Emergency Management

The emergency management major incorporates course diversity that provides the theoretical and practical knowledge essential to the effective practice of emergency management in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Emergency management is “a managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerabilities to hazards and cope with disasters. Emergency management protects communities by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters” (Principles of Emergency Management, 2007).

The Program

The major prepares students for success as practitioners in emergency management as well as related fields. The rigor of the major also prepares students for graduate work.  The major is ideally-suited for students seeking emergency management as a career of first choice.  Student career success is built upon the following four program attributes: 

1. Provide an educational foundation that supports graduates’ entry into different settings where emergency management is practiced (e.g., government at all levels; businesses; schools and colleges; healthcare industry; non-profit organizations; humanitarian efforts; etc.);
2. Support effective practice by providing an evidence-based focus on the research and science critical to the field;
3. Promote and foster experiential opportunities through focused class activities and required internships;
4. Develop skills necessary to the effective practice of emergency management (e.g., communication; collaboration; teamwork; leadership; critical thinking; problem-solving, etc.).

The Faculty

The Department of Emergency Management has five faculty members.  Each faculty member possesses broad-based expertise in emergency management, as well as specialized expertise in their areas of practice and scholarly activity. The diversity in faculty interests, experience and expertise create a rich environment for students to learn, build relationships, and be mentored.

Curriculum Planning

Beyond the major, students are encouraged to plan a curriculum that provides them a broad general education. Emergency management is an interdisciplinary field that draws on the social, behavioral, natural and applied sciences.  As such, students are encouraged in both general education course selection and in the selection of a minor (Bachelor of Science degree) or language (Bachelor of Arts degree) to select courses that help them to develop and advance their career goals. The Department provides a list of recommended general education courses that are complimentary to the major to support student choices.

Internship Program

An internship is required for the major. Internships are typically completed in a student’s junior or senior year. The internship experience allows students to combine theoretical and applied aspects of emergency management.  Internships are designed to meet each student’s career goals. As such, internship opportunities are as varied as students’ career goals and can include working in a variety of local, national or international settings. Internships are essential for student development and are a key factor in successful job placement.

Career Opportunities

An emergency management degree prepares students for career opportunities across all sectors, all industries and all locations. The emergency management function, while structured in a variety of ways in different government, private sector, and non-profit organizations, plays an essential role in maintaining safe and secure operations that protect the entity’s interests. Career opportunities in emergency management exist at all levels of government, across all government agencies, in all developing countries; private sector companies as both a site-based and corporate function; public schools and higher education institutions; hospital and healthcare facilities; non-profit organizations as part of a primary disaster mission or general operational mission; critical infrastructure industries; museums, malls, stadiums, and event centers; and other organizations or entities that manage facilities or services subject to hazards or operational interruptions that can result in harm to individuals, property or the organization.

Plan of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.