Program Overview

Introduction to Emergency Management and Homeland Security

The Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) is designed to prepare students to manage and understand risk, enabling societies to cope with natural and technological hazards. This program focuses on teaching specific, applicable skills to properly manage disaster systems through a four-phase approach.

Program Overview

The EMHS program is a growing field, driven by the increasing frequency and cost of disasters and major emergencies, as well as the complexity of response efforts. Federal and state legislation has heightened the demand for well-educated individuals skilled in emergency planning and preparedness across hospitals, businesses, industries, and all levels of government.

Accreditation and Uniqueness

The University of Akron's EMHS program is:

• The only Emergency Management and Homeland Security Bachelor of Science degree of its type available in Ohio.
• The first accredited program in the country.
• The third EMHS program to be created in the country.
• The only Emergency Management and Homeland Security B.S. degree program accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Program Delivery

The EMHS program is offered in various modes to accommodate busy schedules, including:

• Totally online web classes with flexible schedules.
• Traditional face-to-face classes on Akron's campus.

Admission Pathways

The program has two pathways for admission:

• Students can begin the degree as first-year students in the traditional pathway, which includes 15 credits of specialty coursework where students can choose an EMHS program specialty or concentration.
• The "Step-Up" degree pathway builds upon strong technical programs in disciplines such as fire protection, criminal justice, community services, environmental health and safety, and emergency medical services.

Core Curriculum

The Core Curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including:

• Disaster Vulnerability
• Disaster Mitigation, Planning, and Recovery
• Terrorism
• Hazard Science and Management
• Crisis Leadership
• Cyber Disaster Management
• Disaster Research Methods

Faculty Expertise

The faculty are nationally recognized in the following fields:

• Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• International Disaster Management
• Weapons of Mass Destruction and Hazardous Materials Management
• Climatology and Hazard Science
• Crisis and Disaster Leadership

Hands-on Experience

The program incorporates service learning into coursework and joint projects with emergency management agencies, businesses, and schools, providing students with opportunities for:

• Hazard analysis projects
• Disaster research interviews
• Hazardous weather observations
• Other practical classroom exercises

Real-world Experience

Students are required to gain practical professional experience through a senior internship, which provides first-hand, on-the-job experience in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Students are placed in areas of interest to connect academic learning to job employment and career opportunities.

Student Organization

Many students majoring in this field have joined the campus chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Employment and Wages

Employment and wage data for emergency management directors can be found through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research

The Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research at The University of Akron is dedicated to creating a supportive environment for research, academics, and outreach in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. This Center supports and encourages multidisciplinary endeavors in these fields that will make a positive contribution to society.

Program Options

The following program options are available:

• Bachelor of Science Degrees:
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Step-up Option)
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Step-up Online Option)
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security (4-Year Option)
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security (4-Year Online Option)
• Minors:
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Computer Security
  • Computer Forensics
• Certificates:
  • Cyber Disaster Management
  • Emergency Management
  • Computer Security

Accreditation, Program Outcomes, and Assessment

The program is accredited, with outcomes and assessment information available, including degree assessment, course outlines, and a program information sheet.