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What you will study

At the University of Central Missouri, you’ll gain the skills you need to prepare for, respond to and recover from — as well as mitigate — many types of hazards, including:

• Chemical: oil spills, toxic clouds
• Biological: Ebola, COVID and other infectious diseases
• Natural/Physical: tornadoes, wildfires
• Cultural and social: pollution, crime

UCM faculty for the Environmental Hazards certificate will share knowledge from their advanced education and industry experience to help you understand both the practical and theoretical sides of crisis and disaster management. Explore the varied hazards, threats and sociopolitical issues that contribute to these disasters as you develop and implement response plans, including the use of tools and techniques.

A flexible and quick path to a career in managing environmental hazards and other disasters

Consider these options for earning your Environmental Hazards certificate:

• Alongside your bachelor’s degree, using elective credits to fill requirements for both
• As a standalone certificate
• In conjunction with one or more of UCM’s other Crisis and Disaster Management undergraduate certificates

In any case, you can achieve your Environmental Hazards certificate in as few as 12 months to put your new skills to work quickly.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in environmental hazards

Combine the convenience of online classes or a hybrid schedule with all the other benefits of attending the University of Central Missouri for your Environmental Hazards certificate:

• Network with crisis and disaster management professionals: Make professional connections at regional and national conferences such as the CLEAN WATERWAYS Conference or UCM’s Rural Emergency Management Summit. You’ll have opportunities to meet representatives from emergency management agencies and various industries, including transportation, oil and chemical companies.
• Gain real-world experience: Complete 150 hours of service learning to apply your skills and build your network. While it won’t count toward your Environmental Hazards certificate, the Crisis and Disaster Management program practicum is an option for you to gain invaluable experience and enhance your resume.
• Get expert advice: Learn from guest speakers, including local and federal emergency management directors. At UCM’s annual Rural Emergency Management Summit, you can participate in case study reviews and interact with industry experts.
• Serve the community: Collaborate with the Institute for Rural Emergency Management (IREM) to complete hazardous spill exercises and hazardous waste cleanup and to develop evacuation and safety plans.

 

What can you do with an undergraduate certificate in Environmental Hazards from UCM?

Make a difference in your community, organization or even the world by completing your Environmental Hazards certificate from UCM. No matter your career — or professional aspirations — you’ll expand your skills and broaden your opportunities as a first responder, military officer or business professional. Alumni of UCM’s Environmental Hazards certificate program have earned hazard preparedness roles and responsibilities or considered opportunities with:

• Fire protection districts
• School districts
• Clean Harbors environmental and industrial services
• Chemical companies
• Insurance companies

You can also work for health departments, railway operators and oil and gas companies or in such organizations as FEMA and the American Red Cross.

Explore possibilities with UCM’s Environmental Hazards certificate

Even if you take your classes online, you’ll have individual interactions with UCM Crisis and Disaster Management faculty, who want to see you succeed and are always ready to answer your questions. Learn more about career pathways in areas such as hazardous waste management, health and safety coordination, environmental management and public health using the interactive tool below.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Environmental Hazards certificate

When you complete an Environmental Hazards certificate at the University of Central Missouri, you’ll get a valuable education in a short period of time. Whether you’re pursuing the undergraduate certificate alone or alongside a bachelor’s degree, UCM provides some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates and is recognized by LendEDU for low student debt. We also provide loans, grants and other aid to help you finance your education. UCM is committed to supporting you as you realize your goals.

What other financial support is available to me?

If you’re also pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UCM, you may qualify for work-study opportunities or university-wide scholarships. Use the to learn about program-specific scholarships available to you.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the certificate, you will be able to:

1. Identify and evaluate risk, health and safety concerns
2. Describe the Hazardous Materials Management System
3. Understand and implement the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
4. Determine site management and control measures
5. Design regulatory procedures and programs to manage chemical hazards
6. Discuss multiple theories of accident causation
7. Evaluate contributing factors leading to environmental disasters