Emergency Management and Homeland Security - Biosecurity and Threat Management

Overview

Biosecurity and threat management is an important and emerging area related to the intersection of homeland security, public health and risk management. It addresses a unique set of hazard and threat management issues related to bioterrorism, agroterrorism and communicable disease threats associated with disaster incidents, as well as biodefense overall. The Emergency Management and Homeland Security - Biosecurity and Threat Management MA program from Arizona State University is designed to assist professional development aimed at meeting these types of current and emerging challenges. Some of the coursework in this concentration area is offered through the University of New South Wales (Australia) as part of the PLuS alliance program.

The emergency management and homeland security program's students serve and promote stronger and more resilient communities across public, private or nonprofit sector organizations. The program emphasizes a blended approach of practical knowledge and broader integrative thinking about the complex societal challenges of the 21st century. Its core values of collaboration between practitioners, faculty and students; public service; commitment to diversity; critical thinking and evidence-based assessment are all central to promoting informed and effective leadership.

Career Opportunities

A biosecurity and threat management degree can help students pursue key leadership and management positions at a variety of public sector agencies at the federal, state and local level as well as in and related organizations. There are also private-sector job options, such as in the hospital sector, health care and security. No matter where graduates seek employment, they can help protect people, animals and plants from a wide variety of biological threats.

Career examples include:

• biosafety officer
• biosecurity monitor
• biosecurity officer
• biosecurity specialist
• bioterrorism researcher
• data scientist