Course topics include homeland security, emergency management, terrorism, and crisis planning.
PORTSMOUTH – To help address the growing demand for homeland security and emergency management jobs as organizations recognize the need to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies, Great Bay Community College (GBCC) is expanding its Homeland Security certificate to train the next generation of emergency response professionals. GBCC will be the first New Hampshire community college to offer the two-year degree which will provide emergency response professionals with the skills and expertise necessary to effectively plan for, prevent and respond to natural or human-caused disasters and emergencies.
“Based on the world we live in today, the ability to respond effectively to a disaster and save lives is more important than ever,” said Eric Kulberg, GBCC criminal justice department chair and former police officer. “This is a hands-on career that assists with preventing and responding to disasters while working to mitigate damage in the community. The degree program is perfect for those who want to start a new homeland security or emergency management career and professionals in the field looking for a promotion.”
GBCC’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management associate degree program expands upon the college’s current certificate program. Course topics include homeland security, emergency management, terrorism, crisis planning and the National Incident Management System.
Learning from professors who are in the field, students will gain experience from a unique approach of incorporating tabletop exercises into the curriculum, a critical preparation technique that includes discussions and response to emergency scenarios. Students learn the differences of strategic, operational and tactical threats of chemical, nuclear and biological agents. Graduates will be prepared to assess the risk of threat and utilize crisis management strategies to develop a plan and minimize organization and community vulnerability in such a careers as community preparedness coordinator, response planner, TSA agent, or emergency management specialist.
“The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is excited for the educational opportunities this program will provide in the emergency management field, including its important role in keeping communities safe,” said Homeland Security Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper. “Like other employers, our agency relies on a robust workforce. HSEM looks forward to the growth of this program to increase resources in the state.”
Great Bay Community College is a comprehensive postsecondary institution offering quality academic and professional and technical education in support of workforce development and lifelong learning. Great Bay Community College is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire, a public system of higher education consisting of seven colleges in Berlin, Claremont, Laconia, Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth. The colleges offer Associate degrees and career training in technical, professional and general fields, including transfer pathways to baccalaureate degrees. For more information on Great Bay Community College, visit www.greatbay.edu.
