Although there are a few differences between a homeland security degree and an emergency management degree, they are also very similar because the scope of each field intertwines with the other. Some actually call this slight difference a case of “sibling rivalry”. The need for more homeland security and emergency management has made the degree programs for both more popular for students who aspire to work in settings where security and emergency measures are needed. Some schools offer degree programs in homeland security/emergency management, which cover both areas and offer students wider career choices.
Related resource: Top 10 Online Emergency Management Degree Programs
What is Homeland Security?
Homeland security is a term used to describe a national effort to ensure our homeland is secure, safe and resilient against terrorism and other hazardous threats. Homeland security covers a variety of national and domestic threats. The main purpose of homeland security is to reduce the nation’s vulnerability to terrorism while also minimizing the damage when an attack does occur. When we think of homeland security, what typically comes to mind are terrorists, yet terrorism is just one of many threats to endanger our society. Homeland security covers both man-made catastrophes and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and similar catastrophes. Homeland security became even more important after the 9/11 attacks.
What is Emergency Management?
Emergency management is the process of handling and preventing risks, especially those that are catastrophic to regions, communities or the entire country. An emergency is described as an unplanned event that causes significant injuries or death to the public, and emergency management is how we handle the event. Emergency management covers three areas: preparing for the risk, responding to the event and recovering from the emergency circumstances. Some examples of where emergency management is needed and used include:
• Hurricanes
• Flash floods
• Wildfires
• Hazardous material incidents
• Earthquakes
• Tornadoes
• Civil disturbances like war or terrorism
• Explosions
• Radiological accidents
• Winter storms
We typically think of emergency management in regards to natural disasters, yet it’s also used in man-made events that also require homeland security. The Homeland Security Affairs Journal explains further how Emergency management and homeland are often both used together. There is often the need for homeland security when dealing with the aftermath of an emergency, and there is often the need for emergency management in a situation that calls for homeland security.
Types of Degree Programs
Homeland security degree programs are very similar in content and curriculum to emergency management degree programs. One major difference between emergency management and homeland security is that emergency management is generally more localized. When an emergency such as a hurricane occurs, it is in a general area. Incidents that require homeland security may also be localized but are generally events that can affect the entire nation.
Homeland security and emergency management degree programs are both offered at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree levels. Students learn the following things in these programs.
• How to secure airports and borders
• How to identify weapons of mass destruction
• How to assess the risks to a neighborhood or building
• How to analyze intelligence
• How to put together an emergency plan
• To study the psychology of suicide bombers
• Laws surrounding homeland security
• Write up cases studies of real-life disasters
Students in either of these degree programs should have a general idea of their career aspirations because many of the programs offer concentrations. For instance, a student may earn a degree in emergency management with a concentration in homeland security. Criminal justice often also offer concentrations in homeland security, intelligence or emergency management. The main difference in the degree programs is the area of concentration or focus.
Individuals in pursuit of an exciting job where they can help others and really make a difference may find a homeland security or emergency management degree the perfect fit.