Emergency Management Degree

Emergency management degree program graduates work in a field that is predicated on quick recovery to unexpected natural disasters and other events. Through either a two or four-year program, emergency management majors learn about the interaction between agencies, first responders and the public, as well as how to create the policies and plans that will enable all three spheres to work in concert.

Emergency Management Training and Courses

Since timing can be critical in responding to natural or other emergencies, planning is a major focus in most emergency management courses of study. This includes communications strategies for reaching the general public in the event of the loss of one or more forms of media, as well as the allocation of resources such as transportation, medical personnel and rescue equipment.

Source: HowStuffWorks

Those who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field may also take specific courses in certain types of events, such as bioterrorism and wildfires. They may also take special practicums that allow them to practice setting up a command center and directing activities while receiving information about “practice” events from instructors.

Emergency Management Professional Certification

To become a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) individuals must possess a bachelor’s degree, have approximately five years of experience in a related field, and must take the International Association of Emergency Managers exam. Learn more at iaem.com.

Job Opportunities for Emergency Management Degree Program Graduates

Emergency Management employment for graduates is in first responder agencies such as fire departments and rescue squads, as well as in the emergency management coordinator positions of local and county governments. Emergency management graduates may also find employment with consultancies that provide risk management consulting, or on the security staff of large manufacturing or mining operations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is a large federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security that offers many employment opportunities.

Please note that Kaplan, Strayer and Walden Universities below offer specific Emergency Management related degrees.

Online Emergency Management Degree Program Info, Courses, and Criminal Justice Schools

University of Phoenix
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• B.S. in Health Administration - Emergency Management
• B.S. in Organizational Security and Management
• B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration - Human Services

Everest University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Homeland Security (Bachelor's)
• Homeland Security (Associate's)
• Criminal Justice (Associate's)

Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Homeland Security, BA (Online)
• Homeland Security, AA (Online)
• Associate of Science in Fire Science

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• BS in Fire and Emergency Management
• BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
• MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Colorado Technical University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Masters of Science in Management in Homeland Security
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

American InterContinental University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Bachelor's - Homeland Security and Crisis Management
• Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration
• Bachelor's (BIT) - Digital Investigation

Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• M.S.in Criminal Justice - Emergency Management
• M.S. in Emergency Management - Public Management & Leadership
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Course-based - Emergency Management