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Contact: John  Pennington (FS)

The Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) Associate degree and certificate program is designed to prepare the next generation of emergency management and policy leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to improve outcomes in disasters of all types. The online  program incorporates instruction in policy as well as planning and operational components of emergency management and homeland security, including opportunities to gain practical experience and work with current incident management technologies. The program addresses competencies required of emergency management professionals in careers in government, private industry and non-profit sectors. Students explore the complex world of emergency and disaster management issues and learn the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to support and supervise comprehensive, integrated, and effective management in the event of natural, system-wide or human-induced crises.

The curriculum provides policy foundations and advances students through core competencies in hazard identification; risk and vulnerability assessment; planning; terrorism; mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; and planning for diverse populations. The Associate in Homeland Security Emergency Management degree will develop the students’ competencies to prepare for and respond to all hazard environments, and includes an understanding of socioeconomic and cultural diversity issues.

Pierce College also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Homeland Security Emergency Management degree program. This leadership and management degree program is part of a guided career pathway designed to prepare students to become 21st century emergency management professionals. The HSEM program is taught primarily online to train adults to oversee all-hazard emergency planning and training programs, coordinate disaster planning, and coordinate response and recovery efforts.

Traditional career pathways into emergency management jobs have evolved, and an industry need for HSEM professionals with complex, cross-functional jobs requires new skill sets. There is a growing need in all sectors of the community for agile career professionals who understand the complex nature of emergency preparedness, disaster management and homeland security, including cyber security.

Recognition of the need for whole community involvement has led to the growth of professional homeland security and emergency management careers with a myriad of titles found in both the public and private sectors.

Professional/technical program competencies can be found on the Pierce College website at www.pierce.ctc.edu/dept/hsem/outcomes.

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