Certificate in Disaster Public Health
This Certificate series is an academic collaboration between the Center for Human Security and the UCCS Beth-El College of Nursing
and Health Sciences. The courses have been developed to provide learners the instruction necessary to proficiently perform in the
event of a disaster public health emergency. Topics such as roles and responsibilities in prevention, preparedness, response, and
recovery are covered.
What is the Center for Human Security at UCCS?
The Center has a rich history of collaboration with public and private sector partners to address issues in homeland
defense and homeland security. In particular, the Center has extensive association with United States Northern Command
and has built a strong foundation of applied research and graduate education programs specific to current and future
needs in the emerging defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) field. UCCS and CHS worked closely with Northern
Command to help develop the Homeland Security/Defense Education Consortium (HSDEC). Through the HSDEC, the
Center has woven an impressive web of interconnected capability with an international group of academic institutions, all
with the objective to rapidly expand global capacity in the most critical areas of security and defense.
The mission of the Center for Human Security is to provide advanced education, conduct leading-edge basic and applied
research, and develop process innovation environments that nourish homeland security and defense discoveries.
How does this partnership impact the quality of my certificate education?
CHS and the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences have established a national reputation as a service provider
in the areas of education, research, and innovation. As public and private sector requirements at the local, state, national
and international levels evolve, Center and College operations in each of these three broad areas of activity will adjust
and transform to meet the challenge. This collaborative certificate offering reflects the unique nature of UCCS and the
transforming role of Colorado Springs as the nation’s Homeland Security and Defense Center of Excellence.
Additionally, CHS and the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences are fortunate to have an extremely talented
and experienced group of researchers, faculty and staff. I encourage you to explore the website to become acquainted
with the diverse backgrounds and capabilities that comprise the Center and the College.
What does a certificate in disaster public health me to you?
It means that with a certificate in disaster public health, you’ll be in high demand – and on a career path filled with advancement
opportunities.
What can I do with a certificate in disaster public health?
Those who earn a certificate in disaster public health may find employment opportunities in a wide variety of settings, including:
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In-country field consultants
Disaster relief organizations
Immigrant/refugee health organizations
Research and academic institutions
International agencies and other non-governmental agencies (NGOs)
Multi-lateral agencies (such as WHO)
Governmental agencies (USAID; in-country Ministry of Health, etc.)
Are You Ready?
- Be prepared before the next crisis hits…
Course Curriculum:
HSCI 6200: General Principles of Disaster Public Health – 3 Semester Credits
This course is the first course in a four-part Certificate series in Disaster Public Health. This course presents an overview of the public
health aspects of disasters. It is intended to provide a foundation for students to understand the basic components of public health
during a disaster. After a general overview and introduction, the course will move onto the elements required for response and how
these elements have been poorly or successfully implemented in disasters. The course will conclude by addressing the education and
training required to build a strong core of professionals.
HSCI 6210: General Principles of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response – 3 Semester Credits
The second course in the four-part certificate series, this course presents an overview of the public health aspects of disasters. It
provides a foundation for students to understand the basic principles of preparedness and emergency response that are utilized to plan
for, respond to, and recover from a disaster.
HSCI 6420: Principles of Medical Preparedness and Response to Specific Types of Disasters – 3 Semester Credits
The third course in the four-part certificate series, this course emphasizes the understanding of the public health impacts of specific
types of disasters, as well as how to prepare and respond to the medical consequences of each of these disaster types. This course
begins with an overview of the public health consequences of natural and man-made (terrorist-caused) disasters, and then quickly
delves into selected types of disaster events. Disasters to be covered include Pandemic Influenza; Emerging Infectious Diseases;
Biological, Chemical and Nuclear/Radiological Terrorism; Explosive Disasters; Mass Shootings; Earthquakes and Volcanic Events;
Hurricanes and Tornadoes; Fires, Wildfires and Lightning; Floods and Tsunamis; and extreme Heat and Cold events.
HSCI 6230: Special Topics in Disaster Public Health – 3 Semester Credits
The final course in the four-part certificate series, this course emphasizes the understanding of special public health issues that apply to
disasters, topics that are critically important, but do not fit in the context of the first three courses in the series. This course includes
segments on terrorism and insurgency; medico-legal disaster response issues; interagency cooperation and dynamics; threat
assessment and risk analysis; health risk communication, planning, and exercising for disasters; informatics; and economic disasters
and their effects on public health. Four sessions will include special case study segments on 9/11, the anthrax attacks of 2001, SARS,
and the 2009 Swine H1N1 Influenza pandemic.
Graduate level courses are Financial Aid eligible for those who qualify.
Disclosures:
Graduate Disaster Public Health Certificate - Gainful Employment Certificate - Notated on transcript
Financial Aid eligible programs are for those who qualify. Degree seeking students should consult with their
student advisor prior to taking courses to ensure that the courses apply appropriately to their degree completion. For
a full description of UCCS certificate types and policies please visit:
http://www.uccs.edu/Documents/vcaf/policies/2015/200-023CertProg.pdf