Emergency Management

Overview

Manage complex emergencies and catastrophic events.

Notre Dame College’s online B.A. in Emergency Management and Policy Studies program teaches you how to plan for and manage complex emergencies and crisis events. With a focus on risk management, hazard mitigation planning and building resilient communities, our program prepares students for dynamic fields of employment in both the public and private sectors.

Given the field’s need for strong leaders who understand the reasoning in tactical response plans, our online emergency management courses deliver an interdisciplinary approach that builds the range of skills you need to be truly effective.

You can graduate with your B.A. in Emergency Management and Policy Studies in as little as two years, emerging as a leader who can mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters and man-made emergencies.

Topics of Study

Topics Include:

• Crisis leadership
• Disaster communications and technology
• Disaster relief and recovery
• Planning, risk analysis and threat assessment
• Politics of homeland security
• Terrorism

You will build skills in risk assessment, strategic and hazard mitigation planning, civilian and staff management and disaster response and recovery as you learn how to communicate effectively and lead teams through a time of crisis.

Throughout our online emergency management courses, you will use state-of-the-art software training to conduct crisis simulations, create after-action reports and improve crisis decision-making so you graduate with hands-on experience.

Our online emergency management degree pays attention to policy process and development, so you have an understanding of contemporary issues in emergency management and the emerging issues which impact the field at the local, state and national levels.

The online format of the emergency management bachelor’s degree program means you can study where and when it’s best for you. This means you can get the credentials you need for a critical field while you continue to work.

Learning Outcomes

Complete the online emergency management degree at Notre Dame College and be ready on day one of your new position to:

1. Describe and analyze the basic structure of the Federal Emergency Management System including assistance, communications, disaster relief, planning and the emergency management cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
2. Critically evaluate the role and purpose of response and recovery in emergency planning and policy development and implications for social change.
3. Critique the federal, state and local emergency management systems, including the legal, theoretical and public policy issues that impact them.
4. Compare and contrast contemporary emergency management issues through the application of current theories and literature as they impact the American Emergency Management System.
5. Construct and evaluate research designs and methods that evaluate emergency management systems, programs and planning.
6. Apply knowledge of diversity by discussing effects of diversity within the context of the emergency management system.

This Online Emergency Management Degree Is Designed For:

• Public safety professionals – such as police, firefighters, hospital workers, paramedics and more – who want to advance to emergency management roles.
• Military veterans transitioning to civilian careers in emergency and disaster management.
• Organized professionals who remain calm in a crisis, dedicate themselves to process and improvements and natural leaders others look to in a time of crisis.
• Working professionals seeking a flexible program that will help them enter an in-demand field.
• Current police officers who are looking for an accelerated path* towards career advancement.

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Courses & Requirements

Our B.A. in Emergency Management and Policy Studies program emphasizes collaboration in how crisis and disaster management professionals communicate and interact with businesses, the public and the government. Our program requires 33 credit hours within the major. Additionally, all students are required to complete 87 credit hours of foundational studies.

Core Curriculum: Foundational Studies (87 Hours)

Foundational studies courses offer students a comprehensive introduction to a range of subject areas and help build skills necessary for academic and personal success. Choose from 37-plus electives.

Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management (33 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
EMPS 150	Principles of Emergency Management This course provides an overview of emergency management in the United States. Topics covered include the history and philosophy of emergency management, the four phases of the emergency management cycle and the role of agencies at federal, state and local levels with an emphasis on natural, technological and terrorism hazards. Pre-requisite: None	3
PO 210	State and Local Government and Politics This course examines the institutions, processes and intergovernmental relations at a state and local level. Particular attention will be paid to contemporary issues and problems of state and local governments.	3
EMPS 250	Disaster Relief and Recovery Disaster recovery is the last phase in the emergency management cycle. It is a complex process that involves the whole community of public, private and non-governmental organizations. This course will examine the foundations for disaster relief and recovery including the planning stages of recovery, resources used and formation of public/private partnerships for recovery action and resource allocation. Pre-requisite: EMPS 150.	3
EMPS 300	Planning, Risk Analysis and Threat Assessment This course provides an introduction to critical infrastructure protection and the policies, strategies and practical applications of risk and resilience efforts from an all-hazards perspective. The course is designed to enhance the student’s ability to recognize and evaluate risks associated with human-caused, natural and technological disasters through a myriad of risk management approaches, including best practices used by the homeland security enterprise. Pre-requisite: EMPS 150, EMPS 250.	3
PO 350	Introduction to Social Science Research This course examines the research process through the logic of social science inquiry and contemporary analysis techniques. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
IP 350	Terrorism An examination of the origins of terrorism and its evolution in order to develop an understanding of the roots, development and impact of contemporary worldwide terrorism, especially in the United States. Special attention will be given to methods of recruitment, terrorist methodology and how terrorists use traditional and social media to achieve their goals. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
EMPS 360	Disaster Communications & Technology This course provides an overview of disaster communications and the various types of technologies used in preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Special focus is placed on the increased use of social media platforms and the variety of challenges these methods present. Pre-requisites: Sophomore standing.	3
PO 415	Politics of Homeland Security This course will examine the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) and the politics involved in the efforts to ensure the safety and security of our nation. Topics presented include: all-hazards emergency response and recovery, intelligence and counterterrorism, border security, transportation safety and security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission.	3
EMPS 425	Crisis Leadership This course offers a look at leadership before, during and after a crisis event. It examines the responsibilities and practices of emergency response agencies, police, government and non-profit organizations in response to natural disasters, terrorism and technological hazards. Students will examine case studies and participate in crisis decision-making simulations to prepare themselves as future crisis leaders. Pre-requisite: Junior standing.	3
EMPS 450	Senior Research Seminar This course is designed to provide EMPS majors with a capstone experience emphasizing the integration of knowledge acquired in previous courses on the institutions, policies and practices of the U.S. Emergency Management System. Students engage in the development and production of a senior-level research paper grounded in appropriate theory and policy literature. Prerequisite: Senior standing or departmental permission.	3
EMPS 495	Emergency Management Policy Studies Internship This course is designed to provide EMPS majors with an internship experience in an agency or organization of their choosing. Course may be waived for those with significant experience in the field.	3

*Police officers who have successfully completed OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) as designated by an official transcript or certificate may use their experience to transfer up to 30 credit hours towards this degree. Students who have completed police academy training out of state may also be eligible.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the online B.A. in Emergency Management and Policy Studies degree program, you must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and official transcripts from all high schools (or GED score) and/or previously attended accredited institutions.

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online emergency management degree program must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official high school transcripts or GED score
3. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

Start your online application now.

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Careers

Learn more about potential careers available after you graduate. Some include:

• CERT Team Coordinator
• Community preparedness trainer
• Critical infrastructure manager
• Debris management planner
• Disaster case manager
• Emergency management director
• Logisticians
• Mass casualty responder

Related Programs

Learn more about similar programs of study offered by Notre Dame College.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps can I take to succeed in an online program?

Success as an online student requires self-motivation. Online students practice discipline as they work to meet obligations at school, home and work. Each week, you will dedicate time to coursework, and it is essential to take part in discussions and meet assignment deadlines. If you need information or have questions, be sure to reach out to your advisor.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.

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