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On August 5, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 

Online Undergraduate NanoCert® in Basics of Emergency Management

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Explore the foundations of emergency management, including the field’s history and functions, emergency planning processes, and the incident command system, in this three-course program.

The courses in this NanoCert are designed to bring you closer to completion of the BA in Emergency and Disaster Management or the Undergraduate Certificate in Emergency Management.

  • Examine the history and functions of emergency management and the roles of federal, state, local and nongovernmental agencies within an integrated emergency management system 
  • Explore U.S. emergency planning processes and compare federal, state and local planning mandates 
  • Outline the primary components of an Emergency Operations Plan and the essential functions of a Continuity of Operations Plan 
  • Explain incident command functions, responsibilities, command structures and lines of authority, including the importance of interagency teamwork during emergency operations

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
9
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4753

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This is designed to introduce students to the concepts of emergency management. Students will gain a general understanding of the threats faced by communities. Students will explore the role of emergency management as well as the activities taken during the various phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Topics covered in this class include the history and development of emergency management, hazard identification and risk analysis, mitigation, communications, international disaster management, and the future of emergency management. Through a simulation exercise, the students use publicly available tools to take on the role of an emergency manager. They will be tasked with doing a comprehensive risk assessment of a fictional town and apply the results to a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) using different man-made, technological, and natural hazards that culminates in a peer-review assessment.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session
09/28/26 - 02/26/27 03/01/27 - 04/25/27 Winter 2027 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2567

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Effective emergency planning is the key to surviving natural and man-made disasters. Risk analysis and the formulation of a comprehensive plan, followed by a vigorous and continuing testing program, are essential elements to surviving an emergency. Topics covered include threat assessment, risk analysis, the formulation of a plan, emergency operations center (EOC) staffing, coordination with supporting agencies, the importance of liaison continuity, actual incident management, and effective follow-up analysis. Various actual case studies are discussed. Students build upon their knowledge and use the Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) developed in EDMG101. If they have not taken the course, a generic completed HVA will be provided to develop a section of an Emergency Operation Plan. Students will also have the ability to work through a self-paced optional “refresher” module on the creation of the HVA.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session
09/28/26 - 02/26/27 03/01/27 - 04/25/27 Winter 2027 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3356

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This course is a study of the theory and practice of incident command, the various methods of incident command, and specific focus on the Incident Command System (ICS) used in crises, disasters, and emergency management response systems. The roles and responsibilities of the ICS system are identified. The different agencies and incidents in which the ICS system is used are discussed. Cases are studied in order to assist students in understanding the management and leadership complexity associated with modern emergencies and disasters. The student will participate in a 2D/3D simulation and take on a new role within an incident command scenario shifting from being an information producer, to an information consumer, and decision-maker. The scenario will feature a terrorist event at a university graduation where students will be required to activate their incident command system, working the scenario to its conclusion using decision-making points throughout.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/29/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
07/27/26 - 01/01/27 01/04/27 - 02/28/27 Winter 2027 Session B 8 Week session
08/31/26 - 01/29/27 02/01/27 - 03/28/27 Winter 2027 Session I 8 Week session
09/28/26 - 02/26/27 03/01/27 - 04/25/27 Winter 2027 Session D 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Oct 5
Register by Oct 2
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  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or info@apus.edu.

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*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.