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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM (EMHS DEGREE)

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM (EMHS DEGREE)
THE MAJOR IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
THE MAJOR IN INTELLIGENCE STUDIES

Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program Website

Director: David Merrick 

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program (EMHS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies (EM/IS). Students can choose to major in Emergency Management or Intelligence Studies.

The Emergency Management major is for students who want to support and lead their communities through all four phases of a disaster, from mitigation to recovery. Students will learn about the real-world policy, planning, and flexibility needed for successfully managing all types of incidents - natural and man-made. The major emphasizes practicing what you learn; it’s not just theory. Classes will also cover the technical skills needed to leverage disaster intelligence, including the option to learn to operate small drones. Graduates will be well suited to work in EM offices in all levels of government. Those looking to work in the private sector will find that most national and multi-national organizations--both public and private--need EM professionals, and there are companies that provide EM services to augment government capabilities.

Intelligence Studies

The Intelligence Studies major teaches students all aspects of the intelligence cycle. Classes cover the entire process of taking raw information from varying sources and turning it into a finished intelligence product for situational awareness and decision making. Students will also study the policies that shape the intelligence community, including the impact of current events. The major emphasizes research, critical thinking, and writing with clarity. Graduates of the program will be well suited to work in intelligence offices such as those in law enforcement, military, other government offices, or even large corporations.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

  • Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information

  • Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications

  • Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology

  • Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications

  • Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively

  • Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate majors in EM/IS satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CGS 2060 or CGS 2100, or through other mechanisms as detailed in the relevant section of this General Bulletin.

Special Note About Course Codes

The EMHS Program is transitioning all its undergraduate PAD courses to the DSC (Domestic Security) prefix. Students should work with their Academic Advisor to ensure they are not enrolling in any DSC course that they have already successfully completed as PAD.

Historical course codes are detailed in full on the EMHS Course Catalog webpage.

Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies allows students to major in Emergency Management or Intelligence Studies.

All students in the EM/IS degree program must complete a minimum of 40 semester hours beyond the 36 hours of General Education requirements or beyond the articulated A.A. degree. An audit of A.A. requirements completed through the Office of Academic Affairs may be used to certify A.A. coursework beyond the statewide General Education requirement of 36 hours for use in the major. A grade of “C–” or better is required in each major course. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all coursework applied to the major must be maintained.

In addition to a 2.0 overall GPA across coursework credited to the major, all students must meet “mapping” requirements. See the Academic Guide website for more information.

Restrictions to the Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies Degree

Students majoring in EM and/or IS are not permitted to earn an undergraduate certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, or US Intelligence Studies. However, students in either major may still pursue the undergraduate certificate in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Internet Supported Distance Learning

A bachelor's degree program is available that enables students with an AA degree to earn an FSU degree without moving to Tallahassee. To be admitted, students are strongly recommended to have completed the University's oral communication competency requirement and the computer skills competency requirement. Due to limited course availability, it is strongly suggested that students contact the distance learning advisor to review course planning options, prior to admission. For more information, visit the FSU Distance Campus webpage or contact the program advisor.

Additional fees may be assessed for Distance Learning courses. Contact the Office of Student Finance for the most accurate information.

Internship

All students in the Bachelor of EM/IS must complete DSC 4703 Professional Pathways, which is the program’s professional development course. Successful completion of PAD 4074 is required before students are permitted to enroll in DSC 4942 Emergency Management and Intelligence Studies Internship. Through successful completion of DSC 4703 Professional Pathways, students will be connected to a variety of internship opportunities via close working relationships cultivated by the EMHS Program.

Although internships are not guaranteed or required for the degree, our program coordinators assist in identifying internship opportunities based on student interest and location preferences. These internships may be highly competitive. To maintain our strong relationships with host agencies, EMHS interns are evaluated prior to placement using the highest intellectual and professional standards expected of anyone representing our program and Florida State University.

Those interested in an internship should contact EMHS 1-3 semesters prior to the desired internship.

Second Majors

When students pursue a second major, they may generally count six semester hours of overlapping coursework toward both of their majors. Otherwise, all major requirements listed above must be met. Speak with your Academic Advisor for further information.

It is possible to double major in EM and IS, however students must work closely with their Academic Advisor to plan the needed coursework. Students double majoring in EM and IS are permitted to overlap the four hours of core courses (DSC 4703 Professional Pathways in Emergency Management; and DSC 4201 Foundations of Emergency Management), and 6 additional credit hours of coursework.

Students who want to earn a dual degree must combine the EM/IS degree with another major/degree outside of the EM/IS degree. It is not possible to earn a dual degree by majoring only in EM and/or IS, as both majors are housed under one degree.