Civil Security and Disaster Management Minor
Introduced
The occupational
outlook for experts in civil security and disaster
management is expected to grow as every city, county,
and state government-as well as virtually every branch
of the federal government-has or will soon require
resources to deal with security and disaster management.
In recognition of this trend, GSPIA has taken a bold
step in creating a new minor in Civil Security and
Disaster Management that will prepare students with
a core set of concepts and skills for working in security-related
organizations.
The new
minor is now available beginning for students in GSPIA's
two-year master's degree programs and "will provide
a coherent program of study for students who are interested
in the unique combination of civil security, intelligence,
information management, national security, and disaster
management that, until now, has not been available,"
said Louise K. Comfort, professor of public and urban
affairs and the force behind the new minor.
Hurricane
Katrina painfully and tragically revealed pervasive
failures in preparation and response by local, regional,
state, and national emergency response agencies. Ill-conceived
and poorly executed evacuation plans, lingering piles
of devastated homes and businesses, and families traumatized
by prolonged displacement underscore the critical
need for officials who know the basics of civil security
and disaster management.
"We are
witnessing a significant change in public and international
affairs in which the United States government has
created a new market for security, intelligence, and
information management jobs," said Comfort. The new
minor in Civil Security and Disaster Management is
excellent preparation for those considering employment
at any level of government including disaster management,
customs, immigration, and justice-related professions,
as well as the fields of education and public policy.
For more information contact the
Office of Student Services, 412-648-7640 or gspia@pitt.edu.
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