CURRICULUM

Courses in this graduate program are offered fully online and are designed to train managers in the strategic decision-making required to prevent and counter threats to the country's critical infrastructure and public health. Courses blend strategic planning and systems theory to create a distinctive analytic approach different from the conventional emergency management approach to hazards.

Of the 16 core courses:

• Eight focus on methods and processes related to planning and monitoring critical infrastructures, and general management and leadership.
• Six focus on substantive knowledge related to critical infrastructure systems, providing a working knowledge of these systems, the hazards confronting them, and preventive measures. Courses also provide a working knowledge of epidemiological factors, biological processes, and biological and chemical hazards and measures to reduce and respond to risks.
• Two are capstone experiences that span two quarters and require the synthesis and application of knowledge learned across the program.

Prerequisites
Students new to this field are required to take two prerequisite courses:

• Database Management Fundamentals
• Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals (GIS)

Prerequisite courses are available from UW Online Learning and are offered year-round; similar courses may be offered elsewhere. Individuals with previous experience/education in these areas may petition to have the prerequisites waived. If you have questions about the prerequisite requirements, please contact a program representative.

Completing the Program
Aside from prerequisites, the program includes 15 courses (52 credits); students take two courses per quarter and can expect to complete the program in eight quarters. Individuals starting the program in September 2008 can expect to complete their coursework and earn the degree in August 2010.