During an unexpected disaster, police and firefighters are the people most often associated with emergency services. However, there a variety of professionals who work behind the scenes to coordinate logistics so the response is always rapid and effective. Emergency management professionals are responsible for developing action plans, coordinating emergency service providers and covering unforeseen contingencies. As the need for emergency services continues to grow, colleges and universities have responded by developing programs that provide general and specialized training in emergency management.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs
While the profession of emergency management has no formal educational requirements, most employers expect job applicants to have an industry-related degree. Fortunately, there are a variety of college-level certificate and degree programs designed to help prepare students for a fulfilling career in this field. According to FEMA, there are more than 180 colleges and universities offering emergency management completion certificates as well as bachelor, associate and graduate degrees. While the curriculum may vary, here are five key courses included in most emergency management programs.
Introduction to Emergency Management
This course provides students with a basic understanding of emergency management principles and concepts, including risk analysis, planning, applicable regulations and the management of dangerous situations in the context of large, complex events. Theories and models are presented to illustrate the different processes required to properly plan, respond, resolve and recover from a variety of different disaster scenarios. Students also learn how to properly manage catastrophes across multiple jurisdictions on a national and international level. Coursework covers the fundamental responsibilities of the emergency manager during natural disasters and other calamities.
Disaster Planning and Response
Students learn how to review, evaluate and apply appropriate research and applicable government policies to fashion an effective and efficient disaster response. The course also delves into the process for recovery and maintaining continuity in the private sector and public agencies during a catastrophe. There is an emphasis on special emergency management issues such as addressing large groups with disabilities, animal care and emergency evacuations. Case studies are used to identify and classify the elements included in threat assessment, risk analysis, inter-agency coordination and staffing an operations center.
Hazard Identification and Risk Management
Unanticipated hazards and threats are unpredictable in their scope, probability and impact. An effective management approach requires the risk to be properly identified, evaluated and monitored throughout the process. Students in this class are presented with a variety of case studies and critical analysis exercises designed to promote the development of the skills and methods used to effectively locate and respond to the multitude of risks presented in an emergency situation. Those who successfully complete the course will understand the legal requirements for conducting risk assessments, initiating corrective actions and verifying compliance.
Emergency Management Law
Dealing with disasters carries potential liability, so this course explores the legal aspects of emergency management planning. Areas of study include individual and governmental rights, declarations of emergency and property status issues. Other topics relate to policies that facilitate or restrict emergency management planning as well as intergovernmental actions in emergencies relative to existing regulations and public law. Course curriculum generally covers the legal process, the judicial system, tort law, liability in emergencies, social responsibility and the uniform commercial code. Special areas of study include the legal principles of negligence, the greatest areas of liability in emergency management and moral and ethical considerations.
Crisis Communication and Management of Public Information
The media and emergency responders are often at odds during a crisis. It is important for emergency managers to learn how to introduce mechanisms that help foster an environment of cooperation with the media during a crisis. Students learn how to proactively approach and communicate through the media to address disparate groups requesting information related to a catastrophe. Areas of emphasis include being interviewed on camera, developing a consistent message, best practices in crisis communication, use of social media during a crisis and developing effective press conferences and press releases. Several crisis-communication studies are analyzed to identify proper and improper communication methods and practices.
Since the number of manmade and natural disasters continues to rise every year, the field of emergency management is thriving. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor projects job growth of 8 percent annually in both the public and private sectors through the year 2022. Emergency management degree and certificate programs provide students with the skills, training and knowledge employers look for when evaluating prospective job applicants.
Additional Reading: 20 Top Emergency Management Bachelor’s Degree Programs under $23,000 Average Net