Cal Maritime is launching a new graduate certificate program in Emergency Management in August 2022.  Designed and developed by Assistant Professor Thomas Ryan Brindle, the program focuses on planning and implementation of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities at the state and local level. It also examines public-policy creation and program evaluation within a research-based theoretical framework.

The program addresses the need to prepare a workforce of trained emergency management professionals at the local level who are not only capable of managing and coordinating large-scale emergency response operations, but also of developing partnerships across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to address local mitigation, preparedness, and disaster recovery needs.

“The first responders and emergency management professionals in the United States are in high demand. Our goal in creating this program is to not only train the next generation of emergency management professionals in best practices, but to also teach strategies to help these professionals actively promote policy change to better serve their communities,” says Brindle.

The program is designed for working professionals, active-duty military personnel, emergency first response professionals, government and non-profit disaster relief administrators, and private-sector business continuity and risk management professionals. Those interested in starting a career in the field of emergency management are also encouraged to apply.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed both vulnerability in our economic and healthcare systems, as well as weaknesses in the risk perception abilities of individuals and policy makers around the world. As the effects of climate change continue to become apparent, robust emergency management capabilities, particularly at the municipal and county levels, will become even more important,” Professor Brindle adds.

A graduate certificate is a credit-bearing academic program designed to provide focused study in specific fields which are in high demand in the marketplace. Graduate certificates are designed to bolster professional knowledge backed by academic theory and expertise, allowing students the flexibility to advance or expand their career options along with the agility offered by the shorter program format. 

Courses are delivered online in an asynchronous format which can be completed in three consecutive semesters. Required coursework include topics of emergency management program administration, policy, and program evaluation.

Information regarding the program and application materials can be found on the Extended Learning website at https://www.csum.edu/industry/ or by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies at mstem@csum.edu or 707-654-1271.