Skip to main content

Program at a Glance

Program
Online Certificate
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
120
Credit Hours
US News World Report Most Innovative University

Prepare for the Unexpected and Lead the Way in Disaster Preparedness

As the world becomes increasingly complex, emergency management leaders who exhibit expertise, readiness, and responsive action will keep our communities safe and help rebuild whenever disaster strikes. From communications to hospitality to local government, all industries and disciplines need leaders who can thrive under pressure and keep a cool head in the face of natural or human-induced hazards. Equipped with core emergency management and homeland security principles, you will tackle these challenges and become a beacon of hope for our communities.

With your online graduate certificate in emergency management and homeland security from UCF Online, you’ll be prepared to manage natural and human-induced threats, crises and emergencies by coordinating public, private, and nonprofit efforts. Drawing knowledge from experienced and top-of-field scholars and practitioners, you’ll apply theory to practice through a myriad of practical learning experiences.

UCF Online enhances the skills you need to make a difference in the world. This online graduate certificate in emergency management and homeland security can bridge the gap for first responders and military, providing them with essential skills to manage emergencies more effectively. Additionally, it opens new career paths for public affairs or out-of-field practitioners, equipping them with the knowledge to handle crisis and disasters. With the graduate certificate credential in disaster management, you’ll effectively utilize resources and expertise to reduce harm and bring stability back to disrupted lives.

Emergency Manager looking on

Highlights

U.S. NEWS Best Grad School Homeland Security badge
# 1 Graduate Emergency Management program in the Nation according to U.S. News and World Report.
Theory and practice icon
Connect theory to application through innovative curriculum design and hands-on learning opportunities.
pathway icons
Certificate to Master's progression — credits earned in this program apply towards UCF's Emergency and Crisis Management master's degree.
Job focus icon
Stay connected to the industry through job opportunities, internships, and a strong network of alumni professionals and current students.

Application Deadlines

Spring
December 1
Fall
July 1

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

Foundations of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Analyze the policy and organizational design issues confronting managers of emergency management and homeland security programs by: examining the natural and manmade threats; by analysis of the network of actors - national, state, local, and private; and by assessing the policy, plans, and procedures at governmental and community levels.

Integrate the basic crisis management steps: hazard mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and recovery --building analytical and practical skills necessary to perform effectively in homeland security/emergency management-related positions.

Examine the geospatial aspects of hazards analysis and planning with reference to disaster preparedness, recovery, mitigation, and resilience.

Skills You'll Learn

  • Effectively communicating during emergencies to inform and guide the public
  • Analyzing hazards, vulnerability, mitigation, and resilience from a local to a national scale
  • Leading teams and making critical decisions under pressure
  • Developing and implementing emergency plans and preparedness strategies
  • Applying an all-hazards, whole community approach to every phase of emergency and crisis management

Career Projections

39,063

Annual Job
Openings

Source: Lightcast™ . 2024

Career Opportunities

  • Disaster Recovery Coordinator
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • FEMA Planning Specialist
  • General and Operations Managers
  • Homeland Security Agent
  • Safety Coordinator