The Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) Certificate program is designed to prepare the next generation of homeland security and emergency management leaders. The Homeland Security Emergency Management certificate is designed to prepare students to coordinate disaster response and recovery efforts and navigate the administrative and technical demands of disaster and emergency management efforts. The Federal Department of Labor identifies homeland security as a high-demand field, one that requires a large number of trained professionals across a number of industry sectors. Students are required to have access to computer, internet, and browser. This degree can be completed online. Visit the HSEM website at pencol.edu/program/homeland-security-emergency-management.
Program Length: 2 Quarters
Program Code: CRMHSCOL
Program Goals
- Encourages students to question, search for answers and meaning, and develop ideas that lead to action.
- Provides up to date curriculum that adapts to the rapidly changing field of Homeland Emergency Management.
- The Peninsula College Homeland Security Emergency Management certificate is significantly more cost effective than most private and public schools.
Special Features
Careful consideration is given to help students understand related socio-economic and cultural diversity issues, preparing them to succeed in all situations and environments. Graduates of this program may apply to the Peninsula College Homeland Security and Emergency Management Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Program Outcomes
When this program is completed, the student will be able to:
- Apply effective interpersonal communication, critical thinking and decision making skills commensurate with a defined level of responsibility.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the coordination and collaboration within the structured system or location used to address HSEM incidents.
- Apply the theory and application of planning strategies.
- Demonstrate effective, efficient and timely communication for professionals working in the HSEM field.
- Develop a plan communicating HSEM assessment and appropriate delivery of information to the public.
- Identify terrorism, causes of terrorism, preventing terrorist attacks, responding to terrorism attacks and avoidance in communication and leadership collapse.
- Analyze the context of public administration: the political system, the role of federalism, bureaucratic politics and power, and the various theories of administration that guide public managers.
Program Prerequisites
Students entering this program should have good familiarity with computer software and hardware in the Windows or MAC environment. College-level skills in English and math (eligibility for courses numbered 100 or higher) are required before registering for the English, math, or applied math courses in this program. Students may need to complete prerequisite coursework. The ASSET or COMPASS test will help determine placement level if not known. Previous coursework may also indicate placement level. 2.0 minimum grade in all HSEM courses.
Career Opportunities and Earnings
The Federal Department of Labor identifies homeland security as a "high-demand field", one that requires a large number of trained professionals across a number of industry sectors.
Emergency management specialists coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures. Wages often begin around 36.00/hour.
*Prospective Homeland Security Emergency Management students should be aware of the fact that HSEM employment candidates may be subject to background checks.
Approximate Additional Costs
- Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $200-$250
- Tuition and fees: $2,959.36 total based on 2022-23 WA resident tuition rates (additional fees may apply)
- First quarter (12 credits): $1,479.68
- Second quarter (12 credits): $1,479.68
Sample Schedule
This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn a certificate. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.
A criminal history may inhibit your ability to find employment in the Homeland Security and Emergency Management fields. In addition, any recent history of drug use, including marijuana, may preclude you from federal employment. If you have any concerns please speak with and advisor.
First Quarter (Fall)
Provides groundwork on which emergency services can build a strong foundation for disaster and emergency management for homeland security in the 21st century. Addresses issues, policies, questions, best practices, and lessons learned through recent years; requirements of NFPA® 1600, Standard on Emergency Management and exposure to new and developing theories, practices, and technology in emergency management. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
This course is designed to introduce students to developing an effective emergency planning system. This course offers training in the fundamentals of the emergency planning process, including the rationale behind planning. Emphasis will be placed on hazard/ risk analysis and planning team development. Other topics, such as Continuity of Operations (COOP), Emergency Support Functions, National Response Plan, Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and contingency planning for areas such as Special Needs (Vulnerable Populations) or Animal Sheltering are included. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 3
This course will prepare students to support emergency management public information operations, including integration with a Joint Information System, use of a Joint Information Center, coordination with on-scene public information officers, use of alert and warning systems, emergency and routine information distribution (including media and social media), and ensuring appropriate messaging for the whole community. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 2
This course provides the student with skills and knowledge to manage an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), acquire and control resources, and interface with on scene responders within Incident Management Systems. Topics include EOC design, preparing, staffing and operating, jurisdictional setting, and the critical link between Incident Management Systems and emergency management operations. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 2
Second Quarter (Winter)
This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training. This course describes the history, features, and principles and organization structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Course will meet ICS 100/200/700/800 requirements. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 2
This class provides a detailed overview of the technology used and applied in the field of emergency management. Students will learn how to utilize technology in emergency planning, response, recovery and mitigation efforts and they will identify key elements that must be in place for technology to enhance the emergency management process. Course overviews include using technology and data for hazard identification, analysis, and modeling. Types of warning systems such as reverse notification systems; direct and remote sensing systems, and geospatial technology. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 3
This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to develop, conduct, evaluate and report effective exercises that test a community's operations plan and operational response capability. Throughout the course, participants will learn about topics including exercise program management, design and development, evaluation, and improvement planning. It also builds a foundation for subsequent exercise courses, which provide the specifics of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and the National Standard Exercise Curriculum (NSEC). This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give the student an overview of various statutes, regulations, constitutional law, and common law associated with Homeland Security Emergency Management. This course examines federal, state, and local government powers, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, civil rights, National Security Strategies, Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Patriot Act, the National Incident Management System, and the National Response Framework. Students will be introduced to the legalities and ethics relevant to organizing for counterterrorism, investigating terrorism and other national security threats, and crisis and consequence management. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 4