Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management

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The nature of disasters and large-scale catastrophic events requires professionals with the background and education in dealing with natural and man-made hazards. The undergraduate degree in Emergency and Disaster Management (EDM) prepares students for careers in emergency management and public safety careers.  From the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe, our emergency and disaster management stresses the fact that “all disasters are local”, which is a foundational emergency management concept. In addition, we introduce our students to the all-hazards approach, emergency and disaster management phases, risk assessment, prevention and management, counter-terrorism, consequence management, mitigation, and recovery. 

Emergency and disaster management faculty has credentials in antiterrorism, forensics, explosives ordnance disposal, pre-disaster mitigation, planning, response to natural disasters, rapid deployment, fire services at local, tribal, and state levels, as well as at the national level.  Many faculty members are board certified emergency managers (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).  In addition, many adjunct faculty serve in key positions at the US Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Fire Academy, Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  APUS's Emergency and Disaster Management program is accredited by the Foundation of Higher Education for Disaster and Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  We are the first 100-percent on line institution to receive this important distinction.

Degree Program Objectives

  • Identify and apply the disaster planning and management cycle from mitigation through recovery
  • Assess response strategies for nuclear, biological, chemical, and natural disaster incidents
  • Critically assess the intergovernmental and interagency responsibilities for disaster management support
  • Analyze the psychological and sociological factors and associated coping strategies for natural and manmade disasters

While learning objectives that are specific to the academic discipline have been identified for each degree program, the University System also outlines general education outcomes (Level 1 and 2) that are sought throughout the institution and at each degree level. For a comprehensive discussion of these objectives please refer to the academic catalog.

Degree Program Requirements

Required Course - 3 semester hours

General Education Requirements (34 semester hours)
English - 6 semester hours
Social Sciences - 6 semester hours
Science - 4 semester hours including the required 1 hour labs
Mathematics - 3 semester hours
History - 6 semester hours
Humanities - 3 semester hours
Literature - 3 semester hours
All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing or ENGL102 - Effectiveness in Writing
Political Science - 3 semester hours

Core Courses (31 semester hours)

Major Courses (12 semester credits)

General Program Course List

Final Program Requirements (3 semester hours)
Electives (39 semester hours)
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill core or major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Total = 122 semester hours


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American Public University System, American Public University and American Military University are not affiliated with American University.

American Public University System (APUS) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.

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