Emergency Management Degrees in Illinois are growing in popularity for many reasons. Illinois is close to Tornado Alley, an area of the country that is often visited in late spring and throughout the summer by deadly tornadoes. Deaths and injuries from tornadoes have been dropping since 1990 and it is believed that this is due to better tornado prediction, which is part of the emergency management program in the state. In addition, emergency management is responsible for rescue and salvage after such storms strike an area. Improvements in response times and technology have helped reduce casualties as well. For this reason, many colleges and universities are now offering emergency management degrees in Illinois.
Blackburn College
Blackburn College is one of only seven federally recognized work colleges in the country and is the only college with a student managed work program. The college opened in 1837, and in 1913, developed a Work Program that makes college affordable for many students are the first generation to attend college. Students have literally built Blackburn as many students paid for their college tuition working as carpenters, painters, landscapers, security officers and performed many other job duties throughout the campus.
Public Administration
Blackburn College offers a public administration major designed to develop leadership skills using simulations and role-play exercises that adds to the classroom theory learning. The program provides information on emergency management positions through an interdisciplinary program that helps students to analyze, negotiate and lead others in the public sector. Blackburn’s unique combination of academics, work experience and social events offers students the skills necessary to succeed in the emergency management industry.
Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Comission
Contact
Blackburn College
700 College Avenue
Carlinville, IL 62626
Telephone: 800-233-3550
Email: info@blackburn.edu
Website
DePaul University
DePaul University, founded in 1898, has grown to become the nation’s largest Catholic university. It is named for St. Vincent de Paul who provided learning to students who could have been denied quality education, including women at the turn of the century and soldiers returning from the war, as well as low-income residents in the area. The campus has always been in Lincoln Park, although additional acreage added has led to the formation of another campus, known as The Loop. There are approximately 2,300 students in residence at DePaul University.
Master of Public Administration
DePaul University offers a Master of Public Administration designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to move into a career in government. The classes meet on the Loop campus and include studies in government finances, policy design, ethical leadership and other public administration related courses that will help students advance in their emergency management career. Students can choose from three specializations including public management, international public management and metropolitan planning as well as urban affairs. In addition, students can obtain one of two certificates including community development or metro planning and development.
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
DePaul University
1 East Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: 302-362-8000
Email: Admission@depaul.edu
Website
Illinois Institute of Technology
The Illinois Institute of Technology began with what was called “The Million Dollar Sermon.” At his South Side church, minister Frank Wakely Gunsaulus claimed that he could build a school where students of all backgrounds could prepare for the changing industrial society if he had one million dollars. His vision inspired Phillip Danforh ARmour to give one million dollars to found the Armour Institute, which opened in 1893 offering courses in engineering, chemistry, architecture and library science. In 1940, the school became Illinois Institute of Technology when the Armour and Lewis Institute merged. The Lewes Institute was created by the estate of Allen C. Lewis who envisioned a school similar to the one Gunsaulus wanted created. Today, there are more than 6,000 students enrolled at the college.
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration at the Illinois Institute of Technology prepares students for public and non-profit agencies, including emergency management positions. The program integrates business insights with best practices in public administration. Students are able to connect with other students in the program that are passionate about making a difference both for organizations and for society. There are eight core courses, three elective or specialization courses and a total of 33 total credit hours. The course typically requires a year and a half to two years full-time and over four years part-time. Illinois Institute of Technology also offers tuition deferment plans for Chicago Police and Fire Department employees as well as an undergraduate scholarship program for their children and grandchildren.
Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Illinois Institute of Technology
Stuart School of Business
10 West 35th Street
18th Floor
Chicago, IL 60616
Telephone: 312-906-6500
Email: admission@stuart.iit.edu
Website
Lewis University
Lewis University was founded in 1932, beginning as the Holy Name Technical School, where 15 students attended on 170 acres of farmland donated by Michael and Frances Fitzpatrick. Chicago philanthropist, Frank J. Lewis, was actively involved in in funding the various buildings that became the center of the campus. Special emphasis was placed on aviation technology during the early years. In 1934, the school names changed to Lewis Holy Name Technical School and in 1935, the Lewis Holy Name School of Aeronautics, in honor of the philanthropist. After World War II, curriculum expanded to meet the needs of veterans returning and taking advantage of the GI Bill. Women were admitted in 1949, and the school was renamed the Lewis College of Science and Technology in 1952. In 1962, the college became Lewis College and gained university status in 1975.Today, there are almost 6,600 students enrolled who attend on a 410-acre campus.
Public Administration B.S.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration at Lewis prepares students to be skillful leaders by helping them develop a deep understanding of the political process in order to become a catalyst for change. Students also receive internship placement in the community, working beside administrators, policy makers and managers. Students learn subjects related to emergency management such as budgeting, problems in public administration, issues in public policy as well as interest group policies.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
Contact
Lewis University
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
Telephone: 815-838-0500
Email: admissions@lewisu.edu
Website
Loyola University
Loyola University was founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College by Arnold Damen, S.J., on West Twelfth Street next to the Holy Family Church. Today, that location is the location of St. Ignatius College Prep. In 1909, the school was chartered as Loyola University and in 1922, moved to Sheridan and Devon in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Today, there are almost 16,000 students enrolled in more than 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate majors. There are 1,551 full-time staff and 258 part-time staff, with a 14:1 faculty to undergraduate ratio.
Management BA with Healthcare Emergency Management Concentration
Loyola University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a focus in Medical Emergency Management. The program prepares students to step into management roles in the emergency management industry with knowledge in business principles, ethical leadership and critical thinking. The program is designed for emergency medical technicians, paramedics and other first responders. Courses are available evenings and weekends, as well as online and in the traditional classroom setting, so students can manage family and work obligations while earning their degree.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Loyola University
1032 West Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60660
Telephone: 773-274-3000
Email: adult@luc.edu
Website
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University first opened the doors in 1899, and like many universities in the United States, began with a mission to education teachers, as the Northern Illinois State Normal School. The first class of 146 women and 27 men attended classes in Altgeld Hall, a European-style castle built in the Midwestern plains for $230,000. The campus spread to 755 acres with almost 60 major buildings and an enrollment of 25,000. The college became Northern Illinois State College in 1955 and became Northern Illinois University in 1957.
MPA Program
The MPA Program in Public Administration allows students to specialize in city management and urban policy or in public finance and budgeting. Students may qualify for paid internships, allowing them to gain experience in governmental and non-profit agencies. Salaries for internships range between $10.00 and $20.43 per hour based on the location and organization. After graduation, 99 percent of those who successfully complete the program are employed within six months of graduation.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission North Central Association
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Contact
Northern Illinois University
1425 West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828
Telephone: 815-753-1000
Email: univinfo@niu.edu
Website
Roosevelt University
In 1945, Edward J. Sparking who was President of the YMCA College in Chicago, refused to provide the Board of Directors with demographics regarding the student body for fear that they would institute quotas for the number of minority and female students could be enrolled. In protest, Sparling resigned, and nearly half the faculty and staff left with him with the vision of creating an independent coeducational higher learning institution. The new school was chartered as Thomas Jefferson College, but two weeks after it was created, President Franklin Roosevelt died in office. In his honor, the college was renamed Roosevelt College. There are more than 6,000 students enrolled between two physical campuses as well as online.
Public Administration, MPA
Roosevelt University offers a Master of Public Administration to help those in the emergency management profession advance in their careers or make a career change. Students take courses such as public service, management practices, public budgeting and quantitative measures. In addition, students must complete a field internship in their chosen concentration. Applicants must have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and submit a one-to-two page essay on a topic that is assigned by the college. Students who have a GPA under 3.0 may submit work and community experience, as well as two years letters of reference to be considered. They may also submit GRE or GMAT scores to demonstrate ability. Those students may be admitted on a probationary status with special restrictions.
Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Roosevelt College
Wabash Building, Room 116
425 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Telephone: 312-341-3500
Email: admission@roosevelt.edu
Website
Southern Illinois University
In 1869, the General Assembly of Illinois created the Southern Illinois Normal College, which was the state’s second college dedicated to educating teachers. During the tenure of Delyte W. Morris, the college expanded, adding Law, Medicine and Dentistry, and after World War II, focus on higher education for returning veterans became a focus, and it was not long before the college gained university status, becoming Southern Illinois University. Today, there are more than 15,000 students enrolled at Southern Illinois University.
M.P.A. in Public Administration
Southern Illinois University offers a Master of Public Administration which prepares students for careers in non-profit and governmental agencies. The program is designed to help those in the emergency management profession advance in their current profession or make a career change into the public sector. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may provide their GRE scores in order to be considered for admission into the program. Students for whom English is a second language may need to demonstrate English proficiency before being admitted to the program.
Accreditation
Association t Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Higher Learning Commission North Central Association
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Contact
Ms. Christie Stewart
Political Science – MPA
Faner Hall Room 3141
Mailcode – 4501
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901
Telephone: 618-453-3177
Email: mpaprog@siu.edu
Website
University of Chicago
University of Chicago opened in 1892 after luring impressive faculty from around the country. The vision for the university was that it be brand new but as solid as the “ancient hills.” The college quickly became a leader in higher education and research. The idea for the college began in 1890 when the American Baptist Education Society and oil magnate, John D. Rockefeller, funded the university. Land was donated by Marshall Field, the owner of the department store that bore his name. Today, there are more than 15,000 students enrolled in the 50 majors, 29 minors and 4 graduate programs available at the school.
Master of Science in Threat and Response Management
The Master of Science in Threat and Response Management at the University of Chicago prepares law enforcement, fire and emergency personnel, medical and public health professionals for response and recovery from incidents regardless of size or cause. Students learn to deal with issues such as terrorist attacks, threats, natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
In order to apply, students must provide original copies of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, as well as letters of recommendation. Students may be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores as well. A personal statement of purpose and a resume may also be required of those applying for the program.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
Contact
Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
Master of Science in Threat and Response Management
1427 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
Telephone: 773-702-1722
Email: msctrm@uchicago.edu
Website
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois consists of three campuses, including Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. It began as a land-grant institution and is one of the largest in the United States. In 1867, John Milton Gregory came to Illinois to establish the Illinois Industrial University, calling it the “West Point of the Working World.” Initially, Gregory attempted an agricultural program, but most students enrolled in engineering or business. In the 1880s, there were financial problems at the college, and in 1885, the college was renamed the University of Illinois to avoid confusion with schools educating delinquents. Today, there are more than 77,000 students enrolled on the three campuses, with more than 800 buildings on the 2,443 acres used by students. The college has an additional 10,520 acres as assets.
Public Administration
The graduate program in Public Administration offers instruction designed to give students the knowledge and skills for a career in public service, which includes emergency management. The school also offers a doctoral program that focuses on research and creativity so that graduates are able to make significant contributions to the field of public administration. Students must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field of study with a grade point average of at least 3.00 for the final 60 semesters of their undergraduate study. GRE and GMAT scores must be provided, and students for whom English is a second language may be required to provide English proficiency documentation. Students must provide three letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s experience. A personal statement is also required as is a resume and five to ten page writing sample.
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
Contact
University of Illinois
Office of Academic & Enrollment Services (MC 018)
Box 7994
Chicago, IL 60680-7994
Telephone: 312-996-4350
Website
Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University was established in 1899 as the Western Illinois Normal and Training School, with a focus on training teachers. The school eventually changed its name to Western Illinois State College and gained university status in 1957. The college houses the largest law enforcement program in the country. The school colors date back to the opening year when Mary Jarvis, a first-year student, was inspired by the prairie strewn with purple coneflowers, establishing purple and gold as the colors displayed by the school. The intercollegiate teams are known as the Fighting Leathernecks, and are the only public school in the country with permission from the Department of the Navy to use the United States Marine Corps official seal, mascot and nickname.
Emergency Management
Western Illinois University offers an undergraduate major in Emergency Management providing knowledge and skills for a career helping communities plan for, deal with and minimize the effects of emergencies. Careers available to graduates can be found in local, state or federal government, as well as private business and consulting. Students receive rigorous training in:
- Planning, resource allocation and coordination of emergency response.
- Providing information and training to groups.
- Delivering detailed emergency plans and procedures for natural, technological and bio-terrorism disasters.
Students must provide qualified ACT/SAT scores in the 50 percent percentile range, and a high school GPA of 3.00 or higher. Students with lower SAT scores or GPA may submit a personal statement which addresses their academic goals. Students may be admitted to the Academic Services Program with specific requirements. High school students must have four years of English, three years of Social Studies, three years of mathematics, three years of science and two years of electives that can include, art, music, speech or other subject. Transfer students should contact the Office of Admissions to determine what requirements are necessary to transfer from another college or university. The program is offered on the Macomb campus, and the college offers GradTrac and Honors study opportunities.
Higher Learning Commission North Central AssociationContact
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Sherman Hall 115
Macomb, IL 61455
Telephone: 877-PICK-WIU (742-5948)
Email: admissions@wiu.edu
Website