Western Carolina University

The Emergency & Disaster Management Certificate is a non-credit program designed to provide basic emergency management principles. Many working professionals are responsible for one or more of the four phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery) as a part of their job requirements. Others want to support their families and communities to prepare for emergency situations. The Emergency and Disaster Management Certificate will address the four phases of emergency management, including:

• Hazard identification and vulnerability analysis,
• Planning for emergencies and disasters,
• Gathering disaster intelligence and decision-making during a disaster event, and
• Understanding how to seek financial assistance when recovering from a disaster event.

As a part of the certificate program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in simulated disaster exercises using WebEOC, a disaster management software adopted by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management and North Carolina localities.

Required Coursework
In order to receive the Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management Certificate, individuals must pass all five courses.  The “Introduction to Emergency and Disaster Management is a pre-requisite to all courses and can be taken as a co-requisite with your first course. All other courses are independent and can be taken in any order.

To successfully complete the courses, participants must meet the course requirements as outlined in the syllabus.  Activities may include  engaging  in discussions, completing tests, writing assignments and other assessments. Passing grades of at least 70% will result in four Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for each course. Most assignments are asynchronous; however individuals may be required to participate in disaster simulations and discussions at specific times during the courses. Check the course syllabus for the course you are considering for the synchronous requirement.  Courses other than those listed below are also available to certificate students. Required coursework includes:

1. Introduction to Emergency & Disaster Management. Overview of emergency and disaster management. Topics include major concepts, theory and history, terminology, and the roles, functions and inter-relationships of key agencies and organizations involved in this field
2. Emergency Planning. Introduction to the multiple facets of emergency planning.
3. Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis. Introduction to concepts and principles of risk assessment and vulnerability analysis.
4. Disaster Response Operations and Management. An overview of the response phase of the disaster management cycle, during which resources are marshaled, deployed and managed.
5. Principles of Hazard Mitigation- An exploration of the concepts and principles associated with hazard mitigation and its place in disaster management.

How to Apply and Register
Interested individuals must submit an Application of Interest, a transcript showing completion of a minimum two-year degree, and a $25 application fee. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program. To pay the application fee online, click here and choose just the application fee payment option.

Once you have received notice that your application has been accepted, then REGISTER ONLINE

Each course will be worth 4 CEUs and the cost will be $250 per course if  registered by August 10, 2012.  After August 10, the registration fee is $350.00 A textbook may be required for some courses.

August 24, 2012 – December 10, 2012 Courses
Fall courses available for certification include the following:

• Introduction to Emergency & Disaster Management* -  Overview of emergency and disaster management. Topics include major concepts, theory and history, terminology, and the roles, functions and inter-relationships of key agencies and organizations involved in this field.
• Emergency Planning. Introduction to the multiple facets of emergency planning.

*Introduction to Emergency & Disaster Management is a prerequisite or co-requisite.

Contact Information

For program information, contact:

Carlie Merritt, Director
Emergency and Disaster Management Program
Western Carolina University
108 Belk Building
828-227-2170
cmerritt@email.wcu.edu

For registration information, contact

Dr. Susan Fouts
Director of Continuing Education
Western Carolina University
138 Camp Building
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-3688 (direct)
828-227-7397 (main office)
828-227-7715 (fax)
sfouts@wcu.edu