A Career in Emergency Management

Forty years ago, if you'd told someone you wanted to pursue a career in emergency management, they probably would have given you a blank look. If the someone were your mom, she probably would have followed it up with, "But honey, why don't you get a real job?"

These days, emergency management is a rapidly developing and changing industry at all levels, from government to education to business. The proverbial man on the street may still not know exactly what emergency management entails, but he knows it sounds cool. And if you decide to pursue a career in this exciting field, you'll have dozens of prestigious educational programs to choose from. "When I graduated, I didn't even know there was a name for what I wanted to do," says the Director of Emergency Response for a township in Nebraska. "Now I co-author a newsletter about the latest trends in emergency management pedagogy."

In a nutshell, emergency management is the discipline of preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies, whether they are natural or created by humans. Emergency management often serves as an umbrella term for a number of related fields, such as public safety, security management, fire services, homeland security, fire science, disaster management or emergency preparedness. "What one school calls disaster management might be very different from a program with the same name at another school," cautions Dr. Aaron, student counselor at Greensburg High School. "Always do your homework before sending in an application."

As the discipline of emergency management becomes more unified, collective agreement about the differences and similarities between the various sub-disciplines will probably emerge, making it much easier to plan your education and career. For now, it's best to assess each program on its own terms. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about the specific training and curriculum.

Most emergency management programs include courses on risk communication, using technology appropriately, and identifying hazards. Depending on the focus of the program, you might study geology, climatology or ecology. Some programs offer help finding internships and jobs. Because successful emergency management is such a collaborative effort in real-life practice, you can expect to work cooperatively with your classmates and engage in lively discussions and debates about theoretical scenarios.

After graduation from an emergency management program, you'll reap the benefits of an education in a highly popular field. Skilled emergency management workers are needed at all levels, which gives you the opportunity to serve where you feel it's needed most. Some graduates go on to work for businesses or corporations, some join first response teams, others choose to work for hospitals or health care centers, and others climb the ladder to become managers or administrators at the county or state level. Job titles within emergency management include emergency management specialists, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, environmental science and protection technicians, fire fighters, occupational health and safety specialists, patrol officers, ambulance dispatchers and private sector contingency planners.

Now that emergency management has become visible in the public eye, new jobs are being created all the time. Emergency management sub-disciplines even warrant their own career fairs, such as the one held by Industrial Fire, Safety and Security (IFSS) in early 2009. Attendees were able to speak one-on-one with potential employers and gather information about diverse jobs in the industrial emergency response field. If a career fair is available in your area, this is a great way to learn more about emergency management and connect with future employers. Because of the high demand for educated graduates of emergency management programs, salaries in this field tend to be competitive.

Regardless of which level of emergency management you're interested in, there's never been a better time to enter this field. The demand for workers is expected to continue rising through 2014. As emergency management continues to adapt to the pressures of society and nature, you can become an active participant in its future and enjoy a successful career at the same time.

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• 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

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Health Administration - Emergency Management
• B.S. in Health Administration - Emergency Management
• B.S. in Organizational Security and Management

Campus Locations:

Salida
San Jose
San Diego
Woodland Hills
Pasadena
San Francisco
Sacramento
Culver City
Online
Costa Mesa
Fairfield
Elk Grove
Roseville
Murrieta
Livermore
Lathrop
Lancaster
Los Angeles
Rancho Cordova
Oakland
Gardena
Diamond Bar
Ontario
El Centro
Bakersfield
Beale AFB
San Bernardino
Fresno
Visalia
Chula Vista

Everest University Online

Campus

Expand your career horizons with an online degree from Everest University Online. Balance work and family while you study for your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Santa Ana

Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

• 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

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Emergency Preparedness and Response (MPA)
• Homeland Security (MPA)
• Criminal Justice (BS)

Campus Locations:

Santa Monica
San Bernardino
Alameda
San Diego
Orange

Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University

Campus

Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University enables you to earn your associate's degree online. Have confidence in knowing that your degree can provide you with the professional qualifications you need to succeed.

Programs:

• Associate of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security

Campus Locations:

Tiffin

Northcentral University

Campus

At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

Programs:

• Homeland Security - MBA
• Homeland Security Leadership & Policy - D.B.A.
• Homeland Security Leadership & Policy - PhD in Bus. Admin.

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Criminology and Emergency Response Management

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Redding
Clovis
Modesto

DeVry University

Campus

DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.

Programs:

• Bachelor's - Business Administration - Security Management

Campus Locations:

Long Beach
Fremont
Palmdale
Colton
Alhambra
Oakland
Anaheim
Daly City

Bethel University- College of Criminal Justice

Online

Study online with Bethel University - College of Criminal Justice. We offer bachelor and master's degrees in criminal justice that can be completed 100% online.

Programs:

• Master's in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College continues the tradition of giving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement to students wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue a degree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• MS - Criminal Justice
• BS - Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
• Bachelor - Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Reseda
LA Puente
Anaheim
San Bernardino
Los Angeles

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Associate of Arts: Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science: Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Vista
Chula Vista
Stockton
San Diego
Salida
Bakersfield

Post University

Campus

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.

Programs:

• B.S. in Human Services / Criminal Justice
• B.S. in Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Waterbury

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Criminal Security Administration
• Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Stockton
San Marcos
Riverside
Gardena
San Bernardino
Anaheim

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice
• Associate of Arts Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Ontario
Riverside

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Roseville
Salida
Concord
Fresno
Milpitas
Stockton
Rancho Cordova
Salinas
Hayward
San Francisco

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Pleasant Hill
San Jose
Citrus Heights
Emeryville
Antioch

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Criminal Justice Bachelor
• Criminal Justice Associate

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Ventura

ITT Technical Institute

Campus

The ITT Technical Institutes offer programs in some of today's hottest technical areas. With over 100 locations nationwide and several online programs available, the ITT Techs are one of the leading providers of technology education. Each ITT Tech offers convenient class schedules and Career Services are offered to help you find a job.

Programs:

• Criminal Justice
• School of Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Sylmar
San Bernardino
West Covina
Lathrop
Torrance
Rancho Cordova
San Diego
Clovis
Oxnard

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• BS - Criminal Justice
• AS - Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Oxnard

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Charter College Online

Online

You can advance your career with a degree from Charter College Online. We offer several Associates and Bachelors degrees in the business, health care, accounting and legal fields. Our accelerated programs are designed to help you complete your degree as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We help students get not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Criminal Justice

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Security Administration
• Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Norcross

ITT - Online

Campus

Expand your business knowledge and skills by earning your MBA degree online from ITT Tech. It's where business and technology come together. Bachelor degree and associate degree programs in business are also available. Request more information today!

Programs:

• BS - Criminal Justice
• AA - Criminal Justice

Campus Locations:

Indianapolis