Planning And Preparing For Worst Case Scenarios: Emergency and Crisis Management Degree
Does the thought of doing good for communities and helping to save lives sound appealing? Would you like to stop watching natural or man-made disasters unfold on the news and rather be on the ground helping to make a difference? Or perhaps you would like to be part of the team responsible for the development and implementation of emergency plans. Regardless of the exact role you would like to play in this sector, an emergency and crisis management degree can help to provide you with an edge over other eager candidates. Studying in this exciting field can help equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the way in providing assistance for everything from minor emergencies to major disasters.
Emergency and Crisis Management Degree Information
Emergency Management Graduate Certificate
The Emergency Management Graduate Certificate can be done fully online and takes about a year to complete. It consists of five required core classes along with your choice of one other elective course in emergency management. The required courses include emergency management law, business continuity planning, and introduction to emergency management. Electives range from special needs of vulnerable groups during disasters to securing the homeland and public policy and administration in emergency management. This is a good course to take if you are already working in the field and would like to build your credentials as well as skills.
Master of Arts in Emergency Management Leadership
The M.A. In Emergency Management Leadership is another course that can be completed online. It teaches you how to develop disaster response plans, coordinating with other emergency and medical personnel and how to lead preparedness and response training. The course can be completed in two years, while the online format allows you to balance it with existing job responsibilities. This type of course can also be taken online with the option of additional evening or weekend courses at a campus.
Bachelor of Science In Crisis And Disaster Management
This type of degree is designed to enhance your management skills as well as business knowledge and critical thinking skills related to the management of disasters and public crises. It can be completed in three to four years and can provide you with a broad based knowledge of both crisis and disaster management as well as business and management applications. Course topics can include emergency preparedness and response, hazard analysis and risk assessment, disaster health management, and more.
Emergency and Crisis Management Degree FAQ
Is It Possible To Complete My Studies In This Field Online?
There are numerous courses related to the field of emergency and crisis management that can be completed fully online. This is especially useful for people who are already working in the field and have limited time to attend physical classes, but would like to gain the knowledge to bolster their experience. Hybrid programs are also available that combines online and on campus courses. Most courses can be completed at a time and place of your choosing, provided you meet all the deadlines specified for assignments or exams.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study In This Field?
There are a lot of different positions in the field of emergency and crisis management. Ideal candidates should have excellent critical-thinking as well as organizational skills. Your analytical and communication skills should also be top-notch if you want to excel in this field. Most of the jobs in this field require that you are able to think on your feet and quickly respond to whatever challenges it is that you are facing. Most jobs in emergency and crisis management requires you to be able to work under a lot of pressure and to be capable of making decisions even when you don’t have a lot of information available to you. In general, the best candidates to complete this type of course are the ones who are already working in emergency services positions, such as police officers, firefighters, private security officers, coast guard officers, military officers and hospital administrators.
What Career Options Are Possible With A Degree In This Field?
Multiple industries have a need for crisis management professionals and job opportunities exists in both local and national governments as well as private businesses. For example, if you want to work with law enforcement or other officials on the plan of action required in the event of emergencies you could work as an emergency management director. Crisis management isn’t just required in the event of natural disasters or acts of terrorism. Many businesses also have crisis management measures in place for emergencies that can put the lives of employees in danger. Other organizations, such as nuclear facilities or engineering firms are also at risk from outside attacks, which makes preventive crisis management planning essential. With the right degree and experience in the field you might be able to find employment in any of these sectors. Job titles include emergency management specialist, preparation and recovery specialist, emergency operations coordinator, emergency response specialist and many others.
What Is The Outlook For Jobs And Salaries In This Field?
There are a variety of jobs in this field and salaries will depend on which one you choose to pursue, your location, your experience level as well as the level of your education. For example, the occupational employment statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that emergency management directors received a median annual wage of $67,330 during 2015.
What Are The Benefits of Obtaining This Type of Degree?
Although an emergency management degree cannot replace actual experience, it will help provide you with up-to-date knowledge of all the latest developments in this field. Because it is such a competitive area of occupation, those without a degree can find themselves at a real disadvantage though. With a degree you are able to gain immersion in the field, but without having to learn everything the hard way like those who had to do so via experience. You will also be more knowledgeable about the current policies, along with the theories and regulations of the emergency management field. If you already have training and experience in the field, then a degree can help to streamline the process of switching over to an emergency management career from a response organization position.
