Undergraduate

Behavioral Science: Emergency Management Strategy and Planning

Emphasizes understanding human behavior in crisis situations, focusing on psychological factors, decision-making models, and risk perception to enhance preparedness for natural and human-made disasters.

2026

Degree

Associate of Science

Location

Online

Courses

14*

Credit

60 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The University of New Hampshire offers an online Associate of Science in Behavioral Science with an Emergency Management Strategy and Planning option, designed to integrate foundational behavioral science principles with emergency management strategies. The program emphasizes understanding human behavior in crisis situations, focusing on psychological factors, decision-making models, and risk perception to enhance preparedness for natural and human-made disasters.

Graduates are prepared with the skills to analyze and address behavioral aspects of emergency management, preparing them for roles in community response and disaster planning. Additionally, it facilitates a seamless transition to bachelor's degree programs in Fire Service Administration, Human Services, or Public Administration.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, the University of New Hampshire is pausing admissions to the program. Current students will continue to have access to the same high-quality education and resources until they graduate.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Emergency Management Strategy and Planning Option in Behavioral Science?

The Associate in Science in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. Foundation courses at an associate level introduce behavioral science students to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. Emergency management involves multidimensional efforts to reduce our vulnerability to natural and human-caused disasters, to diminish the impact of disasters, and to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This option introduces students to emergency management approaches in order to develop skills and knowledge relating to emergency management strategy and policy development.

Why study the Emergency Management Strategy and Planning Option in Behavioral Science at UNH College of Professional Studies?

Your courses will introduce you to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. Within each option area, you’ll gain deeper-level knowledge. For example, the emergency management strategy and planning option introduces students to approaches to natural and human-made disaster response planning and various aspects of emergency management. For those looking to further their education beyond an associate degree, this degree can prepare you for a smooth transition to the bachelor’s in Applied Psychology, Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Potential Career Areas

Emergency Management Specialist
Community Health Worker
Social and Human Service Assistant
Private Sector Security Officer

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Associate in Science in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. Foundation courses at an associate level introduce behavioral science students to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. Emergency management strategy and planning involves multidimensional efforts to reduce our vulnerability to natural and human-caused disasters, to diminish the impact of disasters, and to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This option introduces students to emergency management approaches in order to develop skills and knowledge relating to emergency management strategy and policy development.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
PSY 410	Introduction to Psychology	4
SOCI 410	Introduction to Sociology	4
	Credits	16
Spring
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
PSY 525	Human Development	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
BEHS 445	Homeland Security and Emergency Management	4
BEHS 510	National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
BEHS 610	Community Emergency Response	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	60

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
Total Credits		32

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major and Option coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major/Option and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Behavioral Science
PSY 410	Introduction to Psychology	4
PSY 525	Human Development	4
SOCI 410	Introduction to Sociology	4
Option in Emergency Management Strategy and Planning
BEHS 445	Homeland Security and Emergency Management	4
BEHS 510	National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)	4
BEHS 610	Community Emergency Response	4
Total Credits		24

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, concentration or minor. Students will need 60 credits total to graduate with an associate degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Attain proficiency in the basic concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry in behavioral sciences, specifically, in critical infrastructure protection, regional and national security intelligence, and land and maritime border protection within the field of emergency management.
Evaluate ethical principles of the behavioral sciences, specifically within human behavior, systems, intelligence analysis, and the use of new technologies in emergency management.
Prepare for seamless transition to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Course Highlights

Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Criminology
...and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor's

Those wishing to continue their education may apply their 60-credit associate degree toward an 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Ask your advisor for details!

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

Related Programs

Public Administration (B.S.)

Leadership (M.S.)

Behavioral Science: Emergency Management Strategy and Planning, A.S. - CPS, CPSO