A minor in Disaster Studies introduces students to both practice and research in disaster preparedness and response, with a focus on the emerging field of disaster mental health. The program addresses events of natural, technological and human-caused origin and how they affect individuals, communities, organizations, and the nation. Courses highlight scholarship and practice related to disaster and trauma mitigation and prevention, response and recovery, policy formulation and planning, and the effects of climate change.

The 18-credit minor is designed to recognize the multi-disciplinary nature of both research and practice in disaster studies and is open to students in all majors. It includes two required classes (DIS333 Disaster Psychology and DIS492 Practicum in Disaster Response) and four electives from the categories of Psychology and Human Behavior; Social, Cultural, and Contextual Factors; Geography, Environment & Climate Change; and Management, Leadership & Communication. To be eligible to declare the minor, students must first complete PSY101 Introduction to Psychology with a minimum grade of C-.

Students interested in learning more about this minor should contact the program coordinator, Dr. Karla Vermeulen (vermeulk@newpaltz.edu or 845 257-2333). 

DIS333. Disaster Psychology. 3 Credits.

Study of the psychological impact of disaster and trauma, including acute and post traumatic stress reactions. Immediate and long-term interventions, vicarious traumatization, and self care are examined.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Disaster Studies (DIS)
    • Industrial/Organizational (539I)
    • Psychobiology (539P)
    • Psychology (539)
    • Psychology (PSY)
    • Psychology AP (539A)

Prerequisites:

  • PSY101 Minimum Grade of D- or PSY 272 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

DIS492. Practicum in Disaster Response. 3 Credits.

Supervised experience working in an applied setting related to disaster response and recovery. Repeatable once; each time taken, it contributes to the maximum 15 total credits allowed in practicum, fieldwork and independent study.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Disaster Studies (DIS)
    • Industrial/Organizational (539I)
    • Psychobiology (539P)
    • Psychology (539)
    • Psychology (PSY)
    • Psychology AP (539A)

Prerequisites:

  • DIS333 Minimum Grade of D- or PSY 456 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

Faculty

O'Meara, Andrew
Project Coordinator, IDMH
M.S., SUNY New Paltz
Office: SH 148
Phone: (845) 257-3455
E-mail: omearaa2@newpaltz.edu

Vermeulen, Karla
Associate Professor, Psychology
Ph.D., Fordham University
Office: WH 316
Phone: (845) 257-2333
E-mail: vermeulk@newpaltz.edu