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Program at a Glance

Program
Bachelor
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Public Administration, Schl of
4
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2024

Gain Hands-On Experience in Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Efforts

The BS 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.

Male with headset on looking at two monitors.

Highlights

The emergency management program at UCF is the first undergraduate degree of its kind in the state of Florida.
Partnerships with local government agencies provide opportunities for students to intern and participate in training exercises in live emergency operations centers.
The job outlook for emergency managers is projected to grow 5 percent through 2029.
The median annual pay for emergency managers in 2019 was $74,590.

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.

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.

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

College of Community Innovation and Education News

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UCF Among Top 11 Globally, Earns Gold for Online Learning by The Times Higher Education
The inaugural ranking recognizes UCF for excellence in resources, student outcomes, environment and engagement for digital learning.
Colleges & Campus
UCF to Honor Graduates at Fall 2024 Commencement Dec. 13-14
Graduates will hear from four prominent Central Florida leaders during this semester’s commencement ceremonies, which take place at Addition Financial Arena.
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UCF Projects Win 5 Emmys, Breaking Last Year’s Record
The Center for Distributed Learning, Department of Legal Studies, and Nicholson School of Communication and Media collaborations capture conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border, which has…
Science & Technology
Health Informatics Students Get Early Hiring Advantage with ‘Epic’ Training
Thanks to a partnership with Orlando Health, students in UCF’s health management and informatics programs are now learning how to use the leading electronic health…

University of Central Florida Colleges