Emergency and Disaster Management

What is an Emergency and Disaster Management Degree?

UIU’s Emergency Management degree prepares you to manage the four main phases of disaster relief work: preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Each phase requires unique skills that are covered in UIU’s curriculum. This ensures that you’re prepared to handle any challenges you may face on the job.

If you’d like to learn more about Emergency and Disaster Management, but don’t want to major in the subject, a certificate program is also available.

Getting Your Emergency and Disaster Management Degree Online

Get the same high-quality emergency and disaster management education that you would get in a UIU classroom — at your home or office. Upper Iowa University offers an online Emergency Management degree, as well as in-person and distance learning options to meet your educational needs.

How to Apply

To apply, visit our Online Application portal to create an account and start your application. Still unsure if the Emergency and Disaster Management degree at Upper Iowa University is right for you? Reach out to our admissions office to ask questions or request additional information. They’ll be happy to assist you.

Careers in Emergency and Disaster Management

There are opportunities to work in Emergency and Disaster Management at the local, state and federal level. There are also non-profit and private companies that specialize in this type of work. You could work for organizations like FEMA, the US Army Corps of Engineers or the American Red Cross, just to name a few.

An Emergency Management degree can prepare you for job titles like:

• Emergency Management Director
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Homeland Security Officer
• Medical and Health Services Manager
• Public Safety Telecommunicator

Before you start your job search, remember to visit the UIU Office of Career Development for complimentary services that can help you find the perfect job.

Emergency and Disaster Management Salary Information

Salaries for graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management can vary based on factors like job title, location and years of experience. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for Emergency and Disaster management careers include:

• Emergency Management Director^[2] – $76,250
• Emergency Medical Technician^[3] – $36,650
• Medical and Health Services Manager^[4] – $104,280
• Public Safety Telecommunicator^[5] – $43,290

Benefits of an Emergency and Disaster Management Degree

A Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management prepares you to do life-saving work that can have a critical impact on your community. When disaster strikes, it’s crucial to have professionals who are trained to handle any manner of crisis. While the work can be challenging, a career in Emergency and Disaster management can be extremely rewarding. You’ll know that your job directly helps people in difficult situations.

If you’re looking for a way to help even more people through your work, consider getting a graduate degree. UIU offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) that can help you advance your career and have a greater impact on the lives of others.

Emergency and Disaster Management Courses

The Emergency Management degree combines courses in political science, public administration, psychology, business administration and more to ensure you have the diverse knowledge you’ll need every day on the job. This program also culminates in a senior project to help you gain additional experience and skills.

Core courses focus on topics like:

• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Emergency Preparedness and Planning
• Political and Policy Basis of Emergency Management
• Principles and Practice of Hazards Mitigation
• Urban Management

Emergency and Disaster Management Skills

Many professionals in Emergency and Disaster Management learn some of the most important, practical skills on the job. Those interested in a career in this field, however, can come prepared with critical soft skills that will be used every day. These skills include:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Management and Supervision
• Problem Solving
• Relationship-Building

Best Minors for Emergency and Disaster Management Majors

Consider adding a minor to your program to help you customize your degree. Some minors typically paired with an Emergency Management degree include:

• Health Services Administration
• Management
• Psychology

Earning a graduate degree can help you take your career to the next level. Your bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management can be a great first step towards earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA).

What types of emergencies and disasters do Emergency and Disaster Management professionals deal with?

Emergency and disaster management professionals are trained to provide support in the event of natural, technological, civil and human-caused disasters. Examples of these events include severe storms, earthquakes, wars or infectious disease outbreaks.

What is the most important phase of emergency management?

It’s crucial to have experience working in every phase of Emergency and Disaster Management. At UIU, our curriculum covers the skills you need, whether you’re working in preparedness, response, recovery or mitigation.