Welcome to Arkansas State University!

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

College: College of Nursing and Health Professions

Department: Health Sciences and Risk Management

RCDPE Logo

Description

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to enter professions in the field of disaster preparedness and emergency management.

The program requires undergraduate level courses related to disaster preparedness, mitigation, planning, response and recovery. Each student will select an emphasis area within DPEM.

Curriculum

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

Visit the bulletins page >>

  • Prerequisites

    Admission Criteria

    To be considered for admission into the A.A.S. program in disaster preparedness and emergency management, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

    • Minimum GPA of 2.00 on all transfer work
    • Completion of the ASU admission application process with acceptance
    • Consultation with an A.A.S. adviser and a filed declaration of DPEM major
  • Admission Information

    Before You Apply

    Class size is limited and all applicants may not be accepted into the program. Interested individuals are encouraged to seek an advisor early in their college career to ensure that all prerequisite courses are completed in a timely manner.

    Calculating Your GPA

    All courses completed which apply toward the A.A.S. degree will be included in calculating the GPA for application. Courses that do not apply toward the A.A.S. degree will not be included in these GPA calculations.

    Staying in the Program

    Continued admission to this degree program is conditioned upon completion of prerequisite course(s) required, and acceptance by disaster preparedness and emergency management agencies for practicum experiences. Some of these agencies may require a background check.

    Online Courses

    Courses may be taken online from A-State. Transfer credits will be accepted but may not exceed 50%.

    Prior Learning Assessment

    Continued admission to this degree program is based upon acceptance by clinical agencies for practicum experiences. Students may earn up to 15 credit hours through prior learning assessment. See the bottom of this page for more information about prior learning assessment.

    Practicum Experiences

    Some courses will incorporate didactic and practicum or hands-on experiences with agencies and professionals in emergency preparedness and emergency management. Travel costs for practicum  experiences are the responsibility of the student. Some practicum experiences may require the student to travel to another state for up to one week.

    Equal Opportunity Policy

    Arkansas State University is an equal opportunity institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, impediment/disability, or unlawful factors in the admission and treatment of students.
  • Tuition: Traditional Jonesboro

    Tuition Per Credit Hour

     
    Undergraduate
    In-State
    $312.00
    Out-of-State
    $580.00

    College Support Assessment Fee Per Credit Hour

    Additional cost per credit hour for non-general education courses.
     
    Undergraduate
    Neil Griffin College of Business
    $27.00
    College of Engineering & Computer Science
    $27.00
    College of Nursing & Health Professions
    $27.00
    Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics
    $27.00

    Required Hourly Fees Per Credit Hour

     
    Undergraduate
    Athletic Fee
    $23.00

    Required Term Fees

     
    Undergraduate
    Student Activity Fee (3 or more hours)
    $25.00
    The student activity is only charged in Fall & Spring terms.

    Additional Fees

     
    Undergraduate
    Application Fee
    $30.00
    Clemency Fee
    $15.00
    FYE / Making Connections Courses (per credit hour)
    $10.00
    Graduation Fee
    $45.00
    High School Concurrent Enrollment (per credit hour)
    $40.00
    Honors Fee (only charged in Fall & Spring)
    $50.00
    Identity Compliance Fee (per credit hour, online courses)
    $10.00
    Replacement Diploma Fee
    $15.00
    Academic Probation & Suspension Fee
    $50.00
    The fees listed above are only assessed if applicable.
  • Tuition: Approved Online Majors

    Tuition Per Credit Hour

     
    Undergraduate
    US Resident
    $242.00
    International
    $267.00

    Required Hourly Fees Per Credit Hour

     
    Undergraduate
    A-State Online Fee
    $40.00

    College Support Assessment Fee Per Credit Hour

    Additional cost per credit hour for non-general education courses.
     
    Undergraduate
    College of Nursing & Health Professions
    $22.00
  • How to Apply

    Applying to the Program

    Students wishing to pursue the A.A.S. in DPEM must apply to Arkansas State University and meet all of the admission requirements established by the university. Please apply at A-State Online.

    Students who wish to change their major to DPEM must also schedule a personal interview with a A.A.S. adviser.

  • Example Course Schedule
    The following is one suggested sequence in which requirements for the A.A.S. in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management may be completed. Students should consult their advisor for a plan that best meets their individual needs.
    Semester 1: 15 hours
    English Comp I
    DPEM 1101, Intro to Incident Management
    DPEM 1111, Intro to Resource Management
    DPEM 1121, Intro to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Incidents
    DPEM 2233, Framework of Healthcare Emergency Management
    DPEM 2323, Respiratory Protection: Program Development
    DPEM 2343, Introduction to Hazardous Materials

    Semester 2: 15 hours
    English Comp II
    College Algebra
    DPEM 2353, Global Perspectives
    DPEM 2213, Principles of HAZMAT Response
    DPEM 2363, Fundamentals of CBRNE Crime Scene Management

    Semester 3: 13 hours
    Biological or Physical Science with Lab
    DPEM 2223, Hazardous Materials Containment
    Support/Emphasis Elective
    Support/Emphasis Elective

    Semester 4: 14-15 hours
    POSC 2103, Intro to Government
    DPEM 2313, Pandemic Planning and Preparedness
    DPEM 2303, Environmental Health in Emergency Response
    Support/Emphasis Elective
    Support/Emphasis Elective


Emphasis in Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

This emphasis is offered to ensure entry-level and competent Emergency Medical Technicians in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Students successfully completing this program, with a grade of C or better in all courses, will be eligible to write the National Registry examination to become a licensed EMS provider. All courses integrate lecture and lab in a seamless fashion. Clinical and field experiences are at medical centers, specialty clinics or hospitals and ambulance services