The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Emergency Management certificate program for graduate and undergraduate credit is the first of its kind in the state of Wisconsin.
The program responds to and anticipates challenges as varied and fresh as today’s headlines. Emergencies resulting in catastrophic loss of life, property and resources are unfortunate facts of life, worldwide. Some believe the risk of hazardous events will only increase, a consequence of mankind’s growing ability to alter the environment, more numerous and increasingly severe weather events, the rise of global terrorism, and the ability of viruses and contagious diseases to spread rapidly in an interconnected world.
As a result, today’s emergency managers need to be well educated, prepared and informed. Federal officials have recommended there be a college-credit emergency management program in every state. There is general consensus the field is evolving into a professional area requiring advanced education.
Impacts from a disaster can be lessened when businesses, emergency personnel and governments put well-designed plans into action. Such planning requires skills in budgeting, administration, management and emergency operation procedures.
What Will You Learn?
The UW-Green Bay Certificate in Emergency Management, Planning and Administration provides coursework in:
- Budgeting
- Mitigation
- Planning
- Responding
- Recovery from natural and man-made disasters
The certificate program is made up of five three-credit courses:
- Principles and Practices of Emergency Management
- Strategic Emergency Preparedness, Planning and Implementation
- Principles and Practices of Disaster Response Operations and Management
- Disaster Recovery
- Political and Policy Dimensions of Emergency Management
Courses are taught by university faculty members and knowledgeable professionals from the community.
Who Should Enroll?
The courses offered in the Emergency Management, Planning and Administration program are designed for those already in the profession as well as those pursuing an interest in the field. This includes:
- Public safety personnel (emergency management, airport personnel, fire and police)
- General public-sector managers responsible for emergency management
- Industrial emergency responders (fire and hazardous materials)
- Institutional emergency planners (schools, hospitals and prisons)
- Business continuity planners (banking, manufacturing, insurance and corporations)
- Individuals from nonprofit agencies
What Is The Course Delivery Option?
Students and instructors will meet face-to-face three weekends each semester (Friday evening and all day Saturday). Courses will be held in Green Bay. See our website, www.uwgb.edu/em/ , for hotels and motels close to the course site.
How Long Will It Take To Complete The Certificate?
The certificate can be completed in two years.
Admission Requirements
Graduate credit can be earned if you are a holder of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Admission to the University is required for certificate program participants. If you have attended UW-Green Bay, you must re-apply unless you have been enrolled during the preceding semester. The application form is posted on our website (www.uwgb.edu/em/ ) or you can receive one by calling us. For further information call (800) 892-2118, and ask for Kassie VanRemortel for assistance.
Course Descriptions
Principles and Practices of Emergency Management
The overall objective of the course is to examine the theories, principles, and practices of emergency management. The philosophy of comprehensive emergency management will be discussed with the four attendant steps — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. In addition, the ramifications of state and federal laws affecting emergency operations will be studied.
Strategic Emergency Preparedness, Planning and Implementation
Strategic planning and budgeting is a crucial component of emergency planning and mitigation. The course examines how to acquire and allocate resources and gain long-term support.
Principles and Practices of Disaster Response Operations and Management
Focal points of this course are the principles that promote effective disaster response operations in emergency management. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of the players in a crisis event, and identify possible problems associated with response operations such as inadequate preparedness measures, safety and site security, politics, communication, coordination and record keeping.
Disaster Recovery
This course examines disaster recovery in isolation from and in relation to the preparedness, response and mitigation phases of comprehensive emergency management. It explores the short- and long-term effects of disasters, as well as the process of putting families, businesses and communities back together. The class will also identify the importance of reconstruction, relocation, and regulations in reducing future disaster vulnerability.
Political and Policy Dimensions of Emergency Management
This course considers the political and policy environment in which emergency management is practiced. This course is based squarely within the realm of government.
