Emergency Management and Homeland Security, BS

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Normal Time for Completion: Four Years

This program is offered on campus and online.

Evening courses are offered for students pursuing a concentration in Criminal Justice Leadership. Students should consult with their advisor regarding the evening course schedule.

Post University's Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security program provides students with a core understanding of the four phases of emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Students will develop skills to plan and prepare for pending emergencies, manage operations during an emergency, and conduct recovery efforts after an emergency. Equally so, the program will immerse students in methodologies used to secure the homeland, including preparation for and response to acts of terrorism, especially the use of weapons of mass destruction. Students will be provided a historical awareness of terrorism, particularly within the United States and its interests abroad. The program will prepare the student to assess risk and vulnerability related to crises, natural and manmade events, and terrorism. Core principles and methods of management of natural and man-made disasters will be examined. Students will complete analyses of past crises and disasters as well as pending threats.

Students will utilize effective crisis communication techniques using a variety of media services and outlets. The program will focus on developing critical thinking for students to make well-informed decisions grounded in ethics and leadership. The program emphasizes collaboration with all stakeholders.

The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a police officer certification. Professional credentials also have other requirements outside of education. Law enforcement and other public safety positions often require testing, specialized trainings, background checks, and more. Job requirements also vary by jurisdiction, involving the local, state, or national levels. Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (BS EMH) program, with the approval of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) department, have the opportunity to enroll in the following MPA courses: PAD 610, PAD 616, or PAD 625. Students approved to enroll in MPA courses may enroll in one MPA course each term. Qualified students will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

To be eligible for consideration, students must meet the following requirements:  

• Meet the MPA program's work experience requirements as determined by the MPA Program Chair. 
• Have a 3.25 GPA and Senior standing.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student majoring in the BS EMH program.
• Obtain a recommendation from the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program Chair.
• Submit a 500-word essay to the MPA Program Chair explaining why they want to obtain the graduate degree and should be permitted to take a course(s) in the MPA program. E.g., time to devote to a graduate-level course and interest in the field of study.
• If approved, obtain prior permission from the MPA Program Chair for each course.

Students must earn a grade of B or higher to associate to the MPA curriculum. 

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program Outcomes

1. Students will be able to identify and describe the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
2. Students will be able to explain the foundations of homeland security as they relate to the protection of the United States from terrorism and other threats.
3. Students will be able to evaluate the role of government, military, and other organizations in addressing emergency management and homeland security issues including factors that allow effective communication and collaboration among key stakeholders.
4. Students will be able to develop and evaluate emergency management or homeland security plans.
5. Students will be able to apply creative problem-solving and decision-making techniques to address emergency management and homeland security issues and provide viable courses of action.

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Concentration Outcomes

1. Criminal Justice Leadership - Students will be able to evaluate and differentiate between the public safety duties and the leadership functions of a criminal justice professional.
2. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance - Students will be able to identify and distinguish risks and threats to our nation's cybersecurity, cyberspace, and information systems, and strategies to mitigation them.
3. Policing -Students will be able to evaluate and differentiate between the various functions performed while fulfilling the duties of a law enforcement professional.