Emergency Management Degrees
The need for well trained professionals who can effectively manage disaster responses has become much more apparent due to terror threats and natural disasters in recent years. Emergency management degree programs teach students to minimize the effects of disasters through prevention, planning and effective responses to a wide variety of man-made and natural disasters.
Graduates of an emergency management degree program will be qualified for jobs in federal, state and local government agencies as well as in hospitals, power generation and transmission companies and other private and non-profit institutions. Some will use the degree to advance in their current career while others will start a new career in the emergency management field.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree –Emergency management associate's degree holders will be qualified for various entry-level jobs in local and state emergency management organizations.
- Bachelor's Degree – Graduates of a bachelor's degree program will be prepared to work for local, state and federal agencies as an emergency management specialist or similar role.
- Master's Degree – Master's degree programs support career advancement for public safety and emergency management professionals.
- Doctoral Degree – Graduates of a doctoral program will be prepared for positions in upper management, consulting, policy-making and research and teaching at the university level.
Schools
Emergency management degree programs can be found at community colleges, small universities and colleges and at reputable online schools. Online programs are common even at campus-based schools.
Coursework
Below are some examples of courses that are typically found in an emergency management degree program:
- Emergency and Disaster Preparedness – Examines the planning process, training needs, program development and assessment process for natural and man-made disasters.
- Individual and Collective Responses to Disaster – Course examines the impact of various types of disasters on individuals, groups and communities. Topics include acute stress reactions, behavior expectations and cultural diversity factors.
- Public Health Systems and Preparedness – Students learn about the role of health systems in disaster situations and how to integrate these systems into disaster plans for pandemics, biological, chemical, nuclear and natural disasters.
- Politics and Policy in Emergency Management - Course discusses relationship between local, state and federal political processes and policies and the response to emergency and disaster events.
- Disaster Response Operations – Topics include disaster plan execution including communications among multiple agencies and responders, resource allocation, communication with the public and media and ongoing response needs.
Aptitudes and Interests
Individuals considering a career in emergency management need to have strong communication skills, planning skills and be able to make good decisions in stressful situations. A strong interest in protecting public safety and a dedication to the job are also important.
Career Options
Degrees in emergency management can lead to careers or advancement in positions such as those listed below:
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Fire Fighting Supervisor
- Police Supervisor
- Homeland Security Program Specialist
Related Majors
- Homeland Security - Programs provide broader perspective on national security threats and responses.
- Public Safety - A variety of public safety topics including terrorism, disaster response and media relations are covered.
- Fire Service Administration - Programs are designed for fire fighter leadership roles.
- Criminal Justice Administration - Focused on leadership training for police, corrections and security organizations.
How To Evaluate Emergency Management Degree Programs
When choosing a emergency management degree program, the below factors should be considered:
- Career Requirements - For some positions in emergency management, an associate's degree is sufficient while other positions require a bachelor's or master's degree. Prior experience may also be a factor in what level of degree is needed.
- Certification - Some programs make it easier to become a Certified Emergency Manager by reducing the amount of experience the candidate needs and preparing students for the exam.
- Flexibility - Some programs are designed for full-time students who will complete the program in a set amount of time. Other programs provide flexibility for working students to complete the program at their own pace and often offer online courses and evening and weekend options.
- Accreditation - Schools should be accredited by an agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
- Cost - When comparing programs, tuition, fees, financial aid and tuition reimbursement should all be taken into consideration.
Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency
International Association of Emergency Managers
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