A working professional who decides to get a degree in the field of Security will want to know how long it takes to complete an Emergency Management degree and the kind of program that can be pursued while fully employed. Universities offering programs in Homeland Security and Emergency Management have come up with different schemes to respond to the needs of a working population as well as for regular full-time students. The various kinds and length of programs are discussed below.

Emergency management is a field that is growing rapidly as awareness and knowledge expand on how disasters, both natural and man-made, can be effectively handled and even prevented from occurring. There is, therefore, a demand among working professionals in this field to upgrade their skills and knowledge. Career seekers are also attracted by the favorable prospects in this field. Graduates of these programs can find employment in government agencies, state and local emergency agencies, businesses and NGOs.

Degree Requirements and Length of Programs for Emergency Management

The Center for Homeland Security lists schools that offer degrees in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. There are 82 colleges and universities offering 99 bachelor’s degree programs, 88 offering 120 master’s degree programs, and 10 offering 12 doctoral programs.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Undergraduate programs generally require 120 semester or 180 quarter hours to qualify for the bachelor’s degree and usually take four years for completion. Courses in general education, prescribed and elective courses in the major field and other courses that the student can elect make up the program. By attending summer sessions and/or taking heavier loads each semester, students can reduce the time required for graduation to three or three-and-a-half years. Some programs will give credit for work or volunteer experience.

Many of the programs are offered online, and these provide a flexibility that enables working professionals or home-bound students to enroll for the full program. A few universities have altered their program schedules to accommodate those attending while holding full-time jobs. An example is a university that has an academic schedule of six eight-week terms in a year where the student takes only two courses per term, and is able to complete the program in the usual time.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Master’s degree programs commonly require 30 to 40 semester credit hours consisting of core courses, a required course from another program such as Biostatistics, electives within the field of study, and suggested other courses in foreign languages, communications or humanities. About half of the programs offered are provided solely online. Many of the on-campus programs have online options, and a few programs have a special hybrid arrangement that combine both features.

Master’s level programs are especially in demand by working professionals. Several universities have come up with unique programs that accommodate the working student. These include holding evening classes or combining weekend classes with online work; they allow students to complete the programs in the usual time.

The normal duration of master’s level work is two years. By adding a summer session, the degree can be completed in 16 to 18 months. Most master’s degree programs require a capstone or thesis in the final year, and this may affect the length of the program. Some programs require, instead, a comprehensive examination that must be passed to earn the degree.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Doctoral programs emphasize a conceptual understanding of crisis and human behavior, and the development of high levels of research, communication and leadership skills. Course requirements vary; however, the student generally completes the required courses and seminars, then embarks on the dissertation process. Depending on the latter, the duration of the program can vary from three to seven years. There are only a limited number of programs presently available; academic expansion in this field will likely lead to an increase in doctoral programs in the future.

In a field where knowledge is constantly expanding, which requires mastery of management, analysis, communication and other skills, and where precision and accuracy can make a life-or-death difference, there is no shortcut. This must be kept in mind when one considers the question of how long it takes to complete an emergency management degree.

For more information on a Bachelor degree in Emergency Management, please see “Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management“.