Emergency Management and Communications

The Emergency Management and Communications Technology program prepares students for current and advanced employment in Emergency Management and Public Safety Communications. Graduates typically serve as an integral part of a community’s emergency contingency plan by managing response operations, providing effective communication services, and preparing for future incidents.

This degree is designed for emergency management personnel, emergency service supervisors, emergency operations center staff, 911 system supervisors, emergency service telecommunicators, and other personnel with broad responsibility towards public safety. A more concentrated degree option is offered for students seeking to specialize in the area of Homeland Security. Program students can also obtain a technical certificate in emergency management by completing the core curriculum courses.

Emergency Management and Communications Technology (ECT) courses are offered through an open-learning program delivered via digital media. Students’ progress through the program by completing regular reading assignments and special research projects. Courses are developed using a concept known as Problem Based Learning (PBL). This method creates a learning environment through situations that require research, critical decision-making, information analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Progression: To meet graduation requirements for these programs, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.00) or better. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each program specific course to progress in the program.

Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements) must include one of the following:

  • Attain a 17 composite score on the ACT;
  • Score a 251 or higher on the ACCUPLACER NG Reading Section and a 251 or higher on the ACCUPLACER NG Arithmetic Section;
  • Complete 15 semester hours of program general education coursework with an average of “C” or above at an accredited college or university. Developmental coursework and EMT Basic course credits do not satisfy this requirement;
  • Complete a minimum of 100 hours of related certification training through a recognized fire academy or emergency service training institution.  Note:  Meeting this requirement allows a student to enter the ESD (Emergency Services Degree), Emergency Management Communications Technology or Fire Protection Technology  programs on a provisional basis.  Other admission requirements must be met in order to enroll in general education courses; and complete a student interview with the program coordinator after all other requirements have been met.  Students must contact the program coordinator for enrollment in any Fire Protection Technology or Emergency Management and Communications Technology course.

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
Course Number Course Description Hours
ENG 1113    English Composition I 3
SPT 1113 Public Speaking 3
  Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
  Social Science Elective 3
  Math or Laboratory Science
with Lab Elective
3/4
  Semester Hours 15/16

*Most general education courses are available online through the Mississippi Virtual Community College. Students can register by contacting MCC Advising.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Course Number Course Description Hours
ECT 1113 Prin. of Emergency Mgt. 3
ECT 1123 Fire Service Operations 3
ECT 1213 Law Enforcement Operations 3
ECT 1223 Principles of Public Safety  Communications 3
ECT 2313 Hazardous Materials 3
ECT 2323 Incident Management Systems 3
ECT 2333 Emergency Planning 3
ECT 2413 Emerg. Personnel Supervision 3
ECT 2423 Disaster Response & Recovery 3
ECT 2433 Public Info. & Awareness 3
  Semester Hours 30
EMERGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
ELECTIVE COURSES
Course Number Course Description Hours
ECT 1613 Mass Casualty Incident Mgt. 3
ECT 2513 Financial Management 3
ECT 2613 Hazardous Weather Operations 3
ECT 2623 Special Problems in EM 3
ECT 2713 Emergency Management
Technical Practicum
OR
3
EMS 1118 Emergency Medical Technician 8
  Semester Hours 15/20
HOMELAND SECURITY
SPECIALTY COURSES
Course Number Course Description Hours
ECT 1813 Dynamics of Homeland Security 3
ECT 2813 Response to Incidents of Terrorism 3
ECT 2833 Principles of Transportation Security 3
ECT Approved Elective 3
ECT 2933 Risk Management I 3
Total Hours 15
 Total Semester Hours 60/66

 

For more informationFor more information:
Patrick Warner, Program Coordinator
patrick.warner@meridiancc.edu
662.803.2974
For more informationFor more information:
Deborah Nettles, Advisor
deborah.nettles@meridiancc.edu
601.553.3404