Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Degree
Learn to Lead Through Crisis Situations by Earning Your Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University prepares you with the leadership abilities and communications skills to work in crisis situations. Homeland security focuses on the efforts to reduce terrorist attacks and to coordinate responses that minimizes damages, should attacks occur. Emergency management encompasses preparedness, response and recovery during and after dangers and hazards.
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Benefits of GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Services degree program at GCU is housed within the Colangelo College of Business. This means that you will get both an understanding of emergency management, as well as the business and leadership skills needed to perform practices related to emergency planning.
The homeland security degree program from GCU focuses on four domains to ensure you have both the theoretical and practical knowledge to keep communities prepared and safe These domains are:
The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at GCU is only offered online. This makes it the perfect option for working professionals looking to switch careers or elevate themselves within their current jobs.
What You’ll Learn During GCU’s Online Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
GCU’s online degree in homeland security is unique because it is taught through the university’s perspective of a Christian worldview. This means this crisis management degree highlights the servant leadership aspect of working in homeland security and emergency management careers. As a graduate of the degree in homeland security, you will focus on the moral and ethical obligations of public service. The program also highlights the important of equitable distribution of resources and access to community programs.
The topics studied in this degree program also include:
- Designing emergency action plans
- Studying local, state and federal emergency preparedness guidelines
- Managing budgets and resources
- Performing hazard analysis
- Communication in high-risk contexts
- Creating community response plans
- Analyzing mass care operations
- Training community members
Career Opportunities for Graduates With a Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Graduates of the GCU BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management will be prepared to assess, combat and provide relief from any number of potential threats. Graduates may go on to work as:
- Emergency management directors
- First-line supervisor of police and detectives
- Management, all other
If being of service to your local, state and national community is your highest calling, then it is time for you to follow your path to a career in public service. Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree at GCU today.
Crisis Management Degree FAQs
Read through our homeland security degree frequently asked questions and learn more about this career path. Start planning your homeland security career today.
The homeland security and emergency management degree at GCU consists of 120 total credits. It will take approximately four years to complete this undergraduate online degree in homeland security.
While students with less than a bachelor’s degree may qualify with substantial experience, a bachelor’s degree is the most common minimum education requirements for homeland security jobs. Getting your undergraduate degree in homeland security provides you with an important basis of knowledge that employers will undoubtedly appreciate.
This type of specialized bachelor’s degree is set up to prepare you for this career path. In this program, you’ll learn critical information regarding important aspects of homeland security and emergency management, such as creating and implementing emergency action plans, high-risk context communication and training measures. Along with these concepts, you will also learn valuable business and management principles characteristic of a degree in the Colangelo College of Business.
It is no question that a career in homeland security is an important one — threats are unfortunately a constant in today’s world. If you seek to protect others, are always looking to improve security measures and thrive under pressure, then this career choice may be a good fit for you.
Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency management directors have a median annual wage of $76,250 as of May 2020, making this career path a financially stable choice as well.1
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Emergency Management Directors as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Emergency Management Directors. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the Department of Homeland Security and the national preparedness goal, including its mission areas and core capabilities. Students learn the key principles, participants, functions, structures, and challenges within the discipline with a focus on a systematic, community-based, all-hazard approach to emergency management. This course also includes concepts related to accreditation of emergency management programs and professional associations, credentials, and certifications.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course focuses on the mission area of protection, with an emphasis on the capabilities necessary to protect the country from acts of terrorism and manmade and natural disasters. Students integrate knowledge of risk and vulnerability assessment and operational structures, resources, and processes to develop comprehensive measures to secure the nation and its interests against varied threats. Prerequisite: EMM-301.
Course Description
This course examines the processes and principles of mitigation planning for emergency management. Students examine the benefits of mitigation and the development and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures to reduce the impact of disasters on people and the environment. Prerequisite: EMM-301.
Course Description
This course explores the dimensions of domestic and international terrorism and focuses on the core capabilities necessary for preventing terrorist acts. Students examine the role of intelligence and information sharing, security measures, and methods of disruption used for impeding and/or responding terrorism. Prerequisite: EMM-301.
Course Description
The knowledge and practice gained in this course provide the emergency manager with management and supervision skills and techniques critical to success in the emergency services environment. Focus is on practices necessary for saving lives, protecting the built and natural environment, and providing for the populace following a disaster. Prerequisite: EMM-301.
Course Description
This course addresses disaster recovery and the core capabilities required to promote comprehensive recovery within communities impacted by disaster. Students examine issues related to restoring infrastructure, businesses and the economy, and human and environmental health. Prerequisite: EMM-301.
Course Description
This course is a study of the challenges associated with managing projects within the context of the overarching management framework of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Emphasis is placed on balancing competing priorities related to human resources, time constraints, and physical resources/materials, as well as managing and controlling project scope.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, students demonstrate competence in emergency management through the development of an individual project. Students select an aspect of emergency management and complete a continuity of operations plan (COOP) using critical thinking to demonstrate knowledge of core capabilities and account for the complexities of dealing with emergencies and disasters. Prerequisites: EMM-306, EMM-311, EMM-400, EMM-412, EMM-450, and MGT-440.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.