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Join the next generation of emergency management professionals focused on improving disaster response and outcomes. Choose from a certificate program, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree.

Careers

  • Join the next generation of emergency management and business continuity professionals
  • Choose from an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or one of 4 certificate programs, including:
    • Emergency Management Certificate
    • Tribal Emergency Management Certificate
    • Healthcare Emergency Management Certificate
    • Disaster Risk Management Certificate
  • Select electives that match your interests or even earn you an additional certificate
  • All required courses are available 100% online, with some hybrid and campus based options available for students who need them

The Emergency Management (EM) degrees and certificate programs are designed to educate the next generation of emergency management professionals. The Emergency Management program prepares you to conduct emergency planning and training, coordinate disaster response and recovery efforts, and navigate the administrative and technical demands of disaster and emergency management efforts. It is designed to build leaders. Careful consideration is given to help students understand related socioeconomic and cultural diversity issues, preparing them to succeed in all situations and environments.

The Federal Department of Labor identifies emergency management as a high-demand field, one that requires a large number of trained professionals across a number of industry sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a small increase in emergency management directors in coming years in the next year, however the demand for emergency management specialists, emergency management coordinators, and business continuity professionals continues to grow at all levels of government and in private industry. 

To better understand the role of an Emergency Manager during an emergency, view this short video: The Essential Emergency Manager.

Here are some helpful resources when searching for a job in Emergency Management.

  • USAJOBS a free web-based job board, is the official Federal Government source for federal job listings and employment information and opportunities.
  • Indeed is an employment-related metasearch engine for job listings. It is the most visited job website in the United States and includes hundreds of relevant job postings for your career and location.
  • Visit the Workforce Explorer website provided by the Washington State Employment Security Department to begin your career exploration.
  • Visit WorkSource as part of the United States Employment Service. It will assist workers and students in finding jobs and career opportunities.

Course Maps

Students must have a GED or high school diploma and must take English and Math placement tests as directed by the testing center. Significant credits may be granted for military experience, FEMA and other industry courses, and life experience.

Students interested in the Bachelor’s degree or Disaster Risk Management Certificate must already hold an associate degree or equivalent college credits.

Career Pathway Course Maps

Please note that both the AAS and BAS degrees require internships, unless students already have significant career experience directly in emergency management.

About the Program

Emergency Management degrees and certificates can lead to a variety of rewarding, challenging and fulfilling careers. Learn more from our alumni:

Apply to the Program

To apply to the Certificate or Associate degree programs, follow the standard Pierce College application process.

To apply to the Bachelors degree program, read the additional requirements and application instructions.

For More Information

For more information about any of our Emergency Management certificates or degrees, contact us at smiller@pierce.ctc.edu. We can answer general questions and provide information about credit for prior college attendance and industry training.

Related Pages

Contacts

Sarah
Miller
Assistant Professor
253-912-3693
Cindy
Bassage
Program Specialist 2
253-912-3675