Emergency Management Courses at Capella University
Program Name:
BS - Emergency Management
| Principles of Emergency Management |
| Course Number |
PS4210 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course introduces learners to concepts and problems associated with crisis and emergency management. Learners examine emergencies, crises, and disasters, and explore the need to develop crisis and contingency plans. Other course topics include the National Response and National Contingency plans; organizing, preparing, and managing a response organization in a turbulent environment; and effective crisis incident decision making and communication. |
| Emergency Planning |
| Course Number |
PS4220 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Presents The Strategies And Skills Required For Successful Emergency Planning. Learners Study The Components Of An Effective Emergency Plan And The Principles And Resources That Guide The Planning Process. Learners Examine Federal Requirements Governing Emergency Management And Emergency Planning Structures, Including Emergency Operations Centers (eocs), The National Incident Management System (nims), The Incident Command System (ics), And Mutual Aid Agreements. Learners Also Analyze The Effect Of Disasters On Physical And Psychological Health |
| Emergency Management and Homeland Security |
| Course Number |
PS4225 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course assess the factors that influence how emergency and homeland security leaders respond to and manage an emergency situation. Learners examine the assessment and deployment of emergency management assets and identify the differences between various law enforcement agencies and the resources they use to respond to critical incidents. |
| Leadership in Emergency Management |
| Course Number |
PS4230 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners examine and apply leadership theories and strategies used in crisis environments. Learners study the fundamentals of human resource management and evaluate the tools needed to build effective teams. |
| Technology in Emergency Management |
| Course Number |
PS4240 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course focuses on the role of information technology in crisis and response management. Learners examine disaster and crisis information requirements and determine appropriate uses of technology during emergency situations. Learners also study the causes and effects of information breakdowns during emergency situations. |
| Decision Management in Critical Incidents |
| Course Number |
PS4250 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to make effective decisions in critical environments. Learners gain an understanding of the tactical, practical, and political decisions made in the emergency management field, and analyze potential responses to those decisions |
| Hazard Identification and Vulnerability |
| Course Number |
PS4260 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners examine the basic structure of hazard identification and evaluate the methods used to make environmental and structural vulnerability assessments. Learners also evaluate retrospective and predictive approaches to properly identify and prepare for man-made and natural disasters. |
| Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness |
| Course Number |
PS4265 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners examine various hazard mitigation strategies, tools, and techniques used to reduce vulnerability. Learners also explore the mitigation and preparedness functions of emergency managers; the role of politics in hazard mitigation policy at the local, state, and federal levels; and the private sector’s potential contributions to managing development in hazardous areas. |
| Disaster Response Operations and Management |
| Course Number |
PS4270 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides learners with an understanding of incident management operations, from threat detection to post-incident analysis. Learners assess the challenges associated with responding effectively to terrorist situations and evaluate the effect of stress on incident management. |
| Disaster Recovery |
| Course Number |
PS4280 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners analyze recovery strategies applied to disasters and evaluate the effectiveness of recovery efforts. Learners also examine the different ways in which various agencies work together as part of the longer-term recovery process. |
| Social Dimensions of Disaster |
| Course Number |
PS4290 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course identify how events of crisis affect people. Learners develop an awareness of the effect of human influence and behavior on disaster response and recovery. |
| Statistical Literacy |
| Course Number |
MAT2050 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course emphasizes the learner as a consumer of statistics rather than a producer of statistical calculations. Learners apply critical-thinking skills to arguments involving statistics and interpret and evaluate statistics used in real-world situations. |
| Communication Strategies for the Public Safety Professional |
| Course Number |
PS3004 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
In this course, learners build and strengthen the skills needed to succeed in their program and the workplace. Learners engage in interactive activities that help them develop a public safety perspective and expand their organizational, research, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. Learners also participate in building a learning community, share talents and resources with courseroom peers, and prepare professional written communications. Other topics include teamwork, ethics, and project creation. For BS in Public Safety learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or petition. |
| Introduction to Criminal Justice |
| Course Number |
PS3100 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners examine the characteristics of the U.S. criminal justice system and its evolution in response to the continually changing forces that influence crime control. Learners gain an understanding of criminal justice theory and its relation to criminality, the criminal justice system, and the principles of the adjudication process. |
| Introduction to Emergency Management |
| Course Number |
PS3200 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides an introduction to the growing field of emergency management. Learners study various hazard threats and examine strategies for determining and reducing vulnerability. Learners also analyze disaster response and recovery behaviors and activities. Course topics include local, state, and federal emergency management organizations and the impact of various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, on the emergency management process. |
| Principles of Security Management |
| Course Number |
PS3300 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners examine the private security industry from a business perspective. Course topics include security department management and operations, emergency and disaster management, the role of security in risk management, and integrating security with local law enforcement organizations and the role of security management in the business environment. |
| Introduction to Homeland Security |
| Course Number |
PS3400 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides an overview of the essential concepts of the emerging field of homeland security. Learners study a range of threats to U.S. security, including specialty weapons, cyber attacks, and smuggling. Learners also examine current issues related to large-scale refugee flow and civil liberties, and evaluate homeland security domains, including strategy, fear management, and crisis communications. This course helps learners build a foundational vernacular upon which to critically analyze homeland security. |
| Applied Public Safety Theory |
| Course Number |
PS3500 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course introduces the major theoretical approaches to threats to public safety from the eighteenth century and the Enlightenment period through the present. Learners study the work of experts associated with the historical, international body of criminology knowledge. Learners explore a range of issues and apply public safety theory and research to analyze them, further developing their critical thinking and writing skills. |
| Principles of Public Safety Investigation |
| Course Number |
PS3600 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course focuses on analyzing breaches in physical, information, or personnel security. Learners examine the principles and procedures used for crime scene investigation and protection from security and law enforcement perspectives. Learners also study methods of collecting and preserving evidence; interviewing and interrogating complainants, witnesses, suspects, and victims; and employing scientific applications in criminal justice and private security investigations. |
| Justice, Crime, and Ethics |
| Course Number |
PS3700 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course analyze the ethical dimension of law enforcement practice and acquire the critical knowledge and skills that support ethical, on-the-job decision making. Learners examine major ethical problems such as discrimination, corruption, deception, racial profiling, and excessive force using material drawn from commissions of inquiry, internal affairs investigations, published literature, human rights documentation, and observed police-community relations. Learners explore the bases for developing personal and professional ethics, guided by professional codes of practice and human rights standards. |
| Applied Public Safety Research Methods |
| Course Number |
PS3800 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners are introduced to the principles of social research in the field of public safety. Learners use the scientific method to collect data and analyze research questions specific to crime prevention, emergency planning, information security, and hazard assessment. Learners also explore the ethics of public safety research techniques and practical applications of research. |
| History of Violence in the U.S. Society |
| Course Number |
PS3900 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners review the history of violence in U.S. society, focusing on war, terrorism, hostility, and conquest. Course content emphasizes the roles of local, state, and federal public safety agencies in addressing violence issues in the post-9/11 era. |
| Introductory Public Safety Statistical Research |
| Course Number |
PS3950 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
This course introduces learners to basic statistical language and procedures related to crime phenomena data. Learners practice basic skills such as reading and calculating formulas and analyze the effects of measurement techniques, distribution shapes,and other factors of the statistic-selection process. Learners also examine two-variable relationships, including correlation and prediction measures. Prerequisite(s): MAT2050, PS3800. |
| Public Safety Capstone Project |
| Course Number |
PS4990 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
The capstone project is the culmination of the bachelor’s degree program in Public Safety and is intended to demonstrate the technical and applied public safety knowledge and the critical-thinking and communication skills learners gain during their program. Learners formulate ideas for a new public safety approach, create a vision, and develop a strategic plan that describes how to implement their concept. For BS in Public Safety learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or petition. |
| Elective Courses CJ |
| Credits |
37.0 |
Choose 37 quarter credits of additional
undergraduate courses. |
| General Education Classes |
| Credits |
45.0 |
General Education Requirements are 45 quarter credits with a minimum of
6 quarter credits from each category: Communications, Humanities, Natural Science and Mathematics, Social Science. |
Program description: The Emergency Management specialization focuses on providing undergraduate learners with the knowledge and skills needed for effective emergency and disaster management. Specialization topics include emergency preparedness and planning, disaster response and recovery, hazard mitigation, and public safety. Upon successful completion of this specialization, learners are prepared to pursue careers in emergency management, emergency services coordination, response and recovery team management, hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment.
Program Name:
MS - Emergency Management
| Survey of Public Safety Issues, Theories, and Concepts |
| Course Number |
PSF5002 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides learners with foundational public safety academic content that helps them prepare for course work in their chosen Public Safety specialization. Learners analyze various public safety theories, concepts, and research from the practitioner-scholar perspective, including law, policy analysis, emergency management and business continuity, leadership, multiculturalism, criminological theory, and public safety research methodology. |
| Research Methodology in Public Safety |
| Course Number |
PSF5006 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course presents an overview of various graduate-level public safety and criminal justice research methodologies. Learners study major research methodologies and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research design approaches to rigorous scholarly inquiry. This course also provides an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research data analysis tools. This course is aimed primarily at master’s learners, although PhD learners may take it as an elective. |
| Public Safety Ethnic and Cultural Awareness |
| Course Number |
PSF5334 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course examine the salience of race, ethnicity, and culture in public safety and the ways public safety addresses the diverse needs of multicultural citizens. Learners analyze cultural experiences from gender, social class, religion, and disabled-status perspectives, and study and apply theoretical approaches for addressing cross-culturalism. |
| Public Safety Organizational Leadership |
| Course Number |
PSF5600 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners In This Course Examine The Strategic Development And Direction Of Public Safety Leadership Within Policing, Law Enforcement, Fire Suppression, Emergency Management, And Emergency Medical Response In The United States. In Particular, Learners Focus On The Components Of Public Safety, Including Risk Assessment, Preparedness, Prevention, And Response In An All-hazards Environment. Learners Also Explore The Role Of The Public Safety Leader, The Need For The Integration Of Functions In Traditional Public Safety Agencies, Threats Ranging From Potential Bio-terror Attacks To Natural Disasters, And Contemporary Challenges Outside The Scope Of Public And Private Security And National Defense. Prerequisite(s): Mpa/ms In Public Safety Joint Degree Program Learners Must Have Completed Mpa5424. |
| Critical Incident Stress Management |
| Course Number |
PSF5620 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Critical Incident Stress Can Be Debilitating To Public Safety First-responders. This Course Provides Insight Into Critical Incident Stress, Critical Incident Stress Disorder (cisd), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (ptsd), And Critical Incident Stress Management (cism). The Course Focuses On Understanding The Consequences Of Unaddressed Critical Incident Stress And Examines Effective Stress Management Strategies. Cannot Be Fulfilled By Transfer. |
| Disaster Management |
| Course Number |
PSF5621 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course examine the anatomy of a disaster event, both natural and intentional. Preparedness, post-disaster response, recovery, and mitigation are topics central to the emerging field of emergency management. |
| National Incident Management Systems |
| Course Number |
PSF5622 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In This Course, Learners Examine The Fragmented Structure Of Public Safety Agencies, Emerging Threats To Public Safety, And The Formation And Development Of The National Incident Management System (nims) And Incident Command System (ics). Course Topics Include Chemical, Biological, Radiological/nuclear, And Explosive (cbrne) Incidents And Threats, And A Variety Of Integrated Best Practices And Standards For Handling Weapons Of Mass Destruction (wmd) And Protecting Critical Infrastructures. |
| Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment, Evaluation, and Analysis |
| Course Number |
PSF5623 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
The post-9/11 environment demands awareness and analysis of our critical resources and infrastructure. Learners in this course examine the Homeland Security National Priorities and National Preparedness standards and how they can be used to conduct risk assessments, evaluations, and analyses of critical national infrastructure. |
| Integrative Project for Public Safety learners |
| Course Number |
PSF5991 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners demonstrate proficiency in their specialization area by applying learning from required and elective courses to complete an analysis of a public safety organization or system, or propose a new application in their professional field. |
Program description: The doctoral Emergency Management specialization emphasizes crisis and disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Throughout the specialization, learners examine the dynamic nature of critical incidents; historical, social, and demographic disaster management issues; and current disaster management theory, research, and practice. Designed for current leaders or those aspiring to become leaders or managers in the public safety or emergency management field, this specialization provides learners with the opportunity to strengthen the professionalism and leadership skills needed to promote crisis intervention and disaster resilience. Successful graduates of this specialization demonstrate the ability to critically analyze all phases of emergency management and are prepared to pursue leadership or managerial careers or operational, policy, or consulting positions in a public safety organization or within an emergency management field.
Program Name:
PhD - Emergency Management
| Emergency Management Research, Theory, and Practice |
| Course Number |
PSF8003 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides an overview of research, theories, and principles of emergency management; the evolution of the field in the United States; and the role of government and the all-hazards approach. Learners study core emergency management processes, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and analyze disaster case studies and critique the government response from an emergency manager perspective. Learners also focus on developing and cultivating the critical-thinking and writing skills needed to apply emergency management theory to practice. |
| Contemporary Public Safety Leadership |
| Course Number |
PSF8601 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course examine the factors contributing to increased demands on public safety agencies and the need for effective leadership at all levels within the public safety domain, including changing demographics, new technologies, globalization, and terrorism. Learners explore emerging issues, challenges, and theoretical assumptions of leadership in the public safety field and evaluate the impact of public safety paradigms on the ability to lead in an era of rapid and constant change. |
| Theories of Leadership |
| Course Number |
PSF8602 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this doctoral seminar course examine the leadership theories that inform public safety research and practice. Learners explore foundational tenants of leadership theory and evaluate their associated impacts on organizations, leaders, and followers. |
| Diversity Issues in Public Safety |
| Course Number |
PSF8606 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course focuses on the impact of increased diversity in our communities and the heightened need to understand and address how racial, ethnic, and cultural pluralism affect human behavior. Topics include ways in which public safety organizations must reflect changes in social attitudes, practices, policies, and concepts such as transparency, diversity, and inclusion within public safety organizations. |
| Public Safety Incident Command Paradigm |
| Course Number |
PSF8634 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners study the development and effectiveness of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) from its inception to its current state. Topics include examining integrated best practices, standards, and techniques critical to successfully managing national emergencies and leading the successful implementation of a national standard of practice for emergency response. |
| Epistemology of Practice Knowledge |
| Course Number |
HS8106 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course examine theories that guide the acquisition of knowledge within human services professions. Learners critically analyze and evaluate the methods used to develop social science theory as a precursor to examining and applying the scientific method. Learners also study theory derivation, the link between research methods and theory, and the ways scholar-practitioners apply the scientific method. |
| Fundamentals of Social Science Research |
| Course Number |
HS8100 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course introduces learners to social science research, particularly in the context of human services. Learners focus on becoming educated consumers of research and examine major concepts and techniques of social science research, including problem formulation, identification of variables, literature review, research design, sampling, definition and measurement of study variables, instrument construction, and data collection and analysis. Learners also critically evaluate published research, apply research findings to professional practice, and practice designing research studies in their field of interest. |
| Quantitative Research Methods in the Human Services |
| Course Number |
HS8111 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course examine the research methods and designs human service professionals use to solve specific social problems. Topics include human subjects protection, measurement, development of instruments, data collection and management, and initial phases of data analysis. Learners also consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. |
| Advanced Qualitative Research Methods |
| Course Number |
HS8112 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners evaluate qualitative research methods and designs. Learners focus on developing the skills used to synthesize information related to qualitative research methodology and examine ethical issues associated with the qualitative research process |
| Advanced Study in Research Methods |
| Course Number |
HS8113 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course analyze the relevance and appropriateness of specific research methodologies in preparation for using them in the dissertation. The course emphasizes conceptualizing, planning, and designing a doctoral research proposal and includes topics such as planning and sampling; measurement; statistical and qualitative analytic models; results planning, analysis, and interpretation; and ethical considerations |
| Principles of Organization Theory and Practice |
| Course Number |
DPA8404 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Presents The Ways Organizational Behavior Is Influenced By Individual Differences, Group Processes And Interactions, And Organizational Processes. Learners Examine Motivation, Productivity, Diversity, Group Development, Team Building, Collaboration, Coordination With Outside Contractors, Decision-making And Communication Processes, Power And Politics, And Organizational Culture. Learners Also Focus On Developing The Skills And Abilities Essential For Effective Management In Changing Organizational Contexts. Prerequisite(s): Completion Of Or Concurrent Enrollment In Dpa8400. May Be Taken Concurrently With Dpa8100. Cannot Be Fulfilled By Transfer. |
| Stress Management in Public Safety Organizations |
| Course Number |
PSF8626 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course study an integrated approach to assessing and managing stress in public safety organizations. Learners analyze various stress-assessment tools and stress prevention, intervention, and management strategies for public safety personnel. Learners also examine psychological and physiological approaches to identifying and managing stress, lifestyle-change stress reduction methods, and behavioral and organizational strategies for managing high levels of stress. |
| Critical Incident Stress |
| Course Number |
PSF8630 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Critical Incident Stress Can Be Debilitating To First Responders. Learners In This Course Analyze The Dynamics Of Critical Incident Stress And Evaluate Psychological And Physiological Disorders Such As Critical Incident Stress Disorder (cisd) And Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (ptsd). Learners Develop A Hypothesis That Supports A Proposal For A Comprehensive Approach To Critical Incident Stress Management (cism). |
| Case Studies in Critical Incident Management |
| Course Number |
PSF8631 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Focuses On Case Studies In Critical Incident Management Connected With Chemical, Biological, Radiological/nuclear, And Explosive (cbrne) Incidents In Order To Understand Best Practices In Emergency Event Management. Learners Evaluate The National Incident Management System (nims) For Its Effectiveness During Cbrne Events And Explore Topics Such As How Nims Could Best Coordinate Interagency Responses To Weapons Of Mass Destruction (wmd) Events. |
| Theoretical Constructs of Emergency Management |
| Course Number |
PSF8635 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Learners in this course analyze emergency management theories and best practices and their foundations in the comprehensive emergency management model that includes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Learners also strategically examine natural disasters and disasters compelled by human action and identify ways to integrate the comprehensive emergency management model with best practice. |
| Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation |
| Course Number |
PSF8609 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course presents an overview of theoretical approaches and strategies of U.S. disaster preparedness and mitigation. Learners analyze U.S. disaster law and policy and assess the importance of national mitigation policies. Learners also explore disaster preparedness and mitigation concepts from an all-hazards perspective and recommend cost-effective preparedness and mitigation strategies and activities to reduce or eliminate the risk to human life and property and make communities more disaster resilient. |
| Emergency Management Operations |
| Course Number |
PSF8612 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides learners with a theoretical and operational overview of disaster response that is scalable, flexible, and adaptable. Learners analyze the incident command and management structures, roles, and responsibilities of tribal, local, state, and federal agencies and the private sector from an all-hazards perspective. Learners also explore critical functions of emergency operations, incident command, and unified command centers during responses to various emergency events including floods, hazardous materials, pandemics, and terrorist attacks. |
| Global Issues of Disaster Management |
| Course Number |
PSF8615 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners analyze disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation from an international perspective and examine a multidisciplinary approach to disaster management and humanitarian assistance. Learners evaluate the importance of building partnerships with nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other disaster management organizations to promote collective awareness and understanding of complex international emergencies. Learners also use disaster management theories and case studies to identify best practices of multijurisdictional communication and coordination during real-world disaster events. |
| Business Continuity for Emergency Management |
| Course Number |
PSF8638 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course, learners study the business continuity planning (BCP) process and develop a business continuity plan. Learners explore best practices for design, development, and implementation during all phases of emergency management. This course highlights the need for proactive continuity planning and preparedness in information technology and communications networks. |
| Doctoral Comprehensive Examination |
| Course Number |
ED9919 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes. Learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to enroll in the first dissertation course. |
| Dissertation Courseroom |
| Course Number |
EDD9920 |
| Credits |
0.0 |
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. |
| Dissertation Research 1 |
| Course Number |
ED9921 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Learners complete the required dissertation milestones and prepare their dissertation for publication. |
| Dissertation Research 2 |
| Course Number |
ED9922 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Learners complete the required dissertation milestones and prepare their dissertation for publication. |
| Dissertation Research 3 |
| Course Number |
ED9923 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Learners complete the required dissertation milestones and prepare their dissertation for publication. |
| Dissertation Research 4 |
| Course Number |
ED9924 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Learners complete the required dissertation milestones and prepare their dissertation for publication. |
Program description: The doctoral Emergency Management specialization emphasizes crisis and disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Throughout the specialization, learners examine the dynamic nature of critical incidents; historical, social, and demographic disaster management issues; and current disaster management theory, research, and practice. Designed for current leaders or those aspiring to become leaders or managers in the public safety or emergency management field, this specialization provides learners with the opportunity to strengthen the professionalism and leadership skills needed to promote crisis intervention and disaster resilience. Successful graduates of this specialization demonstrate the ability to critically analyze all phases of emergency management and are prepared to pursue leadership or managerial careers or operational, policy, or consulting positions in a public safety organization or within an emergency management field.