Signs of an Innovative Emergency Management Degree Program
• Opportunities for Diverse Majors
• Basic Courses Available Online
• Partnerships with Local Emergency Agencies
• Intense Ethical Standards
• Knowledge of Job Markets
The candidate looking for a degree in the field should look for these signs of an innovative Emergency Management Degree program. The field includes such specialties as Community Planning and Conflict Resolution, Hospital Emergency Management, Fire Management Strategy, Risk Planning, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Restoration. An innovative Emergency Management Degree program provides the basics needed to assure preparation for any disaster through a base of ethical communications and preparedness.
Related resource: Top 10 Online Emergency Management Degree Programs
Opportunities for Diverse Majors
Schools that break the concept of emergency management into diverse programs are innovative. There is a clear difference between forest fire management and urban earthquake preparedness. A forest firefighter uses a different approach to the event than those responding to an urban disaster such as an earthquake. The management of the response to these catastrophes is just as different as the tactics used on the ground. A school that offers several degree opportunities in emergency management is recognizing this factor and preparing emergency managers to deal with a specific part of disaster response bringing greater expertise to the event.
Basic Courses Available Online
There are two reasons that the availability of basic courses online for those pursuing an Emergency Management Degree is a sign of innovation. First, the teaching of basic courses online has improved to the point of being advantageous for all students while attending college. Online courses give the student the opportunity to apply themselves to basic subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, and Writing Composition while working. There is no longer a need to attend a formal class for these courses. Second, using an online environment while attending school prepares managers for the real world where working in cohorts is a regular occurrence.
Partnerships with Local Emergency Agencies
A school that requires internships or work experience courses through partnerships with local emergency agencies for the completion of an Emergency Management Degree is a sure sign of innovation. No matter how brilliant a student may be, or how fast on their feet in the event of an emergency, the experience of working inside an Emergency Management environment has an intrinsic value that cannot be imitated in a classroom. Emergency management tools, such as computers, satellite access, and communication equipment is standardized across the nation. Experience with these tools and the upgrades cannot be measured in dollars or cents.
Intense Ethical Standards
According to the Department of Homeland Security high standard of ethical conduct is expected of those who move into emergency management positions, so a school that holds students to higher ethical standards is a sign of innovation essential to an Emergency Management Degree. Ethics is much more than doing what is correct at the moment. The level of quality shown in response to disasters signals the underlining ethical standards of those managing the situation. The morale of early response units depends on the respect they hold for those in leadership positions. Schools that hold students to high ethical standards teach the value of those standards.
Knowledge of Job Markets
A college that maintains contacts in job markets is a sure sign of an innovative approach toward an Emergency Management Degree. A school that helps the placement of their graduates with a 90% or higher rate are schools that recognize the value of their presence to the social fabric. A student that specializes in an area of emergency management should be assured that the education they are getting will lead them to a future of public service that returns value to themselves and their families. Look over the school’s placement policy before enrolling; make sure their program includes job placement opportunities.
With the increase in natural and man-made disasters, the need for excellent Emergency Managers grows. Job growth patterns for competent and educated emergency managers is exploding. Look to these five signs of innovation before enrolling in an Emergency Management Degree program.