2024-2025 Pierce College Catalog
Emergency Management (AAS-T) Course Map
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Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your degree by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets degree requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time.
While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Associate in Applied Science-T Emergency Management, you are responsible for fulfilling all degree requirements.
Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!
Employment Eligibility Information
A criminal history may inhibit your ability to find employment in Emergency Management fields. In addition, any recent history of drug use, including marijuana, may preclude you from federal employment. If you have any concerns please speak with an advisor.
Graduation Requirements:
- 2.0 minimum grade in all EM courses
- 1.5 minimum grade in all other courses. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should know that a 1.5 grade may not be eligible for transfer to other colleges
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ctcLink Plan Code: CRMHSAPT
2. Foundations of Emergency Management
The foundational course you choose will set the path for your degree, by introducing you to either non-Tribal or Tribal emergency management functions. While there is overlap between the two, each has their own unique requirements:
Choose one
- EM 102 Introduction to Emergency Management (5 credits)
Course purpose: A foundational course that will allow you to explore and affirm a career choice in the field of homeland security emergency management. It sets a common platform from which you can launch into other courses within the EM program. Or - EM 105 Introduction to Tribal Emergency Management (5 credits)
Course purpose: This course lays the foundation of homeland security emergency management as it relates to Tribes and Alaska Native Villages. This course builds your understanding of the policies and doctrine that empower Emergency Management for Tribes and Alaska Native Villages and for sovereign entities that have the option of performing the emergency management function independently or with non-tribal partners.
3. Incident Management
The incident management course you choose introduce you to either non-Tribal or Tribal incident management concepts. While there is overlap between the two, each has their own unique requirements
Choose one
- EM 110 Incident Command System (ICS) (2 credits)
Course purpose: This course will provide you with an overview of the National Incident Management system and the role that the Incident Command System serves within in. You will learn the function of incident command and apply it to scenarios. Or - EM 111 Tribal Incident Management Systems (2 credits)
Course purpose: This course recognizes that Tribes and Alaska Native Villages utilize a wide variety of incident management structures or organize their emergencies and disasters. You will have opportunities to share and discuss best practices from within tribal emergency management.
4. Digital Literacy: Productivity Software
- CIS 130 Productivity Software (5 credits)
Course purpose: As a Homeland Security Emergency Management professional, you will utilize productivity software every day of your career. In this class, you will learn the essential computer programs that will lead to your success both in college and in your career.
Note: If applying to the BAS EM program, a 2.0 minimum grade is required. If you are not applying to the BAS EM program, a 1.5 minimum grade is required.
5. Mathematics
The math course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following, whether you intend to transfer to another school or continue on to a bachelor’s degree, and your math placement guidance. Your Advisor will help you select the correct math course, which may include one of the following, with or without a co-requisite lab.
Choose one
- MATH& 107 Math in Society (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will apply contemporary mathematics to a wide range of problems, many of which relate to emergency management. Or - MATH& 146 Introduction to Stats (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn how to do basic statistical analysis and interpret data. Emergency management careers rely heavily upon data for a wide variety of purposes and it is important that you be able to properly interpret it.
6. Writing Skills
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn the fundamentals of writing, which is an essential skill for emergency management professionals. Note: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course.
8. Public Administration or Traditional Knowledge
In this block you will learn fundamentals of working with the systems that support emergency management. If you are thinking about a career in government or non-profit work, EM 180 is the right choice for you. If you are thinking about a career in Tribal emergency management EM 205 is the right choice. If you are thinking about a career in the private sector, take the class that seems most interesting to you!
Choose one
- EM 180 Public Administration (3 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn how public administration functions interact with emergency management functions at all types of organizations, including public, private, and non-profit. Or - EM 205 Cultural Preservation & Traditional Knowledge (4 credits)
Course purpose: Cultural heritage and traditional knowledge are cornerstones of Tribal and Native Alaskan Village life. In this course, you will learn how to preserve cultural heritage and incorporate traditional knowledge into your emergency management program.
9. Cultural Awareness
Choose one of the following courses, which will help you understand some of the cultures you will interact with in emergency management. Your advisor can assist you in choosing your course.
Humanities Options (recommended if continuing to the HSEM bachelor’s degree)
10. Communications
Emergency management professionals spend a great deal of time communicating with people in written and spoken form, to a variety of cultures. Choose a communications course that will help you develop the skills you feel will be the hardest for you to master.
Choose one
- CMST& 101 Introduction to Communications (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn about verbal and non-verbal communication and how to overcome barriers to communication. You will also make a presentation, which is an important skill in emergency management. - CMST& 220 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (5 credits)
Course purpose: Many emergency management professionals need to speak in front of large and small audiences. In this class you will practice giving presentations in order to become more comfortable with them. - CMST& 230 Small Group Communication (5 credits)
Course purpose: Emergency management professionals work in a variety of teams and small groups. In this class, you will learn how to effectively communicate in small groups. - CMST& 240 Intercultural Communication (5 credits)
Course purpose: The examination of the effects of culture upon the process of communication. Using theory and skill development, students are prepared to communicate effectively both within and across cultures.
11. Emergency Planning
The emergency planning course you choose introduces you to either non-Tribal or Tribal incident management concepts. While there is overlap between the two, each has their own unique requirements.
Choose one
- EM 120 All Hazards Emergency Planning (3 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn about the many kinds of plans written for emergency management purposes. You will learn to use planning guides, evaluations tools, and community demographics to make planning recommendations. Or - EM 121 Planning for Tribal Emergency Management (3 credits)
Course purpose: Planning is a core function of every aspect of emergency management. In this course you will learn about the various plans created in the workplace, with a special emphasis on how those plans must be written for use in a Tribal environment.
Action Item: Meet with Advisor
Meet with your advisor to check-in on your degree plan and make sure you’re on-track to graduate. Your Advisor will help you make any necessary changes to your plan.
14. Professional Development
- EM 249 Professional Development 1 (2 credits)
Course Purpose: You should take this class two terms prior to doing your work-based learning (internship). In it you will learn how to write a resume, practice interview skills, and search for jobs and internships.
15. Natural Science with Lab
Any Natural Science with Lab course is acceptable, but we suggest one of these for their direct relevance to emergency management. Take the one that is most interesting to you.
Choose one
- ATMOS 101 Introduction to Weather (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn about weather, which is a primary cause of natural disasters. - GEOG 210 Physical Geography (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn about climate, weather, geography, landforms, and vegetation, all of which are part of hazard identification and mitigation in emergency management. - GEOL& 110 Environmental Geology (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and flooding, and how each of those types of hazards might impact people. - GEOL 107 Exploring Earth Science (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this course you will learn the basic concepts of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy, all of which are vital to understanding hazards in an emergency management context.
16. Social Science Requirement 1
Social science helps us understand how people interact with the world around them. Disasters and emergencies directly affect people, and it is important to understand how people might respond to them. Pick the course that is most interesting to you.
Choose one
18. Disaster Recovery
- EM 230 Disaster Recovery (2 credits)
Course purpose: In this course you will learn the basic concepts of disaster recovery, including how individuals, families, businesses, and government agencies can access recovery resources.
19. Elective
Emergency management professionals work in a variety of sectors, disciplines, and industries. You will work with your advisor to choose a class that most closely aligns with your career interests. While we suggest these classes, you may also want to pick from Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Anthropology, Business, Occupational Safety and Health, World Languages, or others.
Choose one of the following or a class that is approved by your Advisor
- EM 190 Emergency Management Special Topics (3 credits)
Course purpose: In this class you will learn about a special topic in emergency management. The topic changes every term, so be sure to check before you enroll. - EM 205 Cultural Preservation & Traditional Knowledge (4 credits)
Course purpose: Cultural heritage and traditional knowledge are cornerstones of Tribal and Native Alaskan Village life. In this course, you will learn how to preserve cultural heritage and incorporate traditional knowledge into your emergency management program. - EM 215 Tribal Emergency Management - Grants (4 credits)
Course purpose: Grants are the backbone of many emergency management programs. In this class you will learn how to identify, apply for, and successfully manage grants, with a special emphasis on grants that are available to Tribal and Native Alaska Village entities. - EM 260 Introduction to Healthcare Emergency Management (5 credits)
Course Purpose: Healthcare emergency management is based on the same principles as other types of emergency management, but with some very specific differences. In this class you will learn about the specific rules and laws that apply to healthcare, the specific types of incident command that must be used, and various special considerations the must be accounted for in the healthcare environment.
20. Exercise Design
- EM 210 Exercise Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
Course purpose: Every organization has to practice the emergency plans they have created using exercises. In this class, you will learn how to design, facilitate, and evaluate exercises for an organization.
22. Natural Science
Any Natural Science course is acceptable, but we suggest one of these for their direct relevance to emergency management.
Choose one
- GEOG 250 Introduction to Maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this course you will learn about how maps are made and used and you will learn the practical applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emergency Management professionals rely heavily upon maps and mapping capabilities for all phases of emergency management. - GEOL 112 Geohazards and Natural Disasters (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this course you will develop a deeper comprehension of what drives the majority of geology-related incidents, emergencies and disasters that fall within the responsibilities of an emergency management professional. - ENVS 150 Environmental Issues (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this course you will develop a deeper comprehension of the environmental issues that face the planet. Environmental issues must be taken into account when the emergency management professional creates preparedness and mitigation plans. - ENVS& 100 Survey of Environmental Science (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this course you will gain a deeper understanding of environmental concepts, which must be taken into account during disaster mitigation, planning, response, and recovery.
24. Social Science Requirement 2
Social science helps us understand how people interact with the world around them. Disasters and emergencies directly affect people, and it is important to understand how people might respond to them. Pick the course that is most interesting to you.
Choose one
- POLS& 101 Introduction Political Science (5 credits)
Course purpose: This course will help you understand political systems and how they impact policy. Often, governmental policy will dictate how an emergency management professional approaches their work. - POLS& 202 American Government (5 credits)
Course purpose: This course will help you understand the American political system and how it creates policy. Often, governmental policy will dictate how an emergency management professional approaches their work. - POLS& 203 International Relations (5 credits)
Course purpose: This course will introduce you to the interactions that occur among countries. Emergencies and disasters often cross national boundaries, particularly in Washington and other border states. - ECON& 201 Microeconomics (5 credits)
Course purpose: You will learn about the allocation of resources and supply and demand, labor, capital markets and international trade. This is essential knowledge when developing emergency plans. - ECON& 202 Macroeconomics (5 credits)
Course purpose: You will learn about the US economy so that you can recognize how it is impacted by emergencies and disasters. - HIST& 158 History of US III (5 credits)
Course purpose: In this course, you will learn about the history of the United States since 1900. Many of the changes that occurred during that time were tied to emergencies and disasters and it is important to recognize how future emergencies and disasters might impact the future.
25. Work-based Learning (Internship)
ctcLink Plan Code: CRMHSAPT
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