Continuing Studies at UVic

Continuity during a crisis requires thinking three moves ahead.

When the unexpected happens, it can seem like you are being attacked from all sides. But having a sound strategy in place can ensure you maintain the advantage, even in a crisis. The Emergency Management for Organizational Continuity professional development certificate equips you with the skills you need to plan and prepare for a range of emergencies, ensuring business continuity and operational resilience in times of turbulence. Put your organization in a winning position by learning how to minimize the impact of a crisis on human resources and business operations.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

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Program at a glance

Program description

The new Emergency Management for Organizational Continuity (EMOC) program equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to plan for and maintain business continuity in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster, pandemic, conflict or cyber-attack. This four-course micro-credential program focuses on the interrelationship of:

  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Operational resilience
  • Business continuity

Learners will develop the skills to prevent, respond to, and manage threats to business continuity relevant to their industry, sector and organization. 

This program is designed for those within an organization who are not emergency management specialists, but who seek the high-level knowledge and skills needed to collaborate to develop their organization’s operational resilience. See this chart to compare business continuity programs at Continuing Studies.

Is your organization ready for a crisis?

Not sure where your organization stands? Take this short quiz to see, at a glance, if your workforce is disaster-ready!

Program features

  • Accessible content for non-specialists in emergency management
  • Flexible online learning: asynchronous format allows learners to continue working while studying
  • Learn from instructors who are respected industry professionals
  • Opportunity to apply theory into practice for any organization’s industry, sector, size and unique needs

Learners will use a variety of course materials including readings, videos, case studies and interactive discussion forums. Assessments include analysis of risk and planning components, development of emergency and continuity plans, and quizzes. 

Learners typically spend four to six hours per week (per course) on their studies, and usually complete the program in one year. Upon completion of the program, learners will earn a professional development certificate.

StongerBC logo

Through the StrongerBC future skills grant, students may be eligible to receive funding for this program from Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023.
View details

  Video - What is the difference between EMOC and OPA?

Help your organization withstand disruptions

Watch this video to learn how our EMOC and OPA programs combine emergency preparedness, resilience and continuity planning to give you the skills you need.

Program outcomes

  • Develop a foundation in theory and principles of risk management, business operations and crisis management to apply to continuity planning for a specific organization and industry sector
  • Present frameworks to identify and assess risks and potential impacts on business function from natural or environmental disasters, cyber-attacks and data breaches, pandemics, conflict and security threats or other hazards
  • Use theory and models to help identify and evaluate strategic alternatives for responding to a range of threats to organizational continuity
  • Develop the skills to design, implement and evaluate comprehensive strategic plans to increase operational resilience
  • Apply relevant policy, regulatory and corporate governance frameworks to organizational continuity planning
  • Develop tools and skills to communicate effectively with all stakeholders at every stage of consultation, continuity planning, and implementation and evaluation of response plans in the event of an emergency
  • Apply ethical principles in designing and implementing continuity planning with regard for an organization’s mission and goals

Who is this program for?

The EMOC program is uniquely versatile in the sense that it is truly meaningful to professionals in wide-ranging industries and occupations.

Learners currently enrolled in the EMOC program come from industries as diverse as:

  • Government (regional and provincial)
  • Not-for-profit
  • Health and home care
  • Fuel transportation
  • Insurance
  • Hazardous material management
  • Law enforcement
  • Protective services
  • Biosafety

Career options

These learners are at varied stages of their careers with wide ranging titles and responsibilities, including:
  • Protective Services Manager
  • GIS Supervisor
  • Communications Manager
  • CEO
  • Owner
  • Insurance Claim Adjuster
  • Technologist

What is the common thread amongst EMOC learners?

What brings all these personalities together and to the EMOC program is the fact that they are not specialists in crisis and emergency preparedness and response, but they are in a position to play an important role in contributing to business continuity planning in their organizations and have a desire to do so. 

The Planner, The Implementer and The Innovator

Because of EMOC’s appeal to a broad spectrum of professionals, we often get asked who would benefit from taking the program.

To guide you in your search for the right program in the business continuity and emergency planning areas, we’ve identified three representative personalities:

  • Kai, The Planner
  • Mira, The Implementer
  • Matthew, The Innovator

Each of the three personalities is from a different background. They are professionals in very different industries and career stages, yet their priorities, core beliefs, motivations, frustrations and needs are fitting illustrations of how the EMOC program can help them. We are confident you will see yourself in Kai, Mira or Matthew and better understand how you can benefit from the program—not only to develop your career further but also to move your organization forward.

  Designed for non-specialists

Designed for non-specialists

Watch this video to learn how our EMOC and OPA programs can give you the skills to plan for crisis, no matter what industry you work in.

Here are snapshots of Kai, Mira and Matthew. Explore their backgrounds for more details.

Kai, The Planner, believes emergency management and business continuity planning are not about "doom and gloom," but rather "anticipation and mitigation." Kai prioritizes developing the tools to build a culture of planning and resilience throughout his organization, so the whole organization can act instead of just react in a crisis. Inefficiency and the mindset among staff that preparedness is “somebody else’s job” frustrates him. Get to know Kai, The Planner

Mira, The Implementer, believes business continuity planning is the ultimate leadership skill. A priority for Mira is to show leadership in her organization and to help staff—regardless of their role and assigned responsibilities—to feel less overwhelmed by the idea of crisis and more confident in their roles. She needs quicker response to crisis and more adaptable business plans for a large and diverse organization. Find out more about Mira, The Implementer

For Matthew, The Innovator, success is about stepping out of his comfort zone and committing to improve skills. Confusing and restrictive business policies and not having enough hours in the day frustrates him. Learn what motivates Matthew, The Innovator

Instructors

News and resources

Video - WATCH VIDEO: Are you thinking three moves ahead?

WATCH VIDEO: Are you thinking three moves ahead?

READ ARTICLE: Preparing for a future of resiliency in emergency management

Talking EMOC with student Jonny Morris

TAKE QUIZ: Is your organization ready for a crisis?

READ ARTICLE: An instructor's passion for emergency preparedness

LEARN MORE: Frequently asked questions about EMOC

Courses and fees

There are four required courses in the program. Learners may register for these courses in any order. View upcoming course schedule

Apply online
= Courses open for registration
Four (4) required courses

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Course fee HPPD600 (Emergency Management for Business Continuity) $695.00
Course fee HPPD601 (IT Security for Business Continuity) $695.00
Course fee HPPD602 (Crisis Communications) $695.00
Course fee HPPD603 (Operational Resilience) $695.00
Estimated Total $2,780.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application information

Admission requirements

Learners in these courses are expected to have graduated from secondary school or to have a minimum of five years' work experience.

English language requirement for international students

International students must meet the requirement above for either graduation from secondary school or minimum five years’ work experience. In addition, applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency with either:

  • TOEFL 90 on the online test or 575 on the paper-based test, with no section less than 20, or 
  • IELTS 6.5, with no individual component less than 6.0

Policies

Withdrawal policy: To withdraw from any course in the program, notification must be provided to the course instructor and to administration (1-250-721-8558 or uvcshsci@uvic.ca). A course refund, minus a $95 administration fee, will only be provided within six calendar days after the course start date. Students who withdraw after that date may be eligible to receive a W transcript status. Students who do not notify the course instructor and administrative staff of their decision not to complete the course will receive a failing grade (F).

How to apply

No application is necessary. Once you have completed all four courses, we will send you your Professional Development Certificate by email. 

Application dates

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RELATED TOPICS: Professional Development for Health PractitionersHealth and SafetyLeadership and Management​Business Continuity

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