Emergency Management Degrees in California

The state of California has had a lion’s share of disasters in the country, caused either by natural forces or human error. Among the former were wildfires, mudslides, landslides,floods and earthquakes; these are frequent occurrences in this state. The Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969 and the San Diego midair crash in 1978 are two extreme man-made disasters. Proactively, the Governor’s office maintains a state emergency plan which outlines the applicable services of governmental agencies and how resources are mobilized. The seven institutions below offer rigorous emergency management graduate programs that educate and produce highly qualified security professionals to meet local, state, national and international needs.

California State University – Long Beach

College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE)

California State University at Long Beach is recognized for enriching student learning through instructional innovations and technologies, for a faculty that shares their research and creative achievements with students, and for community involvement and service. The University maintains a broad global perspective through its international curricular offerings and its support for faculty involvement in transnational study and research. Both the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California State Board of Education have accredited this university. It is also on the approved list of the American Association of University Women.

The College of Continuing and Professional Education provides 14 interdisciplinary programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels that access resources of the university and community in providing training to meet the state’s workforce needs. These include international education programs in a number of disciplines, and attract many students from abroad.

Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration (EMER)

The EMER program was created by an interdisciplinary group of experts and is offered online. Both theory and smart practices are developed through interaction and research. A unique aspect of this program is the provision to external organizations for requesting help with security projects, which are then taken up by students who work collaboratively to produce the requested solutions. In this way, they are acquiring real world experiences in researching, creating, writing and in interacting with a knowledgeable faculty and outside agencies. They are building the critical analysis and communication skills needed to manage security organizations and for developing collaborative solutions with community partners. It takes 33 units of courses to complete the program, which culminates with a capstone project or thesis. Program Link

Contact information

6300 State University Dr. Suite 104
Long Beach, California 90815
(800) 963-2250
Email

Henley-Putnam University

Henley-Putnam University is the only online university that specializes exclusively in the fields of intelligence management, counterterrorism and strategic security and protection. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs that were developed after twelve years of research and planning, taught by professionals who were selected for their real world experience in this complex and evolving field. The online programs accommodate students employed in civilian and military security or intelligence positions. The University is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), is eligible to apply for regional accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is approved to operate as a private degree granting institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree Programs

The three Bachelor of Science degree programs below have a graduation requirement of 180 quarter units, 90 of which must be in the selected program of study. A minimum of a 2.0 grade point average must be maintained. Full time study consists of two courses at a time, and all bachelor’s level programs have an average completion rate of six years.

B.S. in Intelligence Management

Managing intelligence involves gathering and analyzing information, making effective decisions about the courses of action to be taken and following these actions through to completion. Students take core courses in Fundamentals of Intelligence, Intelligence Collection, Open Source Research, Covert Action and Counterintelligence. Additional courses in skill building for critical thinking, writing and understanding ethics are required. The student then selects three areas of emphasis from among 15 choices, some of which are Collection Management, Analysis, Intel Operations, Counterintelligence, and Terrorism and Society.

B.S. in Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies

This program provides the knowledge to understand and combat terrorism. Required courses unique to this program include Terrorist Techniques, Counterterrorism and Fundamentals of Threat Assessment. Courses such as Religious Extremism and Psychology of Violence help students to understand some of the causes of terrorist beliefs and behavior. The program requires three areas of emphasis from among 15 choices, some of which are Extremist and Terrorist Groups, Counterterrorism, Terrorist Operations, Cyber/Information Security, and Counterterrorism Strategies and Corporate Security.

B.S. in Strategic Security and Protection Management

Protection management involves evaluation of security requirements in different settings, cyber security, intelligence gathering and intelligence analysis. Core courses include Foundations of Security, Essentials of Executive Protection, Protective Security Law, Advance Work and Managing the Security Organization. Courses such as History of Executive/Dignitary Protection, Etiquette and Rapport, and Ethics prepare students for positions in executive security such as the Secret Service. Three areas of emphasis must be selected from 15 specialties among which are Protective Intelligence, Protective Operations, Advance Operations and Corporate Security. This program also gives a foundation for more advanced levels in this field.

Requirements for Master’s Degree Programs

The following master’s degree programs all require a minimum of 72 quarter units and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Besides the required courses, students take elective courses from two out of 14 areas of emphases. A course in Research is taken toward the end of the program when the student prepares to write a project paper for publication. Taking two courses at a time, the average master’s level student will take four and one-half years to graduate.

M.S. in Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies

Students develop the skills of intelligence writing, threat management, counterterrorism briefing and anti-terrorism techniques. They will learn advanced counterterrorism analysis, advanced surveillance, and advanced strategies and crisis preparedness. A required course in Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism explores the characteristics and motivations of terrorist groups. This graduate program deepens the student’s understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism and aids in building the tools and skills needed to effectively deal with terrorist threat.

M.S. in Intelligence Management

High level skills are developed in intelligence techniques, intelligence strategy study, intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, collection management and intelligence briefings. Required courses are Recruitment Cycle; Cover; Double Agents, Denial and Deception; Advanced Analytical Methods; Advanced Open Source Intelligence; and Advanced Surveillance and Countersurveillance. Research and writing skills are sharpened in the Intelligence domain.

M.S. in Strategic Security and Protection Management

This program covers security and protective services to individuals and businesses. Students take security management courses that cover threat assessment, workplace violence, physical security, white collar crime and cyber warfare. Among these courses are Advanced Executive Protection; Advanced Strategies/Crisis Preparedness; Advanced Open Source Intelligence; and Advanced Protocol, Manners, and Etiquette. These courses acquaint the student to the potential dangers surrounding high profile individuals and the sensitivity required to provide tactful and effective protection.

Doctorate of Strategic Security

Doctoral degree students must pass a test to demonstrate competence in one foreign language from among the following: Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, Farsi, French, Indonesian, German, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Urdu or Turkish. Security professionals who are in managing or advisory capacities will find this program a training source for developing high level competencies in managing and adjusting strategies in dynamic security environments. They will develop and hone their abilities to formulate and present quantitative and qualitative research for use in all security levels. They can become subject matter experts in different security areas such as counterterrorism or intelligence management. They will improve their ability to influence top-level decision makers from a broad interdisciplinary perspective. The culminating product of this program is the doctoral dissertation. The average completion rate for this program is five years.

Contact information

2804 Mission College Blvd, Suite 240
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-453-9900 (Phone)
408-453-9700 (Fax)
Program Link

National University

School of Engineering, Technology and Media

Diversity is the hallmark of National University, known for providing learning opportunities and granting more master’s degrees to the state’s diverse population—Hispanics, African Americans, and also to women—than any other college or university in California. It is the second largest private, non-profit higher learning institution in the state and the twelfth largest in the country. It has 17 campuses located throughout the state plus one in Henderson, Nevada. National University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The School of Engineering, Technology and Media offers programs in applied engineering, media and technology with emphasis on new systems, devices and application. It brings the most technologically advanced knowledge and research to the study of homeland security.

Master of Science in Homeland Security and Safety Engineering

The Homeland Security and Safety Engineering program is structured as an interdisciplinary area of research and application combining engineering, science and management approaches and knowledge. The student acquires the tools and techniques plus the knowledge and broad mindset required to implement safety and security plans. This includes the use of effective communication skills and an understanding of legal, ethical and professional responsibility. Courses include Evaluation of Safety Programs, Fire and Explosion Engineering, Explosives and Bio Materials, and Fundamentals of Recovery. The student must complete 54 quarter units of graduate work to qualify for graduation. This program is offered online as well as onsite.

BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The courses in this program will equip students with the theoretical and practical foundation for managing security issues and for addressing emergencies. The program is composed of eleven core courses and five electives. After a broad overview of security management, current issues and the culture and politics of terrorists, students take courses to learn effective emergency management strategies and to understand ethical issues. Graduates will develop the ability to write and implement emergency plans and assist decision makers on recovery issues. To earn the bachelor’s degree, students must complete 180 quarter units, a fourth of which must be completed in residence. This program is also offered online and onsite.

Contact information

11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(800) NAT-UNIV (800-628-8648)
advisor@nu.edu
Program Link

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)

Department of National Security Affairs

The Naval Postgraduate School was started by the U.S. Navy Department as a school of marine engineering at Annapolis in 1909. It was moved to Monterey in 1942 and today consists of state-of-the-art laboratories and buildings to house the administration, academics and lodging for this one-of-a-kind university. Faculty members are scholars and experts, 99 percent of whom hold a Ph.D. They provide the theoretical knowledge and academic background to link with the practical, up-to-date knowledge of students who are experienced military and government leaders, many from other countries. The product: tomorrow’s leaders prepared to meet the security challenges of the future.

The Naval Postgraduate School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The Department of National Security Affairs grants degrees at the master’s and doctoral level for Security Studies. The topics of international relations, regional politics and security, international military history, international political economy and United States security policy are covered in courses taught by top academics in history, political science and economics.

Master of Arts in Security Studies (in-residence)

Students will spend 12 to 18 months on campus to complete the M.A. degree in any of several Regional Studies or Security Studies specialties. The four options in Regional Studies are: Middle East, Southeast Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa; Far East, Southeast Asia and Pacific; Western Hemisphere; and Europe and Eurasia. There are five options for Security Studies: Civil-Military Relationship; Stabilization and Reconstruction; Strategic Studies; Homeland Security and Defense; and Combating Terrorism Strategy and Policy. To earn the Master’s degree, the student must complete a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate level credits and complete a thesis. In addition, a minimum average GPA of 3.0 must be maintained in 3000 and 4000 level courses, and 2.75 in all courses of the curriculum.

Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy program involves one year of course work beyond the Master’s and one or two years of rigorous research and writing to produce a doctoral dissertation that is an original and independent contribution to knowledge in this field. The courses aim at developing an in-depth understanding and mastery of the subject in two of four disciplines: international relations, international political economy, comparative politics and history. Other courses assist in the development of a dissertation topic and in preparation for oral and written examinations. The examinations must be passed and a satisfactory dissertation proposal accepted to qualify for degree candidacy. When this is achieved, the student devotes full time in dissertation research and writing. The program prepares professionals to understand the challenges and take leadership roles in shaping modern security and defense policy.

Contact information

1 University Circle, Code 90
Monterey, CA 93943
Phone: 831-656-3781
E-mail: lavander@nps.edu
Program Link 

San Diego State University

Graduate Program in Homeland Security

Founded in 1897, San Diego State University has grown in size and stature to be recognized as a top research university, educating 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students who are exposed to the thinking and achievements of a scholarly and research/service oriented faculty. It is known for its community and international outreach, through active involvement with the city’s K-12 educational system and through its international and study abroad programs. The University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.

The Graduate Program in Homeland Security maintains an extensive network of security professionals locally, nationally and internationally that creates a vibrant learning and research atmosphere for students. An active interdisciplinary faculty, motivated students from diverse–often international–backgrounds, adjunct faculty members from many aspects of the professional Homeland Security world, and an actively involved alumni create a broad-based academic setting that produces high levels of learning.

Master of Science in Homeland Security

This interdisciplinary program prepares students to manage security systems and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies on the local, regional, national and international levels. Through its collaborative relationships with community and government agencies throughout the country and world, students have the opportunity to participate in service or research partnerships for hands-on experience in learning about security issues and practices. All students take the required seminars in Homeland Security; HSEC Science and Technology; Emergency Preparedness and Response; and Law, Society, and Homeland Security. Requirements are 30 units of coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and completion of a thesis or project.

Contact information

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1012
619-594-5960 (Viz Center)
Email
Program Link

Trident University International

College of Health Sciences

Trident University is a military-friendly institution that offers 15 online degree programs in four colleges. It is a pioneer of the Robust Learning Model (RLM), a comprehensive model for organizing and structuring online courses that include case-based and applied online learning methodologies. It is the only totally online university that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The College of Health Sciences provides bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs to produce competent professionals and leaders in health service. A highly qualified and diverse faculty focuses on the development of critical thinking, inter-disciplinary collaboration and ethical practice in their students.

Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management

The students in this program are generally military or civilian persons who come with experience in emergency or disaster work. Those without this background are required to take an additional eight credits of prerequisite courses. Ten four-credit courses make up the program, three of which are electives chosen from eight possibilities. Besides the basic emergency planning, operations and management courses, the required courses focus on issues of terrorism, public health, and critical infrastructure vulnerability and protection. The learning outcomes of the program cover thoroughly the skills and knowledge needed by a disaster management professional to develop emergency plans that meet state and federal guidelines and to respond effectively during and after disasters. Students learn to stay abreast of current developments and research findings in emergency and disaster management and to critically assess these new developments and their applications. They learn how to create coordinated responses among agencies for disaster mitigation. The degree seeker can select from several concentrations and must accrue 40 semester credits of core coursework and electives, with concentration in either Homeland Security or Logistics.

Contact information

5757 Plaza Drive, Suite 100,
Cypress, CA 90630
Information (800) 579-3197
Email
Program Link 

The programs described above show that the state of California is endowed with a rich source of advanced training for emergency and security workers. These universities serve not only the state’s needs, but those of the nation and countries all over the world as well. A person with a wish to serve by helping to prevent and mitigate disasters will do well to consider the emergency management degrees in California.