Bachelor of Science Emergency Services Management

A Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services Management from Union Institute & University will prepare you to effectively handle a variety of dangerous situations, with a focus on emergency and disaster management, homeland security and critical incident management. The emergency services industry is demanding higher levels of education and training, and a degree in Emergency Services Management will open up a wide variety of career opportunities in fast-growing fields. We know our first-responders play a vital role in diffusing potentially harmful and hazardous situations, that’s why we train you to respond appropriately within federal, state and local organizations and agencies before, during and after emergencies or disasters strike.

120 Total credits

$395 Cost Per Credit Hour

Jun 24 Next Start Date

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Emergency Services Management CONCENTRATIONS

Students who choose to major in Emergency Services Management may complete a generalized program or select one of the three following concentrations (12 credit hours) with a specific focus:

Criminal Justice Management

The focus of this concentration is the management, administration, and contemporary issues in criminal justice management. You will also learn about policies and practical interaction among local, state, and federal government agencies in emergency situations.

Homeland Security

The concentration in Homeland Security will give students an increased understanding of the resources at their disposal to respond to terrorist threats in their communities. These online courses are designed for professionals working in the areas of public safety, security management, fire service, emergency management, criminal justice, and law enforcement, as well as managers in private and nonprofit corporations responsible for multiple aspects of supervising security programs.

Organizational Leadership

Self-understanding is at the heart of good leadership, the building of relationships, and the effectiveness of teams. The focus of this concentration is on leading oneself, leading others, and leadership for the common good.

120 credit hour program (minimum)
Full & part-time options
Classes start every eight weeks
Transfer up to 90 credit hours

Cost of Program

Core Courses

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ESM 320

Critical Incident Management and Response

3+1 credits

This course is designed to immerse the student in the principles of critical incident management. Special attention will be given to the emergency services agencies as complex and dynamic organizations. Emphasis will be placed on planning and preparation and application of the Incident Command System. The role of the Critical Incident Manager is to use a variety of resources, techniques, and skills to reduce the probability and impact of extreme incidents, and to restore operations quickly should an emergency occur. Corequisite: ESM1 320, 1 credit hour.
ESM 403

Emergency Services Administration

3+1 credits

This course presents an overview of organizational and management practices in emergency services. It covers management principles and techniques, supervision and leadership styles, motivation, morale, and organizational behavior. It will prepare students for future leadership positions within their respective public service agencies. Corequisite: ESM1 403, 1 credit hour.
ESM 405

Legal, Economic, and Ethical Issues in Emergency Services

3+1 credits

Legal, Economic, and Ethical Issues in Emergency Services
This course provides an overview of the legal, strategic, political, economic, ethical, and human issues encountered in the management of disasters or major traumatic public events. This knowledge gives the emergency administrator a realistic view of the issues to expect in a disaster, how to plan accordingly, and how to manage resources and people more effectively in emergency situations. Corequisite: ESM1 405, 1 credit hour.
ESM 440

Homeland Security

3+1 credits

This course focuses on a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of homeland security. It will examine threats to homeland security, including natural and technological disasters, as well as intentional threats of domestic and international terrorism, including weapons of mass destruction. Students review the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, non-government organizations, and individual citizens in homeland security. Corequisite: ESM1 440, 1 credit hour.
ESM 401

Fiscal Management for Emergency Services Administrators

3+1 credits

This course will present the processes of budget preparation for emergency services administrators, including a comparative analysis of major-line-item expenses, contractual, and consultative items. It will examine the problems of governmental funding, service and equipment cutbacks, cost comparison and accessibility of federal grants. Corequisite: ESM1 401, 1 credit hour.

Elective Courses

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ESM 100/200/300/400

Independent Studies

Variable 1-4 credit hours

Most B.S./B.A. majors provide independent study offerings. If offered by the major, independent studies may be taken up to two times. An independent study course may be proposed by the student to complete an in-depth study of a topic not covered by current course offerings. Independent Study is a formalized learning experience that is completed through a learning agreement, under the supervision of a university faculty member. Learning agreements must be proposed and approved by the faculty member in advance of registration. Students are limited to two (2) independent-study courses per department prefix and course number. Refer to the specific major for the acceptance or not of independent studies.
ESM 190/290/390/490

Special Topics

Variable 1-4 credit hours

Special Topics are individualized special interest courses selected by the student, working with a faculty member. Most B.S. majors provide special topics courses. Students are limited to one to two special topics courses per department prefix and course number. Refer to the specific major for the acceptance of special topics courses.
ESM 321

Incident Command Systems

2 credits

This course is designed to immerse the student in the levels of FEMA’s incident command system and to successfully complete training that provides four levels of credentials for ICS. ICS focuses on the role of the critical incident manager to use a variety of resources, techniques, and skills to reduce the probability and impact of extreme incidents, and to restore operations quickly should an emergency occur. This course will support the lessons taught in ESM 320 by explaining the importance of using ICS while working in a disaster. It will also build on the lessons in ESM 320 by enhancing the student’s ability to understand common ICS terminology. Prerequisite: ESM 320.
ESM 406

Social Dimensions of a Disaster

3+1 credits

This course provides an overview of the legal, strategic, political, economic, ethical, and human issues encountered in the management of disasters or major traumatic public events. This perspective gives the emergency administrator a realistic view of the issues to expect in a disaster, in order to plan accordingly and manage resources and people more effectively. Corequisite: ESM1 406, 1 credit hour.
ESM 410

Contemporary Issues in Emergency Services Management

3+1 credits

This course examines major issues and current events that have or will have a significant impact on the field of Emergency Services Management. An in-depth analysis of contemporary issues such as catastrophic events, public health and disasters, or homeland security issues will be the focus of this course. Corequisite: ESM1 410, 1 credit hour.
ESM 412

Natural Disasters and Defense Planning

3+1 credits

This course covers the impact of natural and man-made disaster emergencies on defense planning and details the role of various public safety agencies in such events. It analyzes how different factors (i.e., building standards, geographical location, economy, communications) play a significant role in disaster preparedness. Corequisite: ESM1 412, 1 credit hour.
ESM 442

Terrorism and Extremism

3+1 credits

This course explores the motivation, tactics, and targeting trends of terrorist and extremist groups by evaluating potential threats and identifying appropriate countermeasures to protect the community. The course assesses the effectiveness of federal and state laws as they pertain to terrorist groups and crimes. Using case studies and discussions, the course will examine groups ranging from radical religious fundamentalists to environmental extremists, and other special interest groups. Corequisite: ESM1 442, 1 credit hour.
ESM 444

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Forms and History

3+1 credits

This course examines how nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons offer terrorists and rogue states a powerful selection of tools to gain an advantage against their adversaries. This course provides a detailed look at history, capabilities, and tactics while exploring options available to both attacker and defender. The course reviews the range and characteristics of weapons, effective employment, and potential impacts – all of which are critical considerations in defending communities. Corequisite: ESM1 444, 1 credit hour.
PSY 402

Organizational Psychology

3 credits

No description available

GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION

General education courses are the foundation of a bachelor's degree and aim to introduce students to the world of critical thinking, written expression, broad philosophical topics, scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and more.

General education at Union Institute & University is different with a purpose. Most colleges have an assortment of “Introduction to….” courses for their general education curriculum - not Union. Our general education courses are topic-based, and they have a direct link to our popular majors. These topics make for a seamless transition from the breadth of general education to the depth of your major.

Explore Our General Education Courses

Applying Your Degree to Real World Experience

Union’s Emergency Services Management program prepares graduates for careers in emergency services industries where a high level of understanding in organizational dynamics and interpersonal skills are required. Graduates of the program will be able to solve administrative problems, fine-tune strategic plans, enhance human resource potential, increase productivity and address internal organizational issues.

Firefighter
Paramedic
Police Officer
Emergency Management Director
Fish and Game Warden
Federal Agent including FBI, Secret Service, Homeland Security, Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, DEA, ICE, & Federal Air Marshal

Transfer Credits

At Union, we know your field work has taught you things that can’t be learned in a classroom. That’s why our credit transfer policy recognizes your previous training and experience. Transfer semester credits from your police, firefighter or paramedic training certificates. You can also transfer additional training beyond the academy using Union’s certified learning method (with a maximum of 60 credit hours for training). Our generous transfer credit for service is just one of the ways Union is built for you.

Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain

Evaluate principles of supervision and management for emergency service organizations.
Analyze current issues that affect first response organizations and their strategic operations.
Create an effective strategic plan in emergency and disaster situations.

Evaluate how the individual components of emergencies and disasters interplay along the entire crisis and disaster spectrum of the human experience (i.e. legal, economic, ethical and human issues).
Learn critical decision-making skills needed to respond appropriately to emergency and disaster situations, and community resources, in any crisis situation.

Meet Our Faculty

What Makes Our Program Unique?

"The program's instructors are all experienced practitioners in Emergency Services. They offer real-life management experience to our students, thus preparing them for advancement in their chosen careers."

Paul Brugman, M.S.
Emergency Services Management Chair

Hear What Our Students Are Saying

“Union’s degree program is flexible and online. The professors provide a class syllabus with assignments and due dates - that was invaluable. I always know week to week what is expected of me.”

Mindy S.

Engineer, Vacaville Fire Department

Funding Your Future

We strive to make college affordable. Explore your financial aid & scholarship options. See what makes Union the smart choice.

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