Arkansas is home to the Ozark Mountains, lovely natural scenery and a host of great corporations and charities. The “Natural State” also hosts some great Emergency Management programs. Solid contingency planning in the face of natural disasters and other scenarios requires training in a variety of specialized fields. An emergency management technician will need to be well-versed in public planning and administration, business law, federal regulations and more. How they decide to handle or contain a disaster can affect communities for generations to come. More recently, emergency management graduates are also expected to be able to quickly formulate responses to terrorism and threats to local and national security. Fortunately, there are several opportunities for Arkansas residents who wish to enter the field without leaving the state in order to receive an education. If you’re interested in receiving training to provide this essential public service, then keep reading for a list of institutions that provide undergraduate opportunities in Emergency Management.
Arkansas State University
Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management
Arkansas State University offers an undergraduate degree in Emergency Management as part of their dedicated Center for Disaster Preparedness Education. Education in management of chemical, nuclear and natural disasters forms part of the core curriculum. Additional subjects include HAZMAT training and mental health support for disaster victims. The latter is especially important, as helping communities recover after a disaster means that the negative economic and social effects that such incidents cause can be significantly reduced. In addition to the core course requirements that give students a foundation in the basic principles of emergency management, students are also expected to take 25 credit hours in one specialized area of disaster preparation and emergency management. This could include subjects such as crisis communication, teaching about emergency responses, managing mass casualty incidents, business continuity in disasters and appropriate hazards commands and responses/.
Contact Information
Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education
Room 410, Eugene W. Smith Hall
P.O. Box 910
State University, Arkansas 72467
(870) 680-8286
dpem@astate.edu
Link
Students enrolled in the emergency management program at Arkansas State University will receive a well-rounded education in appropriate disaster response. The program’s emphasis on specialization is especially useful in an era where security threats pose a very real threat to the economic, environmental and social health of the country. Arkansas State graduates will be excellent candidates for jobs at the local, state and federal levels thanks to this nuanced approach to how emergency management is taught at the university.
Arkansas Tech University
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management
At Arkansas Tech, students in the Emergency Management program will learn about methods of response to man-made and natural disasters, approaches to Homeland Security, issues with communities in disaster zones, terrorism and more. This multi-faceted approach to emergency management produces graduates who are capable of tackling almost any issue. Students must complete both an externship/practicum and an internship during the course of their studies. These work experiences will provide students with the hands-on knowledge they will need once they enter the workforce as well as valuable networking connections that will benefit their future careers.
In addition, the emergency management program at Arkansas Tech is accredited by the Foundation of Higher Education Accreditation in Emergency Management. The course is also available to online students.
Contact Information
Arkansas Tech University
402 West O Street
Dean Hall 110
Russellville, Arkansas 72801
(479) 356-2092
eam@atu.edu
Link
Students enrolled in the Emergency Management program will benefit from a comprehensive education that prepares them for real-life disaster situations. The international accreditation the program has received makes it a sound choice for anyone who is interested in entering the field of emergency management.
Henderson State University
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration
Henderson State University offers a strong Bachelor’s degree program in Public Administration. This is a great opportunity for students who eventually hope to work in public service careers. As the field of emergency management falls into the realm of public service, having a good background in local and federal regulations can make all the difference during a crisis. Public administration students at Henderson State University are expected to complete an internship in order to finish their degree, and they must study subjects such as comparative government, public policy, human resources management and technical writing.
Contact Information
Henderson State University
1100 Henderson Street
Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71999
(870) 230-5000
Link
A degree in public administration from Henderson State University is a great choice for students who are interested in the social and governmental aspects of emergency management. Graduates will be top candidates for public services positions at all levels of government. They can also choose to apply for a Master’s degree in Emergency Management after graduating from Henderson. The skills they acquired during their undergraduate studies will continue to help them as they advance the field of emergency management during their graduate studies.
Mid South Community College
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management
Students who can’t study emergency management full-time or who can’t leave the West Memphis area for school will still have a chance to study emergency management when they enroll at Mid South Community College (MSCC). Located in West Memphis, MSCC offers a unique opportunity for local students to pursue a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management through their University Center. This program is offered in partnership with Arkansas Tech University. Students will have access to the same programs and courses that are provided at Arkansas Tech through a combination of interactive seminars, on-line lectures and in-person classes. Having access to the same great education that students receive in Russellville means that MSCC students will have the same chances for success within their careers.
Contact Information
Mid-South Community College
2000 West Broadway
West Memphis, Arkansas 72301
(870) 733-6728 (for admissions)
Link
Students living in West Memphis can greatly benefit from the joint program offered at MSCC. The flexibility of the program means that they can receive a solid education in emergency management without commuting to Arkansas Tech. Students can work or look after their families while receiving a top-tier education in emergency management.
Emergency Management Degrees in Arkansas: the Key to a Great Career
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for emergency management personnel is expected to grow by eight percent between 2012 and 2022. Events like tornados, hurricanes, floods and chemical spills can negatively affect the economy and welfare of a given area, and the faster these situations are brought under control, the better off everyone will be. Having a workforce that is specially prepared to respond to different types of disasters can help make the recovery process easier. The training necessary to achieve this is extensive, but the results are well worth it. A degree in emergency management is the first step towards a challenging and fulfilling career.