The Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) associate degree program is designed to prepare the next generation of emergency management and policy leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to improve outcomes in disasters of all types. This online degree program includes instruction in policy as well as planning and operational components of emergency management and homeland security, including opportunities to gain practical experience and work with current incident management technologies. The curriculum provides policy foundations and advances students through core competencies in hazard identification; risk and vulnerability assessment; planning; terrorism; mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery; and planning for diverse populations.

The Emergency Management and Planning associate degree program is designed for individuals who are seeking careers that are related to the management of emergency and catastrophic situations that are accidental, provoked, or natural disasters. The primary focus of the program is to provide an educational vehicle and skill set for professionals such as Emergency Managers, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, or Medical or Allied Health personnel to approach emergency situations in a uniform fashion.

Since September 11, 2001, the security industry has expanded rapidly. The United States Department of Homeland Security employs more than 180,000 individuals. Coupled with that, the private security industry employs nearly 1.5 million security personnel. The homeland security degree program is focused on providing students with a foundation of private and homeland security knowledge to build upon as a transfer to a specialty degree. The objectives of the homeland security associate degree program are to upgrade personnel employed in the security industry and to prepare students for full-time employment in this field.