Department Head: Dr. Tanveerul Islam, tislam@jsu.edu
Doctoral Program Co-Director: Dr. Laura Olson, lolson@jsu.edu
Doctoral Program Co-Director: Dr. Shih-Kai Huang, shuang@jsu.edu
MS in Emergency Management Program Advisor: Denise DaSilva, ddasilva@jsu.edu
MPA Program Director: Dr. Allison Newton, anewton@jsu.edu
The Department of Emergency Management and Public Administration offers the Doctor of Science with a major in Emergency Management. JSU’s doctoral program provides the focused, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive analysis and applied research necessary for the complex work associated with emergency management. The curriculum is organized around specific knowledge, skills, and professional values unique to the practice of emergency management.
The department also offers courses leading to the Master of Science (MS) with a major in Emergency Management and the Masters in Public Administration. The MS in Emergency Management degree balances conceptual knowledge in emergency management with skill acquisition in crisis management, hazard assessment, and other analytic and management skills. It is a highly desired professional program for our changing world. The MPA degree offers students a public administration curriculum that includes the choice of a concentration to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of public and non-profit organizations. For information on the MPA, please refer to the Public Administration section of this catalog.
A Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management is also available for non-degree students who wish to specialize in the area of emergency management. Upon satisfactorily completing the requirements of the graduate certificate, an entry will be made on the student’s transcript. A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management may apply the 15 hours credit toward the MA with a major in Integrated Studies, MPA with a concentration in Emergency Management, or the MS with a major in Emergency Management. All coursework for the MA, MPA, and MS degrees must be completed within six years. Please review our Graduate Certificate Disclosure information.
The Department of Emergency Management and Public Administration also offers courses for the Master of Arts (MA) with a major in Integrated Studies. For information on the MA with a major in Integrated Studies, please see the Integrated Studies section of this catalog within the College of Arts and Humanities. Graduate students in other majors may also be eligible to take graduate political science and/or public administration courses as electives.
All Emergency Management programs are only offered online. International students must remain in their home country to be eligible for admission to these programs.
- Emergency Management (Doctor of Science)
- Emergency Management (Graduate Certificate)
- Emergency Management (Master of Science)
- Organizational Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
- Public Administration - Administrative Management (Master of Public Administration)
- Public Administration - Criminal Justice (Master of Public Administration)
- Public Administration - Emergency Management (Master of Public Administration)
- Public Administration - Geographic Information Science and Technology (Master of Public Administration)
- Public Administration - Political Science (Master of Public Administration)
EM 505 Foundations of Emergency Management (3)
History of the profession; contemporary emergency management concepts, functions, and practices for government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
EM 511 Disasters and the Media (3)
Course examines the portrayal of disasters in electronic and print media. Emphasis will be on the impact that newspapers, websites, television, social media, and film have on affecting individual and societal constructions of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and man-made disasters.
EM 515 Legal Aspects of Emergency Management (3)
Legal context and constraints for emergency management; administrative law, administrative discretion, and liability.
EM 521 Exercise Design and Evaluation (3)
Introduction to the fundamentals of exercise design, development and implementation. Includes a reivew of different types of exercises, how they are used, and how they are conducted. Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and conduct disaster exercises that test a community's emergency response plan and capabilities.
EM 525 Disaster Recovery (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Processes for short- and long-term recovery for individuals, families, and communities; provision of recovery assistance by both public and voluntary sectors.
EM 526 Advanced Radiological Incident Operations (3)
The course provides students with the advanced skills necessary to safely respond to and manage incidents involving radiological hazards. Participants apply these skills in exercises based on realistic radiological indicent scenarios, set within the ICS structure. Students are required to complete the FEMA resident course PER-905 at the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
EM 528 Maritime Transportation Security (3)
Historical aspects of shipping vulnerability including: seaports, ships, cargoes, operations, commerce, government coordination, international security conventions and practices, and related technology. Case studies of recent events and new initiatives in International maritime transportation security will be examined.
EM 530 Research Methods in Emergency Management (3)
Comprehensive coverage of major analytical and statistical tools used in emergency management program administration.
EM 535 Terrorism and Homeland Security (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Incident management approaches for domestic and international terrorism; anti- and counter-terrorism organizational roles, responsibilities, and coordination, homeland security initiatives.
EM 540 Hazard Mitigation (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Mitigation concepts, implementation approaches, and planning.
EM 545 Emergency Preparedness (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Preparedness frameworks and strategies; techniques of emergency operations planning, exercise design and evaluation, and public education.
EM 548 Vulnerability and Capacity-Building (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Individual, social, economic and policy dimensions of vulnerability and client needs for disaster; service delivery strategies, coordination models, resource management and capacity building for nonprofit disaster relief organizations.
EM 555 Disaster Response (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Context of disaster response, response functions, assessment, resource mobilization and adjutication, and emergency operations center (EOC) operations.
EM 565 Management Systems in Disaster (3)
EM 568 Crisis Management for Business and Industry (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Contingency planning, business impact analysis, business resumption processes, risk/crisis communication and management, disaster recovery and organizational continuity.
EM 570 Biosecurity (3)
A detailed review of global concerns for biosecurity including the history of biological warfare, bioterrorism, concerns for agroterrorism and current initiatives in biodefense. Included will be a thorough review of specific agents, the diseases they cause, detection methodologies, and consequence management considerations.
EM 575 Medical Aspects of Emergency Management (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Surveillance and rapid needs assessment, disaster epidemiology, disaster medical systems and approaches, and disaster mental health.
EM 576 Healthcare Leadership for All Hazards Incidents (3)
The course provides healthcare professionals with a foundation of knowledge on which to make critical decisions during various disaster scenarios affecting healthcare and public health systems. Students are required to complete the FEMA resident course MGT-901 at the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
EM 578 Advanced Public Information Officer for Health and Hospital Emergencies (3)
The Advanced Public Information Officer for Health and Hospital Emergencies course is a four-day course that combines lectures, facilitated discussion, activities, and exercises, allowing participants to apply knowledge and skills to manage a Joint Information Center (JIC) in a healthcare emergency situation. The course has a healthcare focus but benefits all reponse disciplines. Students are required to complete the FEMA resident course MGT-902 at the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
EM 579 Applications of GIS for Emergency Management (3)
This course will explore how GIS technology is used in emergency management. Students will review disaster-related applications of spatial analysis techniques and use of GIS software accordingly.
EM 580 Current Issues in Homeland Security (3)
The examination of current issues and concerns with Homeland Security including upcoming National Special Security Events that mandate comprehensive security planning and response capabilities. Innovations and reactions from politicians and citizens will serve to offer students insight into the challenges of implementing and maintaining homeland security.
EM 581 Disaster Analysis (3)
This course will focus on modeling and simulation of high consequence events as a means of preparing emergency managers for future disasters. Several types of high consequence disasters will be examined from the perspectives of preparedness, prevention, decision-making and effective response.
EM 585 The Military's Role in Disaster Relief (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
A historical review of the military role in disaster relief and humanitarian support missions. Primary emphasis will be on recent case studies of major disasters. The course will also discuss the possible expanding role of the military in future natural disasters and CBRN events. Students will conduct a small research project to explore a current issue surrounding the use of the US military in domestically-based incidents.
EM 590 Capstone in Emergency Management (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Department.
Integration and synthesis of theory and practice for emergency management. Should be taken in the last term of program of study.
EM 595 Directed Studies (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor and program director.
In-depth study of selected topic of special project.
EM 596 Internship (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor and program director.
Supervised practice experience in a professional emergency management setting.
EM 598 Emergency Management Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 505.
Leadership and organizational theory for emergency management; conflict management, use of power, group dynamics, and team performance.
EM 802 Integrative Seminar (2)
On-campus integrative seminar during the first three years of program of study. Specialized topics include how to review and critique scholarly literature and research finding, how to present scholarly work at conferences, and how to write for journal publication. Opportunities for students to exchange ideas, present their work, and interact with faculty. Includes special topics of current interest.
EM 804 Integrative Seminar (2)
On-campus integrative seminar during the first three years of program of study. Specialized topics include how to review and critique scholarly literature and research finding, how to present scholarly work at conferences, and how to write for journal publication. Opportunities for students to exchange ideas, present their work, and interact with faculty. Includes special topics of current interest.
EM 806 Integrative Seminar (2)
On-campus integrative seminar during the first three years of program of study. Specialized topics include how to review and critique scholarly literature and research finding, how to present scholarly work at conferences, and how to write for journal publication. Opportunities for students to exchange ideas, present their work, and interact with faculty. Includes special topics of current interest.
EM 812 Disaster Management Principles and Practice (3)
In depth analysis of disaster management principles and practice, including historical and emergent trends and conditions relevant to the current state-of-the-practice and standards, plus future development.
EM 814 Interdisciplinary Disaster Theory and Research (3)
Examination of the major theoretical topics, questions, and literature that inform the discipline and practice of emergency management, with topics including the nature of disaster, human and organizational behavior under stress, and risk perception and communication. An interdisciplinary approach whereby students think critically about the epistemological assumptions of alternative theoretical perspectives and divergent policy approaches.
EM 823 Institutional Context and Emergency Management Policy (3)
Analysis of political, administrative, and fiscal relationships among governments in the provision of emergency management programs and disaster relief policy in the American political system. Exploration of the role of society in shaping institutions and how these institutions influence and structure public policy making and administration.
EM 825 Systems Thinking and Applications in Emergency Management (3)
Analysis and application of systems thinking concepts and methodologies to problems encountered in emergency management.
EM 832 Hazards Risk Management and Community Resilience (3)
Tools and methods used to manage risk associated with the hazards facing a community; role of emergency management programs in community resilience and sustainability.
EM 834 Risk-Based Response and Recovery Strategy Development and Operations (3)
Explores strategies public officials employ to cope with disasters and their impacts, risk-based operational considerations and management structures.
EM 843 Emergency Management Program Management (3)
Examines emergency management functional demands and program delivery on a day-to-day basis; considers managerial practices such as communication with the public, the meaning of public service, making effective presentations to governing boards and legislatures, effective meetings and group facilitation, citizen engagement, media relations, and ethics.
EM 853 Research Design (3)
Social science research methods including research design and approaches to inquiry (quantitative, qualitative, experimental, evaluation), the role of theory in empirical research, causal inference, and reporting and reviewing research.
EM 855 Advanced Data Analysis (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 853 -may be taken concurrently.
An examination of statistical and research techniques appropriate to emergency management applied research, including descriptive statistics, probability theory, sampling and statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation analysis, analysis of variance, modeling and techniques for data reduction (e.g. factor analysis).
EM 862 Cost-Benefit Analysis (3)
EM 864 Qualitative Research (3)
EM 866 Evaluation Research (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 853 and EM 855.
Practical application of appropriate social science research methodology to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector and nonprofit policies and programs, with topics including how to develop an evaluation plan; evaluation types such as process, impact, cost-benefit, and cost-effectiveness evaluations; and management of evaluation projects.
EM 868 Directed Research (3)
Prerequisite(s): consent of program director.
Directed reading and research in fields of special interest.
EM 869 Directed Research (3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of program director.
Directed reading and research in fields of special interest.
EM 871 Voluntary and Nonprofit Disaster Management (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 834.
Unique considerations of nonprofit disaster management and service delivery, including volunteer administration, donations management, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration.
EM 873 Health Care Systems in Disaster (3)
Prerequisite(s): EM 834.
Overview of emergency management considerations for health and medical professionals and range of medical, public health, behavioral and psychological problems associated with disaster; incident management processes and organization that integrate health and medical assets into the response.
EM 875 Risk Communication (3)
Examines theories related to risk perception and behavior; principles of risk communication and special communication challenges with diverse audiences; and development of crisis and emergency risk communication plans.
EM 877 Crisis Leadership and Management (3)
Classic and contemporary theories and models of leadership,with emphasis on the role of leadership in crisis situations; principles of crisis management.
EM 878 IT Applications for Emergency Management (3)
Explores the importance of information in emergency management; information requirements and breakdowns; and information technologies applied to crisis and disaster situations.
EM 879 Spatial Analysis and GIS for Emergency Management (3)
Disaster-related applications of spatial analysis techniques; use of GIS software.
EM 882 Directed Study (3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of program director.
Independent study under the direction of the instructor.
EM 884 Directed Study (3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of program director.
Independent study under the direction of the instructor.
EM 886 Directed Study (3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of program director.
Independent study under the direction of the instructor.
EM 899 Dissertation Research (1-6)
(1-6). At least 18 credit hours required; course will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Continuous enrollment is required subsequent to passing qualifying exams for admission to candidacy. Students may register for 1-6 credit hours per semester with approval from advisor/program director.
PA 500 Foundations of Public Administration (3)
Explores the evolutionary process of American public administration with the intent of focusing on theoretical and applied contexts of contemporary public administration. Special attention is placed upon the role of administration as it applies to the legislative-executive relations (including accountability, transparency and responsibility in democratic administration), the role of administration in the policymaking process, the legal basis for public administration, and financial and personnel responsibilities of administrators in the public sector.
PA 501 Public Policy Process and Analysis (3)
Policy theory is used to understand the development of public policy, including stakeholder identification and participation in the process of making and implementing public policy. Analytical tools to evaluate public policy and options toward policy change are included in the course content.
PA 502 Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
PA 504 Leadership and Ethics in the Public Sector (3)
Ethical reasoning methods and problem-solving techniques ensure ethical decisions are made in the public sector. Decision-making models allow leaders to make the best decisions for the organization and the public. Leadership must include ethical decision-making and include a variety of inputs for effective decisions to be made. Course content also includes leadership styles and qualities of effective leadership.
PA 512 Intergovernmental Relations (3)
Examines the development, institutions, processes, and problems of state and local government in the United States and their interaction with each other and with the federal government.
PA 521 Administrative Law (3)
Legal principles and procedures involved in administration of government agencies.
PA 531 HR Management in the Public Sector (3)
Functions, procedures, and problems of personnel management at all levels of government.
PA 532 Budgeting and Finance in the Public Sector (3)
Collection, custody, and expenditure of public revenue, public borrowing and debt management, preparation and execution of the budget, and financial accountability for public spending.
PA 540 Public Organizational Theory (3)
This course is designed to enhance the study of complex organizational structures and the behavior of individuals working within those organizations. An emphasis is placed on public institutions and the affect different organizational structures and behaviors have on public policy.
PA 545 Seminar in Public Administration (3)
Theories, or models, of administrative organization and behavior and examination of relationship between public administration and political process.
PA 546 Diversity in the Workplace (3)
This public administration course examines how and why race, class, and gender differences inform and shape our legal and social structures and impact the legal decision-making process, social change, and social institutions of modern American Society.
PA 555 Seminar in Comparative Public Administration (3)
Comparison of approaches to and problems associated with public administration in different nation types: western/nonwestern; developed/underdeveloped; large/small; and open/closed.
PA 582 Grantwriting (3)
Practical course instructing the steps involved in the grantwriting process. This course includes strategic planning, research, finding appropriate grant sources and writing the grant.
PA 585 Directed Studies in Public Administration (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department head and approval of instructor.
In-depth study of selected topics.
PA 586 Directed Studies in Public Administration (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of department head and approval of instructor.
In-depth study of selected topics.
PA 597 Public Affairs Internship (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of department head, program director, and instructor.
Supervised administrative assignment in office of an area public and/or private agency for a minimum of eight hours per week. Students who are eligible for an internship waiver will take an approved 3-hour PA elective to replace the internship requirement. Grades: Pass/Fail.
PA 598 Public Affairs Internship (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of department head and approval of instructor.
Supervised administrative assignment in office of an area public and/or private agency for a minimum of eight hours per week. Students who are eligible for an internship waiver will take an approved 3-hour PA elective to replace the internship requirement. Grades: Pass/Fail.
PA 599 Capstone Project in Public Administration (3)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the Program’s core courses, and permission by the Director of the MPA Program and Office of Graduate Studies.
The Capstone Project offers each student the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the theory and practice of public administration by applying the knowledge and skills gained in the MPA program to a project of the student’s choice. This involves completing a project report reflecting the cumulative knowledge gained from these experiences. The course is intended only for students who are completing their Masters of Public Administration (MPA). Students will complete the MPA Capstone Project in the last semester of coursework.