Track 2) Disaster planning and management, including natural and terror-related events 

In the past several years the world has witnessed several of the most horrific disasters ever encountered by the human race, including tsunami, earthquakes, drought, and acts of terror. Several faculty in departments affiliated with the center specialize in studies of major disasters, including forensic seismology, bioterrorism, and natural disasters. Students in the center may take courses or design a graduate program in disaster mitigation through the Integrated Applied Science Program, or through the M.S. Program in Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness. Students in these programs are advised to take elective courses in natural hazards through the affiliated Departments of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry.

Through the Urban Planning Program and links with FEMA, we emphasize the design of sustainable communities that have acceptable levels of resistance to disasters. Communities should plan for hazard mitigation before disaster strikes by integrating the concepts and principles of sustainable development in mitigation planning. Through the College of Public Health we offer several degree programs in Disaster Planning and Biosecurity. Related courses are offered through the Law School.

• 1. Master of Science Degree in Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness
  This 35 credit hour Master in Science program is taught entirely by distance technology. The degree is designed to be completed in two years if two courses are completed each semester.
• 2. Certificate Program in Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness

A subset of the courses is also offered as a graduate certificate (15 credit hours), for those individuals unable to pursue the Master of Science degree. The certificate program is offered through the School of Public Health, a fully accredited school of public health. Courses that are completed in this program may be later applied towards the MS Biosecurity degree.

The program is designed to meet the growing need of public health professionals, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, veterinarians, emergency management professionals, corporate security and health personnel, law enforcement, and related professionals.

The program focuses on skills required to be a biosecurity professional, which encompasses the fields of homeland security and consequences management of pandemics. The biosecurity area is likely the most rapidly growing discipline in public health and homeland security.

The degree is targeted to non-traditional working students who wish to take advantage of the distance-learning format. Successful students in this program are self-directed, motivated adult learners who are critical thinkers and who can work independently in a non-traditional environment. Distance technology permits a student to decide when they will study and how long it will take them to get their degree.