Western Illinois University Emergency Management Degrees Available
Western Illinois University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Schools for an Emergency Management Degrees.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in emergency management are expected to grow by eight percent over the next ten years. The average annual salary of emergency management directors is $74,420 per year. Although there are many different careers in emergency management, leadership positions often require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Western Illinois University offers an emergency management program that can help individuals move into a career in emergency management.
Western Illinois University offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management that is considered a premier degree program in the state. Students gain an understanding of the dynamic relationships between natural and technological hazards and disasters as well as methods to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from them. They are provided an understanding of the theories, principles, and approaches to emergency management. There is discussion regarding the philosophy of comprehensive emergency management that includes roles, duties and the importance of the emergency manager. Courses required for the program include:
- Business and Industry Emergency Management
- Comparative Emergency Management Systems
- Dimensions of Disaster
- Disaster and Fire Defense Planning
- Disaster Management and Media
- Emergency Medical Technician’s Training IA & IB
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery
- Hazards and Disasters in Emergency Management
- Individual and Community Disaster Education
- Legal Aspects of Emergency Management
- Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials
- Principles of Emergency Management
- Weapons of Mass Destruction in Public Health
An internship is also required.
Western Illinois University offers a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Services. Students can concentrate their studies in Fire Administration or Fire Science. The Fire Administration option is designed for current firefighters who wish to move into leadership positions. The concentration focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead a modern fire department. Courses that may be required include:
- Code Enforcement
- Collective Bargaining
- Disaster Planning
- Ethics and Fire Service Law
- Financial Practices
- Fire Prevention
- Fire Service
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Tactics
- Firefighter Safety
- Human Behavior
- Leadership
- Research Techniques
- Suppression Systems
The Fire Science concentration is designed for those who are preparing for a career in the fire service. The program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a fire service career. Courses required may include:
- Arson Investigation
- Code Enforcement
- Emergency Medical Services
- Ethics and Fire Service Law
- Fire Dynamics
- Fire Prevention
- Fire Service
- Fire Tactics
- Firefighter Safety
The degree is recognized as FESHE compliant by the Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education consortium at the National Fire Academy. The curriculum was written by firefighters and there is significant out-of-classroom learning through an internship program and field-based learning opportunities.
About Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University was established in 1899 as Western Illinois State Normal School with the goal to instruct teachers. Land for the school was donated by Macomb’s Freemason Lodge #17. At the time, Macomb was in competition with Quincy to be designated as the location for the new school and the Freemason’s donation was a deciding factor for the legislature. The school officially opened in 1902 and evolved into a four-year teacher’s college by 1921. In 1947, it became Western Illinois State College and gained university status in 1957.
Today, enrollment at Western Illinois University is around 13,000. There are around 50 bachelor’s and 30 master’s degree programs available along with several preprofessional programs. The Department of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration is the largest law-enforcement program in the state.
Washington Monthly has ranked the school as a best value and G.I. Jobs Magazine lists Western Illinois University as a Military Friendly School.
Western Illinois University Accreditation Details
Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This indicates that the school undergoes voluntary peer reviews to confirm that programs offered continue to be of the highest quality. During the review process, if any areas are identified as needing improvement, the school agrees to address those areas immediately. Programs throughout the college are also accredited by:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council on Social Work Education
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- National Recreation and Park Association
Western Illinois University Application Requirements
Applicants to undergraduate programs at Western Illinois University must have a high school GPA of 3.15, an ACT score of 21 or higher or an SAT score of 1060 or higher. Official transcripts and test scores must be provided.
Graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or institution and must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. They must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in undergraduate work or 3.0 in the last two years of study. Letters of recommendation, personal goal statements and writing samples may also be required.
Western Illinois University Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition for undergraduate programs at Western Illinois University for on-campus and online students is $296.10 per credit hour for United States residents and $444.15 for international students. Military personnel pay $250 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $339.82 per credit hour for United States residents and $509.73 for international students. Military members pay $250 per credit hour.
Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Financial aid packets may include grants, scholarships or student employment. New freshmen may be offered AIM HIGH grants which is based on family income and could total between $5,000 and $7,000 per year. Military and employer benefits are also accepted.
Western Illinois University provides student-centered undergraduate and graduate options. The school focuses on innovative teaching, research, and service which is grounded in interdisciplinary, regional and global perspectives. Western Illinois University engages students in educational opportunities in collaboration with community partners.