Are you interested in beginning a career in homeland security, emergency response, or disaster relief? If so, it's likely you can develop the skills and gain the knowledge you need to gain entry into any of these fields when you become a student in Walden University's Bachelor of Science in Public Health program with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management. Read more about this online bachelor's degree program here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Program Is It?

    Walden University's B.S. in Public Health program with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management combines a core education in public health concepts and principles with courses in emergency preparedness, response, and coordination practices. Topics covered in concentration coursework include response strategies for manmade and natural disasters and crisis situations, public health roles in emergency management, intervention methods, coordination procedures for emergency response personnel, risk management, terrorist threat response strategies, and procedures for weapons of mass destruction incidents. The core curriculum offers diverse study in healthcare delivery systems, environmental hazards, disease prevention and control, global health issues, epidemiology, and public health program development and implementation. A capstone course provides you with the opportunity to apply theories and concepts learned in the program to the completion of a final research project supported by field study and examination of relevant literature.

    What Are the Prerequisites?

    To enter Walden University's B.S. in Public Health program with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management, you should have strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

    What Are the Program Requirements?

    Once enrolled in the B.S. in Public Health program with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management at Walden University, you must complete a total of 181 credits to earn this degree. This credit total includes 45 credits in general education courses, 80 credits in the core curriculum, 30 credits in the area of concentration, and 20 credits in electives. A five-credit capstone and a one-credit foundation course must also be taken. Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change. Contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program.

    B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management Required Courses

    Foundation Course

    • Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab

    Core Courses

    • Principles of Public Health
    • Context of Healthcare Delivery
    • Health Informatics
    • Behavioral and Cultural Issues in Healthcare
    • Environmental Health
    • Human Disease and Prevention
    • Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
    • Public and Global Health
    • Principles of Epidemiology
    • Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis
    • Public Health Education and Communication
    • Introduction to Health Management
    • Health Finance and Economics
    • Planning Public Health Programs
    • Evaluating Public Health Programs
    • Public Health Policy for Social Change

    Concentration Courses

    • Introduction to Disaster and Emergency Management
    • Coordinated Community Response: Developing Community Resource Brokers
    • Critical Incidents and Cross-Agency Coordination
    • Planning and Budgeting
    • Crisis Communications
    • Choose one of the following:
      • Terrorism
      • Weapons of Mass Destruction and Disaster Response

    Capstone Course

    • Capstone in Public Health

    What Could I Do After I Graduate?

    Career Opportunities

    After completing Walden University's B.S. in Public Health program with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management, you could be prepared for entry-level positions in community health centers, nonprofit health organizations, clinics, corporate safety departments, or emergency response organizations. You could be responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts, developing emergency response plans, or distributing emergency planning material to the public. Positions you could pursue include:

    • Emergency response coordinator
    • Corporate safety program coordinator
    • Community health program coordinator

    Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

    Advanced Degrees

    Though completion of the B.S. in Public Health program with a concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management should be sufficient for entry-level employment, you might need to obtain a master's degree for career advancement purposes. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Master's degrees you could pursue include:

    • Master of Public Health
    • Master of Science in Emergency Management
    • Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration

    Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for this program at http://waldendisclosures.com.

    Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.