Homeland Security/Emergency Management (AAS-T)

The Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) Associate degree 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 predominantely 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 federal, state, or local government. 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.

This degree transfers to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Homeland Security Emergency Management program at Pierce College.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply effective interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills commensurate with a defined level of responsibility.
2. Develop agency/organization specific tools to evaluate specific domestic security challenges for the 21st Century that face the United States and other industrialized nations.
3. Design and modify plans and programs at federal, state, and/or local levels to reflect the evolving strategic policy issues associated with a statutory and presidential direction for homeland security.
4. Interpret ethical and legal issues that impact emergency management and homeland security.
5. Recognize how to access and disseminate information through multiple agencies in order to forecast the risks, types, and orders of magnitude of terrorist threats most likely to confront the nation/state.
6. Define the interdisciplinary nature of Homeland Security/Emergency Management functions and be able to assess and integrate various functional areas.
7. Develop policies, procedures, and protocols to allow seamless agency integration from prevention to incident response scenarios.
8. Apply a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to assume leadership roles in emergency management, homeland security, and/or public policy.
9. Participate in employer-directed training for performance enhancement and career advancement.