Continuing Studies Offers Threat Assessment Certificate

CHICAGO --- Current events such as hurricanes and terrorist attacks have shown the need to strengthen emergency management capabilities at the local and national level.

To meet that need, Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies is offering the first graduate certificate program in Chicago specifically designed to meet and exceed government and industry proficiencies.

The Emergency Management Threat Assessment program is designed to apply competencies that have been established by the National Emergency Manager's Association, the International Association of Emergency Managers, and the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security.

The focus on threat assessment and analysis along with emergency management skills training is designed to position aspiring managers and working professionals to assume administrative leadership in all segments of the emergency management/homeland security industry.

Faculty members include leaders in business, public safety, public administration, security, and risk management. Students will be challenged to apply proven techniques for assessing, reducing, and managing vulnerabilities, as well as threats to critical infrastructures.

This program will address the needs of working adults in the field through a combination of in-classroom and online instruction. Students will be required to complete five courses, including four core courses and one elective. The core classes will focus on emergency management planning, natural and man-made threat and vulnerability assessment. Electives will focus on contingency planning and response and recovery.

Program Outcomes
At the conclusion of the graduate certificate, students will have learned to:
-Understand the current theories and practices in the environment of threat assessment and mitigation,
-Apply techniques and technologies in assessing vulnerabilities to both man-made and natural disasters,
-Create strategies and processes for assessing vulnerabilities to threats,
-Promote an environment of distinction focused on mitigation and reduction of risk through assessment and prevention strategies and systems.

Industry Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for emergency management specialists will increase by nearly 23 percent by 2014.

(For more information: Joel Shapiro, Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, SCS, at 847-491-4340 or jshapiro@northwestern.edu or Jason Stamps, Director of New Programs, CPS, at 847-491-5233 or jstamps@northwestern.edu

Visit www.scs.northwestern.edu for more information.