Despite the fact that there are 24 public and 9 private colleges within its borders, finding emergency management degrees in Mississippi can be a bit tricky. While there is just one two-year degree program available for students seeking to specialize in emergency management within the state, Mississippi has a demand for professionals to protect citizens from natural and manmade disasters. With its position along the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi is at high risk for hurricanes and was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, in which 238 Mississippians lost their lives. Also having around 27 tornadoes each year, Mississippi has been the location for two of the five deadliest tornadoes ever recorded in U.S. history. If you have received the calling to develop emergency response plans to minimize the dangerous effects of these severe storms, read on to learn about the only accredited emergency management degree program in Mississippi.

Meridian Community College

Division of Emergency Services

First established in 1937 as a comprehensive two-year public junior college, Meridian Community College is located on a 72-acre urban campus outside of the state’s sixth largest city, next to Mississippi State University’s Meridian center in the heart of Lauderdale County along the eastern border with Alabama. With SACS accreditation to confer Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, MCC has a total enrollment of over 4,000 full-time and part-time commuter students. The Division of Emergency Services is specifically focused on preparing responders to provide emergency medical services and treat life-threatening problems in crises.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Fire Protection Technology and Emergency Management and Communications Technology

Available through an open-learning program delivered via computer disc in a traditional on-campus format, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Fire Protection Technology and Emergency Management and Communications Technology program is designed to increase students’ understanding on the difficulties most fire and emergency management personnel encounter during disaster situations. Based on problem-based learning, the program seeks to build an interactive learning environment through real-life situations to develop essential decision-making, information analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills. With approval by the Mississippi State Board of Health, the program equips graduates with the skills to become emergency management personnel, emergency service supervisors, 911 system telecommunicators, or other emergency operations staff.

Accreditations

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact

910 Highway 19 North
Meridian, MS 39307
(601) 483-8431
bwarren@meridiancc.edu
http://www.meridiancc.edu/workforce-education/programs-of-study/emergency-services/fire-protection/index

While firefighters and police officers may be the first people we notice when an emergency occurs, there are a number of trained professionals that work hard behind the scenes to ensure that response is possible to protect lives and property from damage. Earning a degree in emergency management can be the perfect first step towards building a career to coordinate emergency personnel to deal with natural and mandmade disasters. As one of the “50 Best Jobs” named by the U.S. News and World Report, employment of emergency specialists is expected to grow by 22% over the next decade. If you call the “Hospitality State” home, make sure you consider attending emergency management degrees in Mississippi to receive the training for entering this rewarding career path.

 

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