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What is Disaster Management?

Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management is a field of study emphasizing the application of the incident command model system and the development of effective responses to such events.

The three components of this degree include 1) disaster management, 2) crisis management, and 3) emergency management.  Each of these three disciplines are all tightly intertwined.  In fact, all three components apply to both natural disasters and man-made incidents.

The curriculum within the Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management degree program will often include: hazard assessment, contingency planning, law, risk assessment, ethics, emergency response, event mitigation, emergency rescue, medical operations, emergency recovery, terrorism, law enforcement, national security, relief administration, volunteer coordination, public relations, and the application of each to various situations.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Disaster Management Degree

Georgetown University (G.U.) is a non-profit, Roman Catholic university. Keeping up with the dynamic nature of our unpredictable climate, their Master’s in Emergency & Disaster Management program focuses on equipping any entry- and mid- level professionals with the knowledge, capability, and professionalism in responding to emergencies and catastrophes within the community. Applying a holistic approach to education, students may attend classes online and/or  on-campus, learning from a host of experienced professionals, many of whom have had experience with American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.  G.U. receives around 17,000 enrollees annually, only accepting 20% of its applicants. To apply, one must submit an application, school records, test scores (SAT scores must range within 1290-1500; ACT composite scores should be within the 30-33 range) Located in the urban section of Washington, D.C., the campus offers on-site housing for $9,800 a year, and their tuition is $46,000 a school year with financial aid (scholarships, loans, grants) available. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The George Washington University (GW) in Washington, DC is an academic institution that manifests its capital city’s traditional values of leadership and service through providing their students with high quality education and research. GW is a leading research university that encourages learners to pursue their passion by offering a wide variety of academic pursuits taught by several renowned professors and inclusive of global partnerships. Among their degree programs is GW’s Health Intervention and Disaster Response Program, a bachelor’s degree program with a curriculum of applied science coursework concentrated on managing natural and man-made disasters as well as civilian and military crisis events, in a national and global setting. Another undergraduate course offered by GW is their Emergency Health Services and Management program, wherein aspiring EMS providers will learn skills suited for leadership and administrative roles proficient in emergency preparedness, incident management, disaster response, injury prevention, and homeland security. GW also offers a graduate certificate in Emergency Management and Public Health, an 18-credit-hour (6 course) program that aims to educate graduate learners in their interdisciplinary course curriculum on crisis, disaster, and emergency management as well as public health in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton is a public university with an emphasis on 21st century education. In line with their theme for global education, Binghamton offers an Advanced Certificate in Disaster Management, available to post master’s degree nurses, students enrolled in Decker’s master’s program, and public health nurses and emergency preparedness specialists. The completion of this program requires four 3-credit graduate courses that aim to develop an individual’s skills in disaster-preparedness, response to community threats, and implementation of educational programs for public organizations in society. For the comfort of students who are unable to attend a 3-hour class on a weekly, basis, the certificate course is conducted in an online hybrid format, only requiring the student to meet three times (or as needed in the course syllabus) per semester on campus, to allow time for the students and faculty to meet and participate in activities in hands-on learning.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Georgia (UGA) stands as Georgia’s flagship institution, with a strong emphasis on commitment to higher public education that aims to produce graduates with a sense of leadership and a desire to give back to the community. As part of their mission in delivering excellent public service to the nation and the community, UGA allows individuals to enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs in disaster management. Their Disaster Management Undergraduate Certificate teaches learners the fundamental concepts of disaster management, with a focus on viewing emerging catastrophes in a social and scientific perspective. The Graduate Certificate in Disaster Management involves students in more advanced lessons and training in handling man-made and natural disasters in a global setting. UGA’s tuition ranges from $27,658 - $45,130 per academic year, depending on your residency in and out of campus. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Texas A & M University is an international island university located in Corpus Christi, Texas. It is surrounded by natural wetlands, which provide a perfect laboratory for environmental and marine sciences.

History

The Agricultural and Mechanical College was established as a land-grant college in 1871. It was the first public institution of higher learning in Texas. Students were first welcomed here in 1876.

Enrolment at Texas A & M University was restricted to men who were interested in receiving military training for the better part of its first century of operation. A requirement was to participate in the Corps of Cadets. A limited number of women were allowed to attend during this time but they were the daughters of facility and could not receive a degree. In 1918, during WWI, the senior class was called by the military to fight in France. Over 20,000 combat troops, many of them officers, were mustered out of Texas A & M during WWII.

Shortly after WWII, Texas A & M University upgraded from a college to a university. The name was changed to Texas A & M University after the war ended. At this time it became co-educational and integrated.

Near the end of the 20th Century, Texas A & M University gained recognition for its research. Designation of space grant university and sea grant university were specified at that time. In 1997, George Bush Presidential Library was established.

Academics

Students have ample opportunity to pursue career choices at Texas A & M University. The degree programs offered are ranked in the top ten nationally.

Colleges

  • College of Architecture
  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Department of General Academic Programs
  • Mays Business College
  • Dwight Look College of Engineering
  • College of Education and Human Development
  • College of Science
  • College of Geosciences
  • College of Liberal Art
  • College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Research at Texas A & M extends around the world. The University is renowned for world-class research facilities and a student and faculty body that is highly motivated. Texas A & M University offers more than 130 graduate programs.

Student Life

Texas A & M Student Services will allow students to have access to a supportive environment both on and off campus. Students will be learn how to hone leadership skills, to embrace diversity, be active in the campus community and assist them in realizing their educational goals successfully. There are a wide variety of fraternities and sororities on campus.

Athletics

Texas A & M University athletic teams are known as the "Islanders." The school has a physician's examination room, staff offices and state of the art equipment. Teams include:

  • Men's basketball
  • Women's basketball
  • Baseball
  • Women's golf
  • Softball
  • Cross country
  • Men's track and field
  • Women's track and field
  • Men's tennis
  • Women's tennis
  • Volleyball

Community

Corpus Christi is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is sheltered behind beautiful barrier islands. The shoreline runs for miles and is the perfect spot for sunbathers. It's also a popular haven for bird watchers. The area consists of 133,000 acres of undeveloped barrier reefs and is a treasured jewel of nature. There are a multitude of shops, restaurants and clubs along Chaparral, Shoreline and Water Streets.

The promenade and seawall offer stunning views and bikers, skaters and walkers can be found enjoying the moderate climate and scenery. Historical and cultural venues are numerous.

Be sure to take in the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Art Museum of South Texas. If you enjoy sea life, be sure to drop by the Texas State Aquarium. The Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens are beautiful year 'round for those who enjoy strolling along pathways and viewing stunning blooms.

Corpus Christi comes to life after sunset. Bars and pubs are plentiful. A favorite spot for seafood lovers is Pelican's Landing Restaurant, located on Mustang Island.

Whether you enjoy spectacular views, gorgeous sunsets, shopping, nightlife or nature, there's something for everyone in Corpus Christi.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

St. Louis University is a private institution established in St. Louis, MO, with core values deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic faith. Guided by their Jesuit traditions and beliefs, they uphold high academic standards for their university, and challenge their students to pursue a passion to make a better world. In preserving this theme of improvement, Saint Louis University, offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, the only undergraduate course of its kind at a Jesuit university in the United States. Students of this program are required to complete 120 credits, and can look forward to learning through local organizations such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and fire and police departments, all of which are more than qualified to equip individuals with knowledge in emergency management and homeland security principles, as well as refining their preparedness skills in initiating response and recovery plans in a local, national, and global setting. Any high school graduate or individual with a GED score of at least 2250 can enroll. 

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Temple University, a former awardee of the R1 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, possesses high standards for research and academic excellence, which is often seen in their students and culture. Surrounded by the urban settings of Philadelphia, the university provides ample educational and recreational facilities of its diverse array of students. Despite its wide catalog of courses to choose from, Temple University only offers courses on disaster management. Students will be able to delve into the world of public health by having an in-depth view on the principles, concepts, and nature in handling emergencies. However, all courses are strictly for undergraduates only. 

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany, is located in Morrisville, NY, and is the largest comprehensive university in the United States, serving over a million students in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education settings. With over 7,000 degree and certificate programs, SUNY offers an undergraduate degree in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, a program with a curriculum with core courses focused on the leadership, ethics, and foundations of emergency preparedness, homeland security, and cybersecurity. This program also involves 100 hours of approved training, wherein learners will hone their professional and interpersonal skills. SUNY at Albany also offers graduate students an opportunity to obtain a certificate in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, which has a core courses in intelligence analysis, emergency management and policy, political violence, and principles and practices of cybersecurity. 

Acceptance Rate

54.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), much like its name, thrives in a rich environment that is built on a basis of learning, researching, and innovating new ways in the domains of education and technology. Established in Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Tech offers hundreds of courses that include in multi-level learning, immersing individuals in various disciplines that will broaden their skills in communication, critical thinking and analysis, leadership and creativity. Adhering to their theme of pushing towards progress, the university also focuses on Emergency Management, being the first in the nation in obtaining national accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) Although not a degree program, Virginia Tech Emergency Management’s goal is to promote awareness and knowledge in responding to emergencies and disasters by providing its faculty, staff, and students a variety of programs that train them in cultivating societal responsibility in preparing and mitigating any potential risks or threats to the community. 

Acceptance Rate

70.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL, is the city’s first and only public research university that accommodates various learners seeking to complete their undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in an in-class or online setting. Among their numerous degree offerings is FIU’s undergraduate program, Academy for International Disaster Preparedness where learners will learn how to mitigate and prepare for all types of disaster on a local, national, and global level in 10 courses. FIU also has a Master in Disaster Management program, a 30-credit graduate course with concentrations on disaster response, management, and preparedness in environmental, public health, and military settings. 

Acceptance Rate

57.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

University of Utah (The U) is located in Salt Lake City, UT, hosts a diverse community of learners from all walks of life, and boasts of the lowest tuition rates in and out of state. The U has a wide selection of academic offerings to choose from, including Hazards and Emergency Management, a certification program that focuses on the fundamentals of human response, environmental and man-made disasters, terrorism, and decision making. Upon completion, learners can apply to become emergency managers, researchers, planners, and policy-makers in public, private, and non-profit sectors.   To learn more about this degree program and other degrees offered by the University of Utah, please request information from the admissions team.

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

CUNY John Jay College Criminal Justice in New York, NY, is a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution of higher education that is grounded in its values of diversity, equity, integrity, justice, and transformative teaching and learning. John Jay College offers academic courses that span a wide field of academic disciplines available to undergraduate and graduate learners. Their Emergency Services Administration, Bachelor of Science program is a 120-credit course offering that educates its learners on the foundational aspect of fire and emergency services, as well as related courses in management and administration. The college also has a graduate program, Master of Science in Emergency Management, that prepares its professional learners to obtain future careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations to help plan, mitigate, and recover from man-made and natural disasters. This is a 36-credit master’s course that can be completed online. 

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Delaware (UD) is found in Newark, DE, and provides excellent academic care to its students, cultivating an environment of leadership, equality, and intellectual curiosity. Those with a passion to contribute to beneficial change in society and the modern world can enroll in UD’s undergraduate program in sociology and concentrate their studies in Emergency and Environmental Management, which provides learners opportunities to build upon their sociological foundation with experiences in understanding current issues that affect our environment. Its courses cover the interdisciplinary fields of knowledge such as  economics, geography, communications, geology, history, political science, public policy, and anthropology. Applicants can apply online and view the university’s financial costs, which vary for residents and non-residents. 

Acceptance Rate

71.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Philadelphia University (PhilaU), also known as Thomas Jefferson University,  is a non-profit, private university located in Philadelphia, PA. PhilaU encourages learning in a 21st century educational setting, producing more graduates with professional qualities that befit various fields of the arts, sciences, mathematics, and more. PhilaU’s Master in Disaster Medicine and Management program prepares students to be as such, concentrating on learning management skills in developing sustainable and effective response plans to the increasingly demanding requirements of today’s modern society. The program’s courses effectively educate individuals in medical and public safety. Completion of this course allows learners to work in public and private sectors that help oversee the rehabilitation and possible prevention of man-made and natural disasters. 

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Anderson University in Columbia, SC, is a Christian academic institution that pushes a culture of service and leadership to its diverse community of learners. The university has over 50 major degree programs, and 18 master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as numerous certification programs. Among their degree programs is their Homeland Security and Emergency Services (BA), where learners will learn and discuss how to prepare and respond to threats in major national issues, such as food safety, disease, and terrorism. Graduates of this program will be eligible for numerous careers in emergency response, such as cybersecurity, US border control, homeland security, and emergency planning on local, state, and federal levels. 

Acceptance Rate

68.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Adelphi University, located in Garden City, NY, is Long Island’s first private, coeducational university, with a diverse population of learners from all walks of life. Adelphi University places a strong focus on celebrating research geared towards improving the world’s quality of life in an educational, societal, and economical way. Adelphi University gives their undergraduate students an opportunity to apply for their online BS in Emergency Services Administration , that prepares its students to respond to all types of hazardous situations with its up-to-date education curriculum. The university also provides an online course in Emergency Management, that grants its graduate students an advanced certificate upon completion of the course. This program aims to produce leaders in disaster preparedness, introducing them to leading experts and practitioners in the evolving field of disaster and emergency management. 

Acceptance Rate

74.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, OK, is a nationally recognized public research university that cultivates an atmosphere of health, inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement. Among OSU’s several course offerings, the university has a graduate program in Fire and Emergency Management Administration (MS), a 33-credit hour program that educates its professional learners in theoretical and substantive knowledge about disaster mitigation and emergency preparedness at a local, national, and international level. This program offers a hybrid curriculum, wherein learners can complete the course on-campus or online. Enrollees must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. 

Acceptance Rate

69.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Crown College in Northfield, MN,  is a higher-education institution grounded in its Christian values to promote a faith-based education for its diverse community of learners. The college offers over 40 accredited degree programs on-campus and online, such as their BS Disaster + Emergency Management program, an online course that focuses on equipping its learners with the essential skills and knowledge for risk management and response. Graduates of this program can apply to careers in law enforcement and emergency response in federal, state, and local agencies. 

Acceptance Rate

49.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Rowan University in Lakewood, NJ, is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning that offers over 100 programs in an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral setting. The university offers a BA in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management degree, a course with an interdisciplinary course curriculum that includes training in homeland security, local, national, and international disaster preparedness, emergency management, and an emphasis on safety within urban environments. This is a 120-hour course that can be completed full- or part-time. Rowan also has an MS in Emergency and Threat Response Management degree that allows its learners to become leaders in emergency management and homeland security at a local, regional, and international level. 

Acceptance Rate

74.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in Harrisonburg, VA, is a Christian academic institution that embeds Christ-like values into its liberal arts education. EMU has a variety of quality educational programs for students to select from education and leadership to history and aviation.  A full list of degree programs at EMU can be found by visiting their website.  Learn more about the Eastern Mennonite University difference today by connecting with the admissions department.

Acceptance Rate

64.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Benedictine University in Chicago, IL, is a Catholic university that promotes inclusive education that is grounded in Christ-like values such as service, truth, and justice. BU has a wide array of quality academic pathways for qualifying students to consider.  A cursory review of programs reveals that BU offers accredited programs from computer science and biology to nursing and sociology.  Obtain a complete list of accredited degrees at Benedictine University by searching their website or connecting with their admissions department.

Acceptance Rate

41.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Upper Iowa University (UIU) in Council Bluffs, IA has a culture rich in its core values of integrity, excellence, stewardship, respect, and accessibility. Open to all types of learners, UIU has numerous course offerings, such as their  Emergency and Disaster Management program, a degree program available to undergraduate learners who are keen to familiarize themselves in the theoretical and practical principles of managing and mitigating human, natural and technological disasters. This program prepares its students to be ready for essential careers such as emergency dispatcher, emergency management specialist, emergency medical technician, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

51.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Lander University is a large public university with its roots in Greenwood, SC, and believes in educating its students in an accomplished liberal arts environment that leads learners to a future rich with possibilities. Highly involved in encouraging effective communication and community service and leadership, the university avails graduate students an opportunity to obtain a certificate in their Emergency Management Program, which can be completed online. This program can help further improve your current or future career in giving you the critical skills and comprehension in managing emergencies in various domains that involve: insurance and risk assessment, government planning, medical aspects, transportation and logistics, non-profit organizations, and information and technology. Adjusting to its student base of professionals and health care workers, the program’s courses can be finished in six terms (approximately two years), with a diverse faculty composed of experienced academics and emergency responders. 

Acceptance Rate

43.16

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Fayette, MO, aspires to provide high quality education that allows its learners to pursue their academic passions in light of the university’s core values of learning, excellence, service, responsibility, adaptability, diversity, and community.  At UCM, one can enroll in their Crisis and Disaster Management (BS) program, a program with a hybrid curriculum concentrated on building students’ core knowledge on disaster and emergency response for man-made and natural crises. This program is ideal for individuals that want to partake in careers related to public safety, community service, and industrial emergency. 

Acceptance Rate

65.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Immaculata University (IU) in Philadelphia, PA, is a Christian institution of higher learning that prepares its learners to become professionals embedded with core values such as faith, community, knowledge, virtue, and service. IUI’s academic programs encompass various academic disciplines, one of which is their Emergency Planning and Management (BS) program, an undergraduate and adult studies degree program that is recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) This course educates its learners in environmental and natural disasters, as well as various emergency management systems, such as homeland security and cybersecurity. 

Acceptance Rate

81.01

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Top Degrees in Disaster Management

Students considering a degree in emergency management may find the programs listed in a course catalog as crisis management or disaster management.  While an individual college may vary the curriculum slightly, a similar set of skills will be taught.

These skills will help graduates handle a variety of situations from natural disasters to man-made events.  To help you determine which program best fits your personal and professional goals, we have provided a summary of each program below.

Certificate Programs in Disaster Management

A certificate program in emergency management is the entry-level program offered by many schools.  Certificates are shorter in nature than degree programs that focus on core classes.  You can expect most certificate programs to last around a year for full-time students and longer for part-time students.

At the completion of a certificate program, students should expect to launch a career in an entry-level position.  Diploma programs or certificate programs in disaster preparedness are in great demand given the world’s natural calamities and imminent global threats.

Associate Degrees in Disaster Management

Associate degrees in crisis management is conferred as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at most colleges and universities.  An associate’s degree will take approximately 2-year of full-time matriculation to complete.

Part-time students should expect the program to last longer as a function of course load and school requirements.  AAS degrees in disaster management fuse general education courses with core classes to provide students will a well-rounded, integrative set of thinking skills.

Core classes found in a school’s course catalog for a crisis management program at the associate’s degree level will often cover very similar skills.  Examples of classes found in an AAS program include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Pharmacology & Cardiology
  • Life Span Development & Psychology of Disaster
  • EMS Operations & Clinical Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies & Trauma Management
  • Disaster, Recovery, Terrorism, and Emergency Management Skills
  • Public Policy, Ethics, and Legal EMS Issues
  • Risk Mitigation & Operations Continuity
  • Crisis Management Methods and Analysis
  • Economics of Crisis and Crisis Management
  • Community Management & Leadership
Bachelor Degrees in Disaster Management

The bachelor degree track in disaster management will most frequently be found to be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS).  A bachelor’s degree will generally take 4-years to complete for full time students.

Much like the associate’s degree, the bachelor’s degree melds general education with core classes to provide a well-rounded education.  Bachelor degrees will go deeper and wider in both core curricula and liberal arts classes than lower level degrees.

In addition to the core classes listed above, students can expect to take courses such as critical decision making, legal framework of crisis management, project management, risk perception, public awareness, stakeholder engagement, public communications, natural hazards, socio-cultural dimensions of EMS, and natural disaster theory.

Employment in Crisis Management

For students that earn a college degree in Crisis Management, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue.  The options range from executive, firefighter, police, EMT, detective, forensic scientist, research scientist, budget analyst, private detective, security guard, management analyst, and policy director in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Where Do Crisis Management Specialists Work?

Graduates from an emergency management program may find themselves working for a number of institutions including government agencies, private industry, and non-profit organizations.  More specifically, graduates may find employment at FEMA, state government agencies, emergency communication providers, emergency medical providers, private security organizations, local government agencies, and law enforcement agencies.

What are Common Jobs for Crisis Management Professionals?

Popular jobs you may find crisis management and emergency management graduates are vast.  In fact, given the breadth of industries available the number of job titles are quite expansive.  A sampling of common job titles of a crisis management professional includes the following:

Risk Management Consultant Crisis Operations Center Director
Disaster Management Consultant Disaster Management Specialist
Preparedness Management Director Homeland Security Coordinator
Emergency Management Coordinator Logistics Planner
Disaster Management Specialist Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Crisis Management Training Director Emergency Services Director
EMS Director Hazard Mitigation Officer
Disaster Response Consultant Public Safety Director
Crisis Management Planner Crisis Management Consultant
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Job Growth & Career Outlook in Crisis Management

The job growth in the Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management domain are at and above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management is expected to rise 6% through 2024 and for EMT a 24% growth rate is expected during the same period.

Given the broad nature of the Emergency Management degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include training, research, policy, field work, managing, leading, and directing.

Crisis Management Resources

For additional information on emergency management and crisis management, visit the Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA).   The PCMA offers a host of training, resources, and insights into the world of crisis management.

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