Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
The certificate in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) provides students and practitioners in the field of disaster preparedness and emergency management with a broad range of administrative skills and knowledge required in the growing and challenging areas of disaster preparedness, emergency management, and homeland security. The certificate can be earned as a self-standing credential and may also be used as a part of a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu. The Bachelor’s degree includes on-campus classes. Courses for the bachelor’s degree and certificate are offered through in-class and distance learning instruction.
All courses meet national standards as established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Higher Education Project.
The certificate program is the only undergraduate, stand-alone DPEM certificate program in the State of Hawai’i. Many of non-traditional students pursuing the certificate are already employed by various government agencies tasked with disaster preparedness and emergency management, and as a result of their studies, these students gain the skills and knowledge to enhance job performance and career advancement. These individuals have work experience, but may not have a college degree. The DPEM certificate gives them the credentials they need for increased employability. In addition, the employers of many graduates recognize the certificate as a criterion for employee advancement. Traditionally, students choose to add the DPEM certificate as a way to increase their employability. This is especially the case for degree students majoring in Justice Administration, Health Care Administration, Business Administration, and the Social Sciences.
Contact
Dr. Ross Prizzia
Professor
(808) 689-2365
rprizzia@hawaii.edu
Dr. Jason Levy
Professor
(808) 689-2492
jlevy@hawaii.edu