Are you prepared to keep your organization on course in a crisis?

For millennia, sailors have been building lighthouses to guide their ships safely to port in a storm. Careful and coordinated planning before an emergency is the best way to ensure survival. The same is true in business, government and the non-profit sector. Managers can take steps before a crisis strikes to ensure an organization continues to operate with resilience. The Emergency Management for Organizational Continuity professional development certificate offers a systematic, collaborative and effective approach to preparing for a range of emergencies. Become better equipped to weather the storm by learning how to minimize the impact of a crisis on human resources and on financial and business operations.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Program at a glance

Program description

The new Emergency Management for Organizational Continuity 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 encompasses risk management and planning, IT security, finance and operations management, and crisis communication. Students will develop the skills to prevent, respond to, and manage threats to business continuity relevant to their industry, sector, and organization. 

This program is suitable for anyone within an organization who is not a specialist in emergency response, but who seeks high-level engagement with the processes of assessing and managing risk to collaborate effectively on planning with others within and outside their organization.

The first course in the program, Introduction to Emergency Management for Business Continuity, introduces the principles of risk management and planning, and establishes the framework for the following three required courses: IT Security, Crisis Communications, and Operations Management. These three courses may be taken in any order once the pre-requisite Introduction course has been completed. 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 4-6 hours per week per course on their studies, and usually complete the program in one year. On completion of the program, learners will earn a Professional Development Certificate.

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

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 for minimizing risks and responding to threats to organizational continuity
  • 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?

This program is designed for employees of organizations (private businesses, non-profits, government agencies, schools/universities, etc.) who are not specialists in emergency planning, but who may play a non-specialist and important role in preparedness planning, or for those striving to broaden their skills for advancement. 

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Public Safety Consultant
  • Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Communications Specialist
  • Business and Operations Manager
  • Human Resources Consultant
  • Information Technology Manager

Testimonials

Instructors

Additional program information

Video - Professional Programming at Continuing Studies at UVic

Instructor spotlight: A passion for emergency preparedness

Article: Leading through crisis

Upcoming course schedule

Tips for online learning

Courses and fees

FOUR (4) REQUIRED COURSES

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Course fee HPPD600 (Introduction to Emergency Management for Business Continuity) $595.00
Course fee HPPD601 (IT Security) $595.00
Course fee HPPD602 (Crisis Communications) $595.00
Course fee HPPD603 (Operations Management) $595.00
Estimated Total $2,380.00*
*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.

No application is necessary. All learners must begin with Introduction to Emergency Management for Business Continuity, which is a pre-requisite for the other three courses in the program. Once that course has been completed, learners may register for the other courses in any order. Once you have completed all four courses, please complete the online Request for Professional Development Certificate (coming soon). 

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 $75 administration fee, will only be provided within 6 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

See "Admission requirements," above

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