One of the ways that many graduate programs in emergency management are preparing graduates to take on real-world disasters is via a comprehensive examination for graduating with an emergency management degree. These unique examinations are similar to those required of attorneys, doctors, and even teachers, in that they certify graduates have learned a great deal about the fundamentals of emergencies, the best ways to manage them, and the routines required to keep the largest number of people safe in the event of a serious crisis. There are several things to understand about these comprehensive examinations, however, before beginning a program in emergency management at any level.
Most Undergraduate Programs Do Not Require an Examination
Most undergraduate degree programs in emergency management do not require prospective graduates to take or pass a comprehensive examination in emergency management. Typically, any university that does require such an examination will do so only at the graduate level, since those graduates are believed be highly specialized experts in the industry. Undergraduate students considering graduate school should, however, keep in mind the idea that they will need to pass one of these examinations to receive a higher degree.
Comprehensive Exams are Not Required to Enter the Profession
Though comprehensive examinations for emergency managers are gaining popularity as a pre-graduation requirement, they are not mandated by any state or federal body. These exams are developed and deployed solely at the discretion of the universities where a degree in emergency management is offered to students, typically at the graduate level. Students who do not wish to complete such an examination can therefore search for schools in-state or online that have not yet adopted such a benchmark.
Examinations Vary Between Educational Institutions
Because the comprehensive exam for emergency managers is not mandated or regulated by a government body, schools are free to deploy an exam that is entirely unique to their program and their style of teaching students advanced concepts in the field. This means that some schools consider a final research project or thesis to be akin to a comprehensive examination, while others will require a final interview that asks course-related, scholarly questions. Still others require a traditional, written examination, which is typically taken on a weekend at least two semesters prior to graduation. This gives students an opportunity to retake the exam if they fail to meet the required passing criteria.
The Leading Examination is Known as the SSEM Exam
The SSEM examination is a comprehensive emergency management exam given to graduate students by Eastern Kentucky University. Though this exam was developed by and for EKU specifically, it has been adopted by other institutions throughout Kentucky and in other parts of the country. Even the U.S. military has developed a study guide for this exam, since it’s one of the more popular options nationwide.
Comprehensive Exams Are a Fast-Changing Area of Emergency Management
Few degrees require comprehensive examinations prior to graduation, but emergency management is quickly becoming one of them. Though the requirement is not universal nor required by a government body, students should prepare themselves for a cumulative assessment of their industry knowledge prior to graduation at most schools. Before enrolling, be sure to understand if an examination is required, how the examination is delivered, and what the school considers to be a passing grade, performance, or presentation, in order to eliminate any last-minute complications with graduation.
For more information on earning your Emergency Management degree, please see Top 10 Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs.