Emergency Management
Serve and respond with a career in the increasingly complex field of emergency management.
- Use exercises and case studies to analyze real events to improve your capacity to respond to emergencies in a wide range of settings and industries
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Other Delivery Options
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
The Emergency Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you, both operationally and strategically, to understand and respond to the five pillars of emergency management:...(read more)
Overview
Serve and respond with a career in the increasingly complex field of emergency management.
The Emergency Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you, both operationally and strategically, to understand and respond to the five pillars of emergency management:
- mitigation
- prevention
- preparedness
- response
- recovery
In today's world, threats and risks are increasingly complex due to the diversity of natural and human caused hazards. In this program, you learn to manage these threats and risks by exploring key topics:
- legislative and policy framework
- incident management systems
- hazard identification and risk management
- critical infrastructure protection
- business continuity planning
- Use assignments, scenario based discussions, and case studies, culminating to a capstone project, to analyze real events to improve your capacity to support the response to emergencies.
Graduates may find employment in all levels of government and the private sector in:
- business continuity planning
- emergency management program development and coordination
- emergency management planning
- emergency response planning/coordination
- risk management
Courses
Read this before applying:
Part-time graduate certificate programs require you to complete an application and be accepted into the program prior to course registration. Please complete the application form before registering. Accepted students may register for up to three courses per term.
Online  |
| Course Number |
Hours | Course Name | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series: 01 | |||
| ERC5180 | 56.0 | Foundations of Emergency Management | |
| ERC5186 | 56.0 | Hazard Identification Risk Assessment | |
| ERC5187 | 42.0 | Crisis Communication and Public Information Management | |
| ERC5194 | 42.0 | Wellbeing and Critical Incident Stress | |
| ERC5195 | 56.0 | Program Management for Emergency Managers | |
| ERC5196 | 28.0 | Capstone Preparation: Research and Project Development in Emergency Mgmt | |
| Series: 02 | |||
| ERC5182 | 56.0 | Emergency Coordination Centres: Design, Activation and Operations | |
| ERC5184 | 42.0 | Business Continuity Planning | |
| ERC5185 | 42.0 | Emergency Exercise Design | |
| ERC5191 | 42.0 | Critical Infrastructure Protection | |
| ERC5197 | 56.0 | Emergency Social Services and Ethics in Emergency ManagementEmergency Social Services and Ethics in Emergency Management In a world of changing geopolitical environments and financial pressures, understanding how individual communities and populations need to be supported differently is important in developing successful emergency management plans. Students explore the ethical principles and social considerations that guide emergency management practices in Canada. The role of emergency social services in supporting individuals and communities during incidents, including sheltering, food security, psychosocial support, and case management is examined. In addition, students discuss the special needs and difficulties in supporting underserved and vulnerable populations. Ethical frameworks, cultural competency, equity-based and trauma informed decision-making are emphasized in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Through case studies, scenario-based learning, and reflective exercises, students analyze real-world challenges and develop strategies for ethical decision-making in emergency management contexts. Pre-requisites: ERC5180 and ERC5186 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ERC5198 | 56.0 | Emergency Management Capstone ProjectEmergency Management Capstone Project The capstone project is the culminating experience of the emergency management program, where students demonstrate and apply their acquired emergency management knowledge and skills to a real-world challenge. Students engage in problem identification, risk analysis and practical implementation strategies while demonstrating critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Through guided exercises, research, case studies, peer collaboration, and instructor feedback, students refine their project into a final report, preparing them for professional roles in the field. Pre-requisites: ERC5180 and ERC5186 and ERC5187 and ERC5194 and ERC5195 and ERC5196 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment in government (all levels) and the private sector in such roles as business continuity planners, emergency management program coordinators, emergency management planners and as emergency response officers.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop, review and update emergency policies and programs based upon relevant legislation, standards, and procedures.
- Conduct hazards identification and risk assessments, based on probability and consequence including the formulation of a risk profile addressing public and private sector issues and concerns.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a business continuity plan that will ensure the continuation and recovery of normal operations of affected business and industry.
- Develop, evaluate, and conduct training programs and exercises to test current emergency management programs.
- Assess the integration and compatibility of various emergency policies, plans and procedures of area/regional private and public sectors.
- Formulate, implement, and coordinate assigned projects within the community emergency management program within an allocated budget which meet or exceed legislative requirements incorporating a proactive risk management process and global best practices.
- Perform operational functions in emergency situations.
- Coordinate the development of, and administer public awareness and education programs, emergency information and media relations programs.
- Liaise/coordinate with provincial ministries, federal departments, private and public sector enterprises to develop and sustain partnerships to assist with all phases of emergency management strategies while ensuring up-to-date data and research.
- Lead teams in understanding various concepts of emergency management, using knowledge about the different styles of leadership and influence and their impact on behavior in an emergency management context.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2026/2027 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page.
Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/. A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $650 over the program duration. For more information go to www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or Degree or equivalent.
- Applicants with partial post-secondary education (minimum two years full-time, in good academic standing) and relevant work experience may be considered for admission. These applicants will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22. OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4.5, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4.5; Listening 4.5; Speaking 4.5; Writing 4.5. OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
This program requires an application process.
Applications to Grad Cert Part-time programs must be submitted via our online application form https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-application-form/.
Application Information
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Program Code 1809X07PAO
Applications to Grad Cert Part-time programs must be submitted via our online application form https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-application-form/.
Prior to starting your application, please ensure that you have consulted the program admission requirements and have all the supporting documentation in a digital format ready to be uploaded.
Applications submitted in a paper format or via email will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be processed.
Applications will typically be processed within 2-3 weeks but can take longer during peak times and start of academic terms. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to start of term.
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
Contact
Future Students
For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.
Current Students
For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.