Learn to Weather the Storm With an Online Emergency Management Degree

Effective emergency management demands practitioners who are familiar with the latest trends and technologies in the field. Make sure your skills and knowledge are up-to-date by earning an online degree.

by Jane Smallman
jane.smallman@college-degrees-search.com
College-Degrees-Search Columnist

Emergency management is an expanding field, with many new jobs created every year. Whether you are already employed in this area or want a career in emergency management in the future, an online degree will help you learn all the essential skills and techniques you need.

Job Prospects Are Good For Emergency Management Specialists

With the recent history of disasters in the U.S., both natural and manmade, emergency management is fast evolving into a recognized and respected profession. Emergency managers coordinate national and/or state responses to disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks, hazardous material spills, and even unnaturally high or low temperatures that might cause risk to life.

By the year 2014 the U.S. Department of Labor expects employment growth of over 22 percent, with more than 2,000 new posts being created in both public and private sectors.

A range of training programs are now available to teach the specialist skills and expertise emergency managers need, with many offered in an online format. Programs range from certificate to master’s degree level and are suitable for people whose jobs already involve emergency management, or for those with relevant experience who want to move into the field.

Online Study for an Emergency Management Degree

Studying online is one way to learn more about effective emergency management and improve your performance and job opportunities without having to go back to school full time. With distance learning you can honor your work, travel, and home life commitments, and earn your degree at the same time.

A typical online course curriculum is very similar to that offered by a traditional, face-to-face program. Subjects covered are likely to include:

• risk assessment, management, and reduction
• homeland security issues
• strategic planning
• systems analysis
• critical infrastructure systems (i.e. telecommunications, transportation, water supply, power, and fuel) biological and chemical hazards mitigation

If you want to take advantage of the opportunities that are currently arising in the field of emergency management, make sure you’ve got the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise by earning an online degree.

Sources

• University of Texas
• University of Washington
• U.S. Dept Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics

About the Author

Jane Smallman combines freelance writing with running a mountain guiding business with her husband. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the Social Sciences.

Posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:05 PM

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