Overview

This unique program focuses on providing students with hands-on experience in developing exercises through the use of cutting edge incident management technology and emergency operating centers. This state-of-the-art program allows students to use the newest Graphical Information System and virtual Emergency Operations Center systems, which are used by many states and almost all federal agencies. Students also engage in virtual disaster simulations and hazard modeling. This level of experience prepares students for immediate employment in the field.

Program Features

This convenient program offers classes in succinct seven week sessions, making it a flexible and affordable option for most students. Required classes include:

• Risk and Hazard Impact Studies
• Disaster Management and Preparedness
• Public Budgeting and Fiscal Management
• Communities: Preparedness and Defense
• Management Communications
• Simulated Disaster Training
• Incident Command; System Coordination and Assessment

Notables

SUNY Canton offers a one hundred percent job placement rate for students in this program. The convenience and affordability of this program means that students don’t have to travel to take classes and can participate in lectures, discussions, and assignments at any hour of any day. The program also features an internship option that allows students to engage with local county and state emergency management agencies, along with organizations such as the American Red Cross for course credit and hands-on experience.

Overview

Jacksonville State University is distinguished from other universities in that students receive access to an accredited program taught by the top-ranked faculty in the nation. Students are taught by faculty who currently work, or have extensive experience in, emergency management. The department is large, giving students the option to complete Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or even Doctor of Science programs in Emergency Management. All classes take place entirely online, allowing students to complete work at their own pace.

Program Features

This interdisciplinary program combines professional practice with theoretical training. Students don’t just learn the fundamentals of emergency management—they actually have a chance to practice it in a real-world setting. One hundred and twenty total credit hours are required, including coursework in:

• Populations at Risk
• Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness
• Research in Disaster and Emergency Management
• Disaster Response and Recovery

Notables

The university also features a rank of flexible minors that allow students to tailor their degrees towards their future or current careers. Minors include Public Safety Telecommunications, Homeland Security, and other approved programs. Students also complete a range of liberal arts courses that provide them with a useful breadth of knowledge that can be applied to any setting in emergency management.

Overview

The specialized Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management at American Intercontinental can provide students with an industry-focused look at the relationship between police agencies and the communities they serve. This program is research-based, and allows students to apply their original research toward problem-solving and technology usage in areas such as terrorism, counter-terrorism, and national disaster concepts.

Program Features

This program has extensive room for students to pursue general electives, allowing them great flexibility in designing relevant coursework. In addition to options for capstone and internship completion courses, students will also take classes such as:

• Foundations of Crisis Management
• Terrorism and Homeland Security
• Critical Infrastructures
• Stress and Crisis Management
• Homeland Security and Crisis Management Planning
• Psychosocial Dimensions of Terrorism
• Communication and Crisis Planning

Notables

This university provides students with a myriad of options in paying for their undergraduate degrees. A number of institutional scholarships and grants help offset overall program costs, and the university also offers a forty-five percent tuition reduction to military undergraduate students. The university’s transfer-friendly credit policy allows students to transfer in up to three quarters of the credits earned towards a degree, as well as prior learning credit for past college courses, military service, volunteer work, or even work experience.

Overview

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers a Fire and Emergency Response Management program that is so outstanding, it was awarded the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education recognition certificate. It was also ranked one of the most affordable online colleges by SR Education Group. This program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in just two years by transferring in technical college credits. The university also provides credit for military service, National Fire Academy and FEMA credits, and other university coursework.

Program Features

This program builds upon students’ professional and educational experience, adding in crucial coursework in topics such as budgeting, administrative law, management, and emergency planning. Students may choose from two different emphases when designing their course pathways: Fire Services Leadership or Emergency Management. Classes include:

• Fire and Emergency Services Leadership
• Public Administration—Public Personnel Management
• Conflict Resolution for Emergency Services
• Mentoring for Emergency Management Personnel
• Occupational Safety and Health in Emergency Services
• Fire Prevention Organization and Risk Management
• Technology in Emergency Management

Notables

The program hosts a supportive community with small classes and dedicated advisors. All on-campus resources are also available online, such as the writing center, academic advising, and the library. The university’s exclusive flat-rate tuition offer at just $360 per credit makes it easy to pay for and complete a degree. All online courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Courses are offered in accelerated seven-week sessions, providing additional flexibility for students who are already working full-time or have other personal commitments.

Overview

Idaho State’s program in Emergency Management recognizes the rapidly changing demands in emergency management and related administrative responsibilities. Therefore, this program incorporates a more sophisticated approach to the subject, providing students with training in nationally recognized FEMA Higher Education curriculum.

Program Features

This regionally-accredited university offers affordable in-state tuition for online classes, regardless of the student’s state of residency. In addition to coursework in emergency management, students also take thirty-six credits of general education courses to provide a more well-rounded degree. Required classes include:

• Principles of Emergency Management
• Hazards Mitigation
• Social Dimensions of Disaster
• Public Administration and Emergency Management
• Exercise Design
• Business and Industry Crisis Management
• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Incident Command System

Notables

With a student-teacher ratio of just fourteen to one, student commitment at Idaho State simply cannot be beat. In addition to the other two hundred and fifty academic programs offered at the university, the Emergency Management department offers both Associate and Bachelor degrees completely online. These online courses provide live interaction with instructors who are experts in a wide range of disciplines and leadership levels.