Emergency Management

Emergency Management Degree Programs

Disaster and emergency management professionals seek to help people and create solutions to problems in the event of an emergency. Whether they are needed to evacuate a town in danger or provide medical attention to injured civilians, emergency management professionals need to be able to react quickly and effectively to ensure that the community remains safe and protected.

Emergency management professionals often work for the government, private sector, or in nonprofit organizations. Job opportunities for those who hold a degree in emergency management might include emergency program manager, emergency operations chief, director of security, risk management expert, emergency preparedness instructor, or hospital coordinator. Careers in law enforcement and protective services are also options.

Earning your degree in emergency management is an excellent way to develop the skills you need to become a professional in this field. Coursework generally covers organizational management, crisis management, disaster communication and response, risk analysis, leadership, and strategic planning. It is also important for professionals in this field to learn to properly coordinate with fire departments, medical services, law enforcement and volunteer agencies to ensure a smooth response to emergency circumstances. Possible emergency situations could include hurricanes, terrorist attacks, airport security violations, or chemical spills to name a few.

Disaster and emergency management degree programs are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degree levels. Law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other protective services professionals often earn emergency management degrees to increase their knowledge in the field and advance their careers. Having a higher level of education can allow you to stand out from competition when applying for jobs within the law enforcement industry.

Job Outlook for Emergency Management Specialists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency management specialists is expected to grow as fast as average over the next decade. In 2007, emergency management specialists earned a median salary of $48,380 annually. Job opportunities, promotions, and salary increases are more likely to be seen by those with higher levels of education and experience in the emergency management field.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition