Did you know that many cities in the state require that firefighters and those working in emergency management positions complete emergency management degrees in Oklahoma? Even if you don’t relish the thought of racing through burning buildings and spending long hours at the firehouse, you might still want to earn your degree. FEMA and other government agencies hire emergency responders to help during natural disasters and other situations. The men and women working in the field were the first on the scenes after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. Earning a degree in this subject will also prepare you for working with emergency response companies.
Oklahoma State University
Department of Political Science
Oklahoma State University – Stillwater is the head campus in the Oklahoma State University School System. Better known as simply OSU, it is the largest school in the state with a total population of more than 23,000 students. Named a Truman Honor Institution for the large number of Truman Scholars from the school, it also received honors from Forbes, Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report, which named it one of the nation’s top schools. Students and faculty working on campus are responsible for producing Fire Protection Publications, and the campus is also home to the International Fire Service Training Association.
MS in Fire and Emergency Management Administration
OKU was one of the first colleges in the country to start an emergency management program, and its program is still one of the nation’s largest. Though the program only dates back to the 1990s, it produced a large number of trained and qualified emergency responders over the years. Unlike other programs of this type, OKU offers all its emergency response courses online and on campus, giving students the option of taking classes in person or from home. After completing a few courses, graduate students must create a plan of study. Also known as a POS, it helps students stay focused and plan for the future. Its MS in Fire and Emergency Management Administration requires the successful completion of at least 36 credit hours, but students can take up to 42 credit hours of classes. Urban politics and management, introduction to fire and emergency management and populations at risk are all courses in the program.
PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration
After finishing your graduate degree, you might consider earning your PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration, which is only open to those with an undergraduate degree in the topic or a related field. OSU’s program requires the completion of a minimum of 57 credit hours at the upper level, which includes 15 credit hours that count towards your research requirement or doctoral dissertation. You’ll work closely with a professor in the program to pick your topic and create your final project. Students take six to nine credit hours of courses in professional development, nine credit hours of research and analysis, nine credit hours in FEMA foundation and nine to 12 credit hours of electives. Some of the electives open to PhD students include community relations in environmental emergency management, understanding and responding to terrorism, urban politics and management and directed readings in fire and emergency management.
Accreditation
•The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (CEC)
Contact
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74074
(405) 744-5000
gradi@okstate.edu
http://polsci.okstate.edu/
Oklahoma State University – OKC
Emergency Responder Administration
The Oklahoma State University School System consists of four campuses located across the state. Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City, also known as OSU-OC, opened as a branch of this school system that focused on technical programs. In the 1990s, it adopted its current name as a reflection of the new programs that it offered. The Center for Safety and Emergency Preparedness is a large division on campus that deals with emergency response and preparedness. Students have the opportunity to take part in experiences that show them how they would respond to different emergency situations, which can better prepare them for working with FEMA and other groups.
Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Responder Admin
Though OSU-OC doesn’t offer a graduate program in emergency management administration, it does offer a Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Responder Administration. The program focuses on teaching students various goals and skills, including:
•Understanding different emergency agencies and the goals and tasks of each
•Knowing how to take control in emergency situations and how to lead others
•Researching different data to help the community at large
•Knowing how to work with larger and smaller groups to meet the tasks at hand
Many of the courses that students take teach them more about various government organizations and agencies and what those agencies do in emergency situations. They also take courses on public health and public safety, which can help them research new methods of stopping the spread of diseases and helping those affected by different problems. Graduates of the program work for police departments, fire stations, FEMA and emergency response companies. Some local agencies look favorably at those who have an undergraduate degree in this field. While you may still need to go through training before working as a firefighter or go through the police academy before working as an officer, you’ll have the chance to gain a better understanding of what you can do to help the community at large during a fire, hostage situation or another dangerous situation.
Accreditation
•The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (CEC)
Contact
900 N. Portland Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 947-442
jba@osuokc.edu
http://www.osuokc.edu/era/
After an emergency occurs, people of all ages need help with their medical needs. Emergency responders also help close down homes, open roads and ensure everyone gets the help that they so desperately need. Police officers, firefighters and those working for emergency response teams are just a few of those who go through these programs every year. Emergency management degrees in Oklahoma help you learn what to do after a disaster and how to help those in need.
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