Hi all,
I'm looking for some info and opinions regarding Emergency Management degrees. I'm currently working towards an associates in computer network administration, as well as working as a computer / network technician. Although I enjoy what I do, and will be sticking with the associates in computer netowrking, I'm not sure if it's something I would want to do for a long period of time. One of the alternate avenues I'm looking into is emergency management.
I see quite a few types degrees out there, ranging from emegency management to fire and emergency services, as well as crisis and disaster management to homeland security. What I'm curious to know is, are these worthwhile degrees for someone wishing to enter the EM field? Or are there other types of degrees that EM organizations look for? (I guess you can equate my question to someone wishing to get into law enforcement, and pursuing a criminal justice degree. The majority of people I've come across, with regard to that specialty, say to go for another major. Is this the same, or are EM degrees actually valued in the EM field?)
Thanks!
Suggestion. Take a good hard look at the job postings on USAJOBS within homeland security with emphasis on the required qualifications.
The market for people with a HLS or EM degree is shrinking as the government kitty is shrinking. Take a look at the US Dept of Labor statistics on the job market and see if you can find something with a better prospect. At the very least, look at coupling a "hard science" skill with an EM Minor. If you do choose EM as a major, look into a MS in Public Administration as a follow-on.
Flexibility is your friend...
Emergency Management degrees are fantastic if you're looking to get certification and licensing by your state. The status on landing you a job might show that you're willing to learn, due to your bachelors or A.S. degree.
Unfortunately, at least from what I've heard, there are not too many EM jobs available in the future. The State of Maryland's Dept. of Labor says there will be only 925 openings for Emergency Medical Technicians by 2016, IN THE WHOLE STATE! Try working at a volunteer fire company and get a taste of everything, see what you like. It will also look great on a resume if that's the job you want.
Quote from: jks19714 on April 19, 2011, 10:25:58 PM
Flexibility is your friend...
This.
Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Technology are not the same thing, at least from an academic standpoint.
The university in which I teach has an EM program (mostly Master students) -- it is primarily a sociology-driven program, however, and short (in my opinion) on practical application...
john
(I'm also an Adjunct Asst Prof in Computer Science)
Oh wow, what school?
Thanks for the input, everyone -- I've got a while to go (taking it slow with my associates degree), so I've got no need to make decisions right away.
Quote from: Arrow on April 20, 2011, 03:54:14 PM
The State of Maryland's Dept. of Labor says there will be only 925 openings for Emergency Medical Technicians by 2016, IN THE WHOLE STATE!
As was pointed out earlier, I'm looking for Emergency Management, not Emergency Medical certification, but thanks for the input!
Try the FEMA website, they have a link to a college that offers that program, Mainly because they use a lot of their courses for the program.