[**Arkansas Tech University-Master of Science Degree in Emergency
Management and Homeland Security**]{.underline}

The Master of Science Degree balances conceptual knowledge in emergency
management with skill acquisition in crisis management, hazard
assessment, and other management skills. Students will exercise critical
judgment, independent thinking, creative initiative and disciplined
inquiry. Graduate students must also demonstrate requisite research
skills. The Department also has an Emergency Operations Center that is
utilized for classes and research.

This degree offers a specialized program both for existing career
professionals in the discipline and for those seeking the diverse
employment opportunities available in this evolving field. The
curriculum applies a multidisciplinary approach targeting the principles
of emergency management along with state‑of‑the‑art technologies.
Courses are available both on campus and through distance education.
Application for admission to Arkansas Tech University may be made online
through the Graduate School website:
[http://graduate.atu.edu](http://graduate.atu.edu/).

Students are eligible to apply for unconditional admission to the Master
of Science degree program in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
(EMHS) if they meet all of the following requirements. Additionally, all
application credentials are examined by a faculty committee from the EAM
Department in determining admission status.

1\. The admission requirements for the Graduate School.

2\. Cumulative grade point average of 3.00

3\. Statement of intent which addresses career goals, interests in
graduate school and emergency management, and research or practicum
interests

4\. Resume or vita

5\. Reference letters excluding references from faculty in the ATU
Department of Emergency Administration and Management (three letters are
recommended)

Conditional admission may be possible when the grade point average is
between 2.5 and 3.0. In addition, all application credentials are
examined by a faculty committee from the EAM Department to determine
admission status. If a cumulative 3.00 grade point average or better is
achieved at the completion of twelve semester hours and all other
requirements have been met, the student will be granted unconditional
admission.

A total of 36 semester hours is required (including 18 at the 6000
level) in four categories: Professional, Methods, Applied Research, and
Interdisciplinary.

The Professional Component requires 21 semester hours covering such
topics as Hazardous Materials, Technology, Legal Issues, and Hazards
Analysis. Professional component classes offered include:

Principles and Practices of Disaster Relief and Recovery

Disaster and Emergency Management Ethics

Community Management of Hazardous Materials

Special Problems and Topics

Design and Management of Preparedness and Mitigation Systems

Technology for Comprehensive Emergency Management

Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for Business and Industry

Foundations of Leadership

Contemporary Issues in Emergency Management

Legal Issues in Emergency Management

Independent Study

Workshop

One three-hour course, Research Design and Methods, is required to
complete the Methods Component. It examines research design along with
qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze real world problems.

The Applied Research Component consists of six hours with two options:
Thesis (individual research with a supervising professor) and Practicum
(an Action Research Project with a supervising professor). These courses
include:

Thesis Research

Thesis Seminar

Action Research Practicum I

Action Research Practicum II

The Interdisciplinary Component requires six hours of electives
applicable to the student's interests and career objectives.

Arkansas Tech University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools.

For more information:

> Contact: Mr. Ed Leachman, Interim Department Head
>
> Emergency Administration and Management
>
> Arkansas Tech University
>
> 110 Dean Hall
>
> Russellville, AR  72801
>
> Ph: 479-964-0536 Direct Line
>
> Fax: 479-968-0205
>
> Email: <eleachman@atu.edu>
>
> Additional Information: Website: <http://commed.atu.edu/EAM>
>
> Additional Phone:
>
> Updated: 12/11/07

**"Please note: Some of the Web sites linked to in this document are not
federal government Web sites, and may not necessarily operate under the
same laws, regulations, and policies as federal Web sites."**