Program at a Glance
- Program
- Bachelor
- College(s)
- College of Community Innovation and Education
- Department(s)
- Public Administration, Schl of
Gain Hands-On Experience in Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Efforts
The BA in Emergency Management prepares you to become a future emergency management leader through providing a well-rounded curriculum that covers the fundamental skills, theoretical understanding and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Your coursework will offer a deeper understanding about how to support organizations and communities in the preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts of disaster situations while emphasizing ethical decision making, resilience and social responsibility.
As an emergency management major, you’ll be required to complete a minor. Many students choose from areas such as public administration, urban and regional planning and nonprofit management. You may also select a minor outside of the School of Public Administration that has been approved by the undergraduate program coordinator. Emergency management classes are offered face-to-face at UCF Downtown, mixed-mode and online. This offers you the flexibility and convenience you need to balance school, work and life.
Upon graduation, pursue an entry-level position within crisis and disaster preparedness and response in government, healthcare, military, education, nonprofits and private organizations such as banks and theme parks. You may also go on to obtain the Certified Emergency Manager credential — which accepts a bachelor’s degree in lieu of experience — to gain an edge on the competition.
Highlights
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
- Fall
- May 1
- Spring
- November 1
- Summer
- March 1
- Fall
- July 1
- Spring
- November 1
- Summer
- March 1
- Fall
- March 1
- Spring
- September 1
- Summer
- January 1
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Course Overview
Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness
Gain the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to develop a proactive hazard mitigation plan to reduce the effects of natural and technological disasters.
Disaster Response and Recovery
Explore individual, group, organizational and community behavior and recovery from disasters. Service delivery strategies are highlighted and complex dynamics of the recovery process are emphasized.
Community Resiliency and Sustainability
Learn about the issues of community resiliency and sustainability specific to emergency and crisis management. Includes coverage of public policy and management, urban planning and development, and community sociology.
Emergency and Crisis Management Skills You'll Learn
- Demonstrate knowledge of National Incident Management System, Incident Command System and Emergency Support Functions.
- Identify programs available to individuals and communities to help recover from a large-scale disaster.
- Analyze historical responses to extract lessons learned from previous events and responses.
- Compare effectiveness, cost and implementation barriers among various mitigation tools and strategies applied in local efforts.
- Understand the role of local, state and federal government, and private and nongovernmental organizations in mitigation, prevention, protection, preparedness, response and recovery.
- Exhibit expertise with ESRI based GIS software and GIS technology through hands-on use.
- Locate, analyze, interpret and manipulate spatial data to assist decision makers.
- Apply theories and principles of public finance to budgetary decision-making and the budgeting process.
Career Opportunities
- Emergency Management Coordinator
- Crisis Response Specialist
- Training and Exercise Coordinator
- Emergency Services Coordinator
- GIS Analyst
- Disaster Assistance Specialist
- Health Preparedness Planner
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