Emergency Management Technology (BEM)

The Emergency Management Technology major prepares students for careers in emergency management and public safety. The curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the four phases of emergency management, levels of governmental responsibility, policies and procedures influencing coordinated/integrated efforts, and the appropriate roles and requisite skills of an effective emergency manager.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this major may find employment in many areas directly and indirectly related to emergency management, such as emergency management coordinators and specialists; emergency planners; disaster planning specialists; public health preparedness coordinators and specialists; emergency medical technicians and paramedics; and police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers.

Recommended High School Subjects

Mathematics, science, communications, social sciences, and technology courses will aid in preparing student readiness for the emergency management major.

Remediation Strategies

All students entering the major will be tested for English, reading, and mathematics deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies during their first semester.

Transfer Procedures

Internal and external transfers may carry parallel major courses into the baccalaureate when the grades are 'C' or better. Transcripts should be submitted with the application for admission and will be evaluated by Registrar staff and by academic school staff. By its nature, prior work experience in emergency services, military, and other appropriate work backgrounds will be evaluated for transfer evaluation and placement in the major. The academic school dean and full-time faculty will evaluate credit for life experience for course work from applicants with non-credit training or work experience. Credits awarded for work/life experience will be posted to the applicant’s College transcript after successful completion of at least 12 credits at the College.

Program Goals

• assess, organize, and develop plans to facilitate the relationship between federal, state, and regional emergency management agencies and the communities they serve.
• collaborate within and between governmental entities, community service agencies, and health care provider organizations to ensure that effective disaster preparedness mitigation, capacity to respond to disasters, and disaster recovery planning are current and adequate to meet local and regional needs.
• utilize best practices to facilitate and support leadership in response to natural and manmade emergencies.
• communicate effectively and appropriately with professional emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, public officials, and affected citizens during all phases of a disaster.
• demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal growth and professional development.
• promote and support the profession through service activities and affiliation with relevant professional associations.

Performance Standards

This major requires that all major courses must be passed with a C or better.

Curriculum