information about terrorism, terrorist behavior, homeland security policies and dilemmas, and how to deal effectively with threats and the consequences of attacks. Previously EMERG 162.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a comprehension of the characteristics, threats, and risk associated with terrorism. 
  2. Examine the evolution and causes of terrorism around the world. 
  3. Explore and discuss federal, state, local and private sector procedures in preparedness measures, response, relief, and recovery. 
  4. Compare terrorist behavior with criminal activity  
  5. Examine the positive and negative features of modern news coverage of terrorism. 
  6. Evaluate measures for preventing terrorist attacks. 

EM 180: Public Administration

Credits: 3.0

This course provides an overview of the structure and issues of public service. Course participants will examine the context of public administration: the political system, the role of federalism, bureaucratic politics and power, and the various theories of administration that guide public managers today. Previously EMERG 182.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explore the context, nature and structure of public administration in America. 
  2. Compare and contrast the political, legal and social environment of public administration. 
  3. Discuss the nature of the decision-making process in public administration.
  4. Explain the budget process and planning. 
  5. Discuss the impact and influence of government regulation and administrative law over public affairs.

EM 200: Emergency Operations Center

Credits: 2.0

This course provides the student with skills and knowledge to manage an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), acquire and control resources, and interface with on-scene responders within Incident Management Systems. Previously EMERG 200. Prerequisite(s): Completion of EM 110 or EMERG 115.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Explain the purpose and management of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). 
  2. List the planning steps for designing a primary and alternate EOC. 
  3. Relate EOC operations to National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements, including public information. 

EM 210: Exercise Design and Evaluation

Credits: 3.0

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to develop, conduct, evaluate and report effective exercises that test a community's operations plan and operational response capability. Throughout the course, participants will learn about topics including exercise program management, design and development, evaluation, and improvement planning. It also builds a foundation for subsequent exercise courses, which provide the specifics of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and the National Standard Exercise Curriculum (NSEC). Previously EMERG 210. Prerequisite(s): Completion of EM 102 or EMERG 102with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe the exercise design process.
  2. Identify hazards that affect a community or organization.
  3. Develop a purpose statement for an exercise.  
  4. Develop objectives for an exercise.
  5. Design a discussion based exercise.  
  6. Develop exercise evaluation support material.

EM 220: Developing and Managing Volunteer Resources

Credits: 2.0

This course will focus on methods and procedures for involving volunteers in emergency management programs, with the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of volunteer resources. Previously EMERG 222.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Correlate the skills and knowledge required of volunteers in emergency management programs. 
  2. Describe how volunteers can be used most beneficially to meet an agency's needs. 
  3. Analyze the steps in developing a volunteer program 
  4. Develop a volunteer policy and job description. 
  5. Outline strategies for recruiting, retaining, assigning, training, supervising, and evaluating volunteers. 
  6. Analyze the role of volunteers and voluntary agencies in providing emergency assistance. 
  7. Describe methods that will ensure cultural humility and equity in managing volunteers in a diverse community.

EM 230: Disaster Recovery

Credits: 2.0

The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand and think critically about disaster recovery operations in the profession of emergency management. Students will utilize problem-based learning by analyzing actual disaster events and applying the theories, principals, and practice of disaster recovery. In addition, students will learn about the issues faced by the whole community and how to address access and functional needs in disaster recovery. Previously EMERG 240.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Examine what occurs during a disaster, and the impact it has on people, property and the environment. 
  2. Differentiate between the responsibilities of the local government after a disaster versus those of the state and federal government. 
  3. Analyze human responses to disasters. 
  4. Examine the process through which public and individual assistance may be obtained. 
  5. Describe special issues during recovery  
  6. Apply principles and practices of disaster recovery in case studies.

EM 240: Emergency Management Work-Based Learning

Credits: 1.0-5.0

Provides students "real world experiences" in emergency management. Students learn to work within time constraints and are exposed to appropriate workplace behaviors. Students will have opportunities to refine the core skills they have learned from the courses or curriculum. Previously EMERG 291. Prerequisite(s): EM 249 with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Obtain emergency management work experience through volunteering, job shadowing, interning, and/or agreeing to be evaluated by a current supervisor.    
  2. Set workplace learning objectives, develop a plan for accomplishing those objectives, document the learning process, and assess their success in reaching objectives.    
  3. Write a career path plan communicating where they want to be in their careers five years in the future and the steps they will take to make it happen. 

EM 249: Professional Development 1

Credits: 2.0

This course prepares the student for the Emergency Management AAS-T Work based Learning experience. Students will learn how to search for jobs and internships, prepare resumes and job applications, prepare for job and internship interviews, and create an appropriate professional portfolio. Course should be taken 2 terms prior to EM 240.  

Course Level Objectives

  1. Develop a Professional Portfolio exhibiting professional development efforts, progress, and achievements. 
  2. Develop model resumes, applications, cover letters, and references for appropriate level work positions.  
  3. Demonstrate the ability to identify job openings appropriate to the student's knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
  4. Prepare answers to routine EM related interview questions.  
  5. Demonstrate understanding of the work based learning experience by identifying potential WBL sites.

EM 250: Homeland Security Law and Policy

Credits: 4.0

This course is designed to give the student an overview of various statutes, regulations, constitutional law, and common law associated with Homeland Security Emergency Management. Students will be introduced to the legalities and ethics relevant to organizing for counterterrorism, investigating terrorism and other national security threats, crisis and consequence management. Previously EMERG 252.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Compare and contrast an effective policy with a poor policy.   
  2. Discuss ethical, legal, and social issues in Homeland Security. 
  3. Examine local, state, and federal dynamics involved with the introduction and implementation of new laws and regulations. 
  4. Explain laws and legal issues related to a disaster risk problem. 
  5. Describe important statutes and policies enacted post 9-11and their impact on emergency management.

EM 260: Introduction to Healthcare Emergency Management

Credits: 5.0

Provides the groundwork on which students can build a strong foundation for healthcare related disaster and emergency management. Addresses issues, policies, questions, best practices, and lessons learned through recent years; standards on healthcare emergency management and business continuity, and exposure to new and developing theories, practices, and technology in healthcare emergency management. 

Course Level Objectives

  1. Define essential elements of an effective healthcare emergency management program. 
  2. Define the role of CMS and other bodies of law for healthcare emergency management 
  3. Describe the role of accreditation in healthcare emergency management 
  4. Examine best practices for hazard identification and emergency planning for healthcare 
  5.  Describe basic components of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) for a hospital 
  6.  Examine the role of business continuity in healthcare and the relationship of business continuity to emergency management.
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