Localize Your School Search
Degrees and Schools
Many schools offer programs in applicable subjects such as public safety, public administration, the technical or physical sciences and urban planning.
The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The EMI Independent Study program consists of self-paced courses created for individuals who have emergency management responsibilities and also for the general public. The courses are free for individuals who qualify for enrollment. College credit can be earned through a for-fee service upon completing a course.
Some state departments of emergency management provide training programs such as hazardous materials, emergency management, search and rescue, public safety response to terrorism and radiological emergency response.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Disaster assistance
- Communications
- Public education
- Public Administration
- Behavior of organizations
- Leadership
- Human resource management
Online Classes and Programs
Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online in public safety, public administration, the technical or physical sciences and urban planning. Programs are available such as MS in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership; MS - Emergency Management; B.S. in Fire and Emergency Management and MS - Public Safety Leadership.
Prospective online students should look for schools which have been accredited by an agency approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
Some employers may require a degree in a subject such as public safety, public administration, the technical or physical sciences, urban planning or a related subject. Being fluent in a foreign language can increase a candidates chances for obtaining an emergency management specialist position.
In some states its necessary to have certification for particular emergency management positions. Certification in emergency management and specialized training can increase the chances of getting a job.
The federal, state and local governments are the primary employers of emergency management specialists. Other employers are hospitals, the electric power generation transmission and distribution industry, the management, scientific and technical consulting services industry and colleges, universities and professional schools.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program include a relevant externship? Do students have a variety of externship choices?
- School's Reputation - What kind of reputation does the school have in the emergency management field?
- Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Curriculum - What type of electives are offered? Can students select an area of specialization?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Emergency Management Specialists Job Description
Emergency management specialists help out with earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, hazardous material spills and other types of disasters. They oversee crisis management activities and disaster response. Emergency management specialists also create emergency plans and procedures and provide disaster preparedness training for technological, natural and wartime disasters.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Apply for federal funding for emergency management related needs
- Create plans that provide operating procedures to be used for disasters or emergencies
- Stay current with changes and activities that may affect an emergency situation
- Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities
- Prepare instructional materials for the public and also make presentations to citizen groups
- Develop and oversee emergency and disaster preparedness training courses
- Suggest changes to emergency response procedures based on technological and regulatory changes or new information
- Stay current with federal, state and local regulations that affect emergency plans
Resources
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.
