Emergency management and homeland security are two large issues concerning the nation today. Terrorism, natural disasters and biological agent threats are increasing, and dealing with such events and their aftermath is growing more complex.
For example, several weather-related incidents occurred in 2018 and well-coordinated responses ensured public safety, mitigated damage and oversaw recovery efforts. Without expert professionals, the effects would likely have been much worse.
Emergency management specialists — particularly those in high-level positions — often need expertise in public safety and security, communications, government regulation and more to perform their duties. They must also possess a wide variety of skills, including complex problem solving and decision-making. Professionals who seek management or leadership roles in fields such as public health, general public safety and disaster management may be able to develop or improve upon such qualifications in an academic setting by earning an online master’s degree in emergency management and homeland security (EMHS).
The virtual format of an online program allows people to work around their current professional and personal commitments in a convenient, flexible learning environment. Furthermore, students may be able to focus their education on a distinct aspect of EMHS through concentrations specific to emergency management, homeland security, community resilience, biosecurity and threat management or cybersecurity policy and management. Although the foundational knowledge of these paths may overlap in regard to the vision, mission and principles of emergency management, each degree concentration offers distinct courses and learning outcomes to help students become specialists in various areas.
Emergency management concentration
Students who want to master today’s disaster response methods and strategies can specialize in emergency management. Such a concentration is designed to help students understand disaster preparation, response and recovery. The degree concentration focuses on leadership, management, technology and cross-agency collaboration to prepare students for a workforce where people come from many backgrounds and focus on different goals and responsibilities. Graduates can move up within their respective careers or pursue new paths in government, nonprofit organizations or the private sector.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
- An understanding of interagency and cross-sector collaboration strategies and best practices.
- Knowledge of technology industry standards for disaster-related incidents.
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Skills in disaster- and emergency-related planning, mitigation and response.
Example courses:
- Critical incident stress management.
- Information technology in emergency management.
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Integrated emergency management.
Potential career focuses:
- Disaster recovery.
- Hazard mitigation.
- Preparedness administration.