An impending snowstorm may not strike fear in people like a hurricane or earthquake but graduates of Immaculata’s emergency planning and management (EPM) program have been trained to know that you still need to be prepared. Just like the terrorist events of September 11, you typically cannot “plan” for a catastrophic event – but you can be as prepared as possible.

With a Bachelor of Science in emergency planning and management (EPM) you will be prepared and will help others be prepared by planning and directing disaster response or crisis management activities, providing disaster preparedness training, and creating emergency plans and procedures for natural and man-made disasters. Professionals must understand the role of governments at every level, plan effectively, assess vulnerability, and manage the distribution of resources during a crisis.

As the only major in EPM in this region, Immaculata’s emergency planning and management bachelor’s degree-completion program is recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Opportunities

Designed primarily for working adults, the accelerated delivery format allows you to design customized schedules that involve both classroom and online courses. Courses are taught in a blended format and are completed in seven- or eight-week terms. You can take classes at several convenient locations: Northeast Philadelphia, Immaculata’s main campus in Malvern, or at the Dixon Center in Harrisburg.

An advisory board guides the program, and board members have extensive emergency management expertise. If you’re interested, you can become a member of the Immaculata University chapter of the Order of the Sword and Shield National Honor Society, Omicron Sigma Sigma.

The frequency of natural and man-made disasters has created a demand for professionals who can respond to the physical, psychological and economic needs of the people, organizations and communities affected. Even as hiring in the occupation is expected to grow 5-8% by 2020, most organizations now expect EPM professionals to have a college degree and specialized training.

Credit for Prior Learning

You may obtain college credit for learning through life experience. Military training and education, technical and professional programs, and testing through exams such as CLEP or DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) are acceptable ways of earning college credits for prior learning. Each student’s experiences are handled on a case-by-case basis.