Introduction
Technological, legal, and social developments in the world and in Turkey have revealed the need for personnel in the sector who meet the requirements of the modern age. The educational goal of the program is to train innovative, research-oriented, and entrepreneurial experts equipped with knowledge and skills in their field, who can implement and manage loss-reduction activities such as training, raising awareness, and project development before disasters, and handle coordination during disasters. It also aims to meet the demand for trained personnel in public institutions and organizations, local governments, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations serving in this field. For this purpose, the program aims to enhance the capacity to effectively manage emergencies and disasters and to train personnel equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of Emergency and Disaster Management. The research goal of the program is to follow scientific developments in the field of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management globally, study Turkey's specific problems, and produce scientific knowledge to solve issues in the sector. Additionally, through scientific studies, research, and applications to be conducted, as well as consultancy services to be provided, the program aims to contribute to increasing the efficiency of institutions offering Emergency Aid and Disaster Management services in society.
In our country, the number of professions requiring specialized knowledge is increasing day by day. Furthermore, natural events occurring in our country often escalate to the level of disasters, causing significant damage. This situation has also highlighted the need for professional management of emergencies and disasters. To provide quality services in emergencies that require immediate assistance, it is important to use advanced knowledge and technology, have professionals from various fields working together, and maintain direct links to human health. Therefore, it is critical to run these services effectively and efficiently. Due to the unique characteristics of emergency and disaster services, a separate management field has emerged for public institutions and organizations, local governments, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations that distinguish them from other organizations. The Emergency Aid and Disaster Management program, offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Aksaray University, primarily aims to train professional disaster managers needed by public institutions and organizations, local governments, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Particularly, our country is frequently exposed to natural disasters due to its tectonic, seismic, topographical, and climatic characteristics. These include floods, avalanches, landslides, fires, and, most notably, earthquakes. In terms of human casualties caused by earthquakes, our country ranks third globally and eighth in the number of people affected. On average, at least one earthquake with a magnitude between 5 and 6 occurs every year. The material and emotional losses caused directly or indirectly by natural disasters are evidence of how meticulously disaster management and coordination should be addressed in today's world. Graduates of the Emergency Aid and Disaster Management program, with the competencies they acquire, can find employment in provincial directorates affiliated with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Disaster Management and Coordination Centers, fire departments, the Red Crescent, civil defense search and rescue units, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations in disaster management-related fields, as well as in the relevant departments of public institutions and organizations (hospitals, schools, etc.), local governments, and international organizations involved in disaster management. For Emergency Aid and Disaster Management program students, Aksaray provides sufficient infrastructure, particularly in terms of practical training and post-graduation employment opportunities with AFAD, fire departments, and hospitals.
Collaboration with Other Programs
Emergency Aid and Disaster Management education requires an interdisciplinary approach. Academics from various faculties, schools, and departments of Aksaray University conduct the related courses. The Faculty of Health Sciences, particularly the departments of Nursing, Health Institutions Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, can provide support in conducting courses, preparing projects, and similar activities. Additionally, significant teaching staff support is provided by the Faculty of Medicine within our university.
