Emergency Management

Program Overview

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Emergency Management Associate Certificate

Program Overview

The Emergency Management Associate Certificate is designed for high school and university graduates, as well as professionals working in emergency management or public safety roles. This program delivers recognized credentials in the field and can be completed entirely online in self-paced and instructor-led courses.

Program Details

What You Need to Graduate

The program consists of 15 credits. Students who successfully complete the required credits/courses will receive an Associate Certificate in Emergency Management.

Program Format

This program is a 15-credit program that can be completed entirely online. Our course schedule allows you to complete the Associate Certificate as quickly as four months, or take courses at your own pace and complete it anytime within three (3) years.

Tuition & Fees

The Associate Certificate in Emergency Management is a 15-credit program. Tuition fees are charged on a per course basis. (See the course pages for descriptions and prices).

Admission Requirements

• High school graduation diploma (or equivalent)

Students who are at least 21 years of age who do not have BC Grade 12, or equivalency, or who cannot access their high school transcript may still be considered for admittance to the program as a mature student identified in the JIBC Admissions policy.

Required Documents

• A letter of approximately 250 words describing your interest in the certificate program.

Courses in This Program

Foundation Courses

• EMRG-1100 Introduction to Emergency Management in Canada
• EMRG-1200 Incident Command System Level 100
• EMRG-1300 Introduction to Emergency Operations Centres
• EMRG-1600 Introduction to Emergency Support Services
• EMRG-1607 Level One Emergency Support Services

Core Courses

• EMRG-1121 Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analyses
• EMRG-1130 Developing Personal Preparedness Programs
• EMRG-1132 Planning for Community Disaster Recovery
• EMRG-1136 Community Evacuations
• EMRG-1139 Developing Emergency Management Plans
• EMRG-1143 Psychosocial Resilience in Disasters
• EMRG-1150 Introduction to Emergency Management Exercise Design
• EMRG-1170 Introduction to Business Continuity Management
• EMRG-1320 Emergency Operations Centre Essentials
• EMRG-1334 Information Officer
• EMRG-1195 Emergency Management Final Assessment

Electives

• EMRG-1220 Incident Command System Level 200
• EMRG-1230 Incident Command System Level 300
• EMRG-1330 Emergency Operations Centre - Operations Section
• EMRG-1331 Emergency Operations Centre - Planning Function
• EMRG-1332 Emergency Operations Centre - Logistics Section
• EMRG-1333 Emergency Operations Centre - Finance Section
• EMRG-1660 Public Safety Lifeline Leadership
• EMRG-1681 Emergency Social Services Director
• CRES-1100 Foundations of Collaborative Conflict Resolution
• CRES-1150 Theoretical Foundations of Dispute Resolution

Transfer Credit & Prior Learning Assessments

Q: I have taken Incident command system (ICS) training through a different training provider. Can I get credit for it at JIBC?

A: Waiving Prerequisites: Students wishing to have an ICS prerequisite waived in order to take a higher level of ICS at JIBC will need to submit documentation of successful completion of the lower level ICS course for approval by EMD.

Transfer Credit: Students wishing to receive credit for an ICS course taken at a different post-secondary institution may be able to do so through JIBC’s Transfer Credit process.

Prior Learning Assessments: Students wishing to receive credit for an ICS course taken through a different training provider that JIBC does not accept, learners may do so through JIBC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process.

Taking Courses & Completing the Program

Q: What’s my progress in the program?

A: By logging into your Self-Service Portal, you can view the courses you have completed at the JIBC (as well as lots of other information too.) Use this resource to check off the courses with the program checklist.

Q: When are the courses scheduled?

A: For planning purposes, EMD provides an annual course training schedule available under the Program Details tab above.

Q: How do I audit a course?

A: Auditing a course means sitting in on the content portion of the course but not doing any of the evaluated activities. Students wishing to audit a course must declare this intention at the time of registration. They will be enrolled in the course under an Audit status, which will deny them access to the evaluative components of the course. Audited courses appear on students’ official transcripts, however, students do not receive the academic credits associated with them. The fee for auditing a course is the same as the regular tuition fee for the course.

Q: Are there any pre-course readings?

A: EMD’s Associate Certificate courses do not have any pre-course readings.

Q: Which room is my on-campus course in?

A: Room allocations can change at the last minute. When you arrive at the New Westminster campus, check the computer monitor or check-in with reception to confirm your classroom location.

Q: What courses are available by correspondence?

A: Courses available by correspondence include EMRG-1100 Introduction to Emergency Management in BC, EMRG-1200 Incident Command System Level 100, EMRG-1300 Introduction to Emergency Operations Centres, EMRG-1600 Introduction to Emergency Support Services, and EMRG-1607 Level One Emergency Support Services.

Q: What is the difference between self-paced and guided online courses?

A: EMD has two types of online courses in the Associate Certificate programs. In the Self-Paced courses, students work independently and can complete the course and assessment at any time during the scheduled start and end dates of the course. The Guided format is led by an instructor. Students will be interacting with their instructors and classmates. This format offers students the flexibility of working at their own pace to meet the weekly course requirements. Students should be prepared to spend approximately 3.5 hours per week on each course.

Q: When do I need to complete my online course? I don’t see the course dates within the online course.

A: The start and end dates of the online courses are listed when you register for the course. All course work must be completed by the scheduled end date of the course. For guided or instructor-led courses, all assignments and assessment deadlines throughout the course are listed in the class calendar.

Q: How do I access my online class?

A: JIBC has moved to a centralized portal for accessing both your student account information and your online classes. To access your online class, log into the myJIBC portal at elearn.jibc.ca and click on your class under Login to Online Classes. Your class will appear in your online course dashboard on the first day the course starts.

Q: Will I have access to the online course after it ends?

A: EMD’s online courses remain open for 30 days following the scheduled end date of the course. This means that you will have access to the course during this time for the purpose of viewing exam results and downloading materials, including the printable course manual.

Q: But it’s an online course! Don’t I have unlimited time to complete it?

A: Unfortunately, no. EMD courses have published start and end dates. All course work must be completed within those dates. Please keep this in mind when selecting your course section at the time of registration.

Q: I’m ready to take the final assessment. how do I enroll?

A: The final project in the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management is called a final assessment. Students may start the final assessment/capstone only upon the successful completion of all required and elective courses in the program.

Please contact EMD at or to have your student record reviewed to ensure you are eligible to register for the final assessment/capstone.

Q: I have completed my final assignment. what’s next?

A: Congratulations! Successful completion of the final assignment is the final step in completing the program. EMD will put your name forward to JIBC’s Board of Governors for graduation from the program. Your Associate Certificate will be issued at by the Office of the Registrar and mailed to you directly.

Please note, programs 20 credits or less are not included Convocation.

Program Outline

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Bachelor of Emergency and Security Management Studies (BESMS)

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Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Emergency and Security Management Studies (BESMS) is a four-year, 120-credit online program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage emergencies and security threats effectively.

• Develop expertise in risk assessment, mitigation, planning, response, and recovery strategies.
• Hone critical thinking and problem-solving skills for effective decision-making in emergencies and crises.
• Enhance communication and leadership skills for effective team collaboration and public engagement.
• Prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities in the emergency and security management field.

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Program Description:

The BESMS program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of emergency and security management:

• Emergency Management Fundamentals: Explores the history, theoretical foundations, and legal framework surrounding emergency management.
• Risk and Vulnerability Assessment: Provides students with the tools to analyze hazards, assess risks, and identify vulnerabilities in various contexts.
• Emergency Planning and Response: Covers the principles of emergency planning, including developing response strategies, conducting exercises, and coordinating multi-agency responses.
• Recovery and Mitigation: Focuses on post-disaster recovery frameworks, mitigation strategies for reducing future risks, and building community resilience.
• Security Management: Explores various security threats and vulnerabilities, including cybersecurity, terrorism, and critical infrastructure protection.
• Ethics and Law: Examines the ethical and legal considerations relevant to emergency and security management, including human rights, privacy, and accountability.
• Internship: Provides students with practical experience in the field, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

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Outline:

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Content:

The BESMS curriculum is structured around core courses, electives, and a final capstone project.

• Core Courses: These courses provide foundational knowledge in emergency and security management, covering topics like emergency planning, risk assessment, response strategies, recovery, mitigation, leadership, communication, ethics, and law.
• Electives: Students can choose electives based on their specific interests and career aspirations.
The program offers a wide range of electives, including:
• Crisis and Disaster Management
• Public Safety and Policing
• Environmental Emergencies and Climate Change
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Mass Casualty Management
• Emergency Management in the Healthcare Sector
• Disaster Law and Policy
• Human Factors in Emergency Management
• Leadership and Decision-Making in Complex Environments
• Capstone Project: The final capstone project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world emergency management problem, showcasing their ability to conduct research, analyze data, develop solutions, and communicate their findings effectively.

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Structure:

The BESMS program is delivered entirely online through JIBC's Learning Management System (LMS). Students can access course materials, participate in online discussions, and complete assignments at their own pace, allowing for flexibility and convenience.

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Course Schedule:

The program follows a semester-based structure with four semesters per year. Each semester typically includes three to four courses, depending on the student's chosen electives.

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Individual Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Emergency and Security Management
• Explores the relationship between emergency and security management, highlighting their interconnected nature.
• Module 2: Hazards and Risks
• Examines different types of hazards and risks associated with natural disasters, technological failures, and human-made events.
• Module 3: Emergency Planning and Response
• Covers the principles and processes of developing comprehensive emergency plans, including incident command systems, response strategies, and resource allocation.
• Emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among various agencies and stakeholders during response efforts.
• Module 4: Recovery and Mitigation
• Explores post-disaster recovery frameworks, focusing on rebuilding communities, restoring infrastructure, and providing support to affected populations.
• Covers mitigation strategies aimed at reducing future risks and building community resilience.
• Module 5: Security Management
• Examines various security threats and vulnerabilities, including terrorism, cybercrime, critical infrastructure protection, and environmental security.
• Discusses different security measures and strategies for preventing and responding to security incidents.
• Module 6: Leadership and Communication
• Emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and communication in emergency and security management situations.
• Covers topics such as team dynamics, public information strategies, media relations, and crisis communication.
• Module 7: Ethics and Law
• Examines the ethical and legal considerations relevant to emergency and security management, including human rights, privacy, accountability, and emergency powers.
• Discusses the legal framework surrounding emergency response and disaster recovery.

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Assessment:

The BESMS program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students' learning outcomes:

• Assignments: Individual and group assignments require students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, demonstrating their understanding and problem-solving abilities.
• Exams: Online exams assess students' knowledge and comprehension of key course material.
• Case Studies: Students analyze and discuss real-world case studies, applying their knowledge and skills to practical situations.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings, analysis, and recommendations through oral and written presentations.
• Capstone Project: The final capstone project is assessed based on its originality, research quality, analysis, solution development, and presentation clarity.

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Teaching:

The BESMS program features a diverse faculty with extensive experience and expertise in emergency and security management. They are committed to creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment online.

• Experienced Instructors: The program instructors are active professionals in the field, bringing real-world insights and practical experience to the curriculum.
• Interactive Learning: The program utilizes various interactive learning methods, including online discussions, case studies, simulations, and guest lectures, to foster active student participation and engagement.
• Collaborative Learning: The program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork through group assignments, online discussions, and case study analysis, preparing students for the collaborative nature of emergency management careers.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BESMS program are well-prepared for a diverse range of careers in the emergency and security management field, including:

• Emergency Management Specialist
• Security Manager
• Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
• Business Continuity Planner
• Public Safety Officer
• Emergency Response Coordinator
• Risk Analyst
• Emergency Communications Specialist
• Policy Analyst
• Consultant
The program also prepares graduates for further academic pursuits in related fields, such as Master's degrees in Emergency Management or Disaster Management.

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Other:

• The BESMS program offers students the opportunity to participate in an internship, allowing them to gain valuable practical experience and network with professionals in the field.
• Students can specialize their studies by choosing electives that align with their specific interests and career aspirations.
• The program offers a flexible learning environment, allowing students to study at their own pace and balance their academic commitments with other responsibilities.
• Graduates of the BESMS program are eligible to write the Associate Emergency Manager (CEM) certification exam offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).