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Homeland Security & Disaster Preparedness

Minor

College: College of Nursing and Health Professions

Department: Health Sciences and Risk Management

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Description

The minor in Homeland Security and Disaster Preparedness is a multidisciplinary program offered in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Liberal Arts & Communication.

This multidisciplinary minor will integrate principles of early recognition and treatment, mitigation, cultural and spiritual influences, issues related to law enforcement, media and mental health aspects of biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear terrorism, as well as natural disasters.

Students completing the minor should have a basis of knowledge to be a contributor in disasters and emergencies in their communities and places of employment. As a result of these classes, fear and concern should be appropriately decreased or increased(depending on the agent involved), knowledge improved, with students willing to make the hard decisions related to moral/ethical dilemmas.

Please consult with your advisor if you plan on pursuing a minor in homeland security & disaster preparedness.

Curriculum

Curriculum and minor requirements can be found in the most current Undergraduate Bulletin.

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  • Why Study Disaster Preparedness?

    Since September 11, 2001, the United States has faced near-continual threats to its security at home and abroad. The incidence of terrorist attacks has increased over the last five years. The United States has been preparing to manage such events. The National Response Plan calls for local governments, agencies, institutions and even citizens to be prepared to take care of themselves and their communities for up to 96 hours should such an attack occur.

    In public health, the process for including natural disasters in preparedness is called dualism, or an all-hazards approach. The course content for the minor includes an all hazards approach.

    Research has shown that in the state of Arkansas, up to 70%of health care professionals (physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and registered nurses) do not believe they are prepared to provide care to victims of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive attacks, nor do they believe the current national preparations are sufficient. Approximately the same number have not had any additional education on these topics.


An multidisciplinary approach

Disasters and other emergencies affect professionals in all disciplines. Therefore, the multi-disciplinary minor in homeland security and emergency management is appropriate for all degree-seeking students regardless of their major. The courses in the minor are taught from an all-hazards perspective. Assignments are tailored to be applicable to each student’s chosen discipline. Expertise acquired from completing the minor is value-added to any degree when seeking employment. In addition, all students completing the minor will develop a personal/family disaster plan to enhance their own preparedness.