Certificate in Emergency Preparedness

The non-degree Certificate in Emergency Preparedness (CEP) is designed to introduce the student to work in a world where emergency preparedness and response skills are essential to the public health infrastructure.  Events explored include naturally occurring disasters, intentional acts of terrorism, and new emerging infectious disease threats.  The course curriculum is designed to be reflective and inclusive of current and nationally endorsed competencies.  Major topics to be covered include an introduction to the National Response Framework, the Incident Command System, and core concepts that will adhere to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) mission to approach disaster planning in four phases: prevent, protect, respond, and recover.  The content of each course will reinforce DHS’s target capabilities.

The CEP certificate is designed as an 18 credit hour program that can be completed in one academic year as a full-time student or a part-time student can take up to two years to complete.  Students in the CEP certificate will first complete course work based upon the Center for Biopreparedness, Biosecurity and Emerging Infectious Diseases eight year repertoire of educational programs dealing with the Federal Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) core focus areas in Prevent, Protect, Respond and Recover. Additionally students will complete coursework in foundational public health and epidemiology.  

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum
A total of 18 credit hours are required for completion of the Certificate in Emergency Preparedness.

Core Courses: 12 credit hours

Duration/Scheduling of the Program - The recommended duration for the certificate program is two academic semesters (fall and spring). All credits must be earned within a three year period.  Extensions for good cause may be granted by permission of the Curriculum Committee.