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

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

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-cjm (1)

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.

leadership concentration (1)

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

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.  

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.

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

Funding Your Future

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