Applied Crisis and Emergency Management
Resilience is a living practice, not merely a by-the-book plan. Regardless of the sector you work for or are interested in, we must all prepare for, respond to, and recover quickly from endless possibilities that may cause a disruption or shut down operations of the institutions, organizations, and communities we serve.
The Applied Crisis and Emergency Management (ACEM) undergraduate certificate at Mercyhurst University provides core crisis and emergency management education, with a special focus on application. This certificate is taught by professionals with more than twenty years of experience in multiple crisis and emergency management sectors across the United States. Our instructors will provide a ‘beyond the manual’ education that promotes, models, and shares best practices.
This undergraduate certificate is offered within sixteen weeks, all online and asynchronous, with fifteen college credit hours earned. Upon this certificate completion, students will also qualify for the FEMA Professional Development Series certification. (This undergraduate certificate is currently only offered for non-residential students who are not already enrolled at Mercyhurst University).
Enroll today and join us in building and enhancing strong networks of trained crisis and emergency management professionals. Join the ranks of leaders who serve their communities by helping all prepare and respond to crises and who teach others with a deeper understanding of resilience.
Virtual Information Sessions
Interested in learning more? Join us for our virtual information sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and 20! Register by completing an online form.
- ACEM 101: Fundamentals of Crisis and Emergency Management (three credits)
- ACEM 125: Applied Undergraduate Project I (one credit)
- ACEM 150: Daily vs. Emergency Communications (three credits)
- Describe the fundamental core components of crisis and emergency management
- Understand, describe, and apply the P.O.E.T.E. model for program management
- Understand and apply Gap analysis/hazard vulnerabilities and risk assessment to multiple sectors
- Understand the importance of using the Incident Command System
- Identify and apply the understanding of the difference between daily and emergency communications
- Identify, discuss, and provide solution alternatives for common barriers in daily and crisis communications
- Students will complete coursework for the FEMA Professional Development Series Certification
Two courses (six credits), one applied project (one credit)
- ACEM 200: Disaster Preparedness Programs (three credits)
- ACEM 215: Disaster Response and Recovery (three credits)
- ACEM 225: Applied Undergraduate Project II (two credits)
- Discuss and understand the components of an emergency management preparedness program
- Discuss and identify funding opportunities for government and non-governmental organizations, lessons learned and best practices through case studies, as well as gaps
- Provide solution alternatives for preparedness programs
- Define the actions of first responders, businesses and industries, varying levels of government agencies, as well as non-governmental and volunteer organizations during response and recovery
- Identify key response perspectives, cultural aspects in response that create barriers, as well as the challenges and key indicators, noting the transition from response to recovery activities
- Students will complete coursework for the FEMA Professional Development Series Certification
Two courses (six credits), one applied project (two credits)
Richard W. McCarty, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
John Olszowka, Ph.D.
Florentine Hoelker, Ph.D.
