Quality & Affordability
Consistently Ranked Among the Top Programs in the Nation
The Emergency Management Degree Program Guide, Best Value Colleges, Bestcolleges.com,
and numerous others have ranked the Crisis & Disaster Management program among the
best in the nation. The outstanding faculty and rigorous but employment-focused curriculum,
combined with UCM's affordability, make the CDM program an exceptional value.
Learn from the Best
World Class Faculty
The Crisis & Disaster Management courses are taught by two full time and 16 part-time
faculty members. The full-time faculty provide on-campus support for students and
teach core and select focus areas face to face. Our full time faculty are experts
in the field - watch the video with Dr. Dianna Bryant!
The part-time faculty, often referred to as adjunct faculty, are immersed in the real
world issues facing emergency management professionals and represent a wide range
of academic disciplines and professional affiliations.
Chimney Tops 2 Wildfire 2016
Professional Development
Meet Industry Leaders
Whether at the Rural Emergency Management Summit at the Warrensburg campus, the Clean
Waterways Conference in Cincinnati, or the FEMA Higher Education Conference near Washington,
DC, you will get the opportunity to meet professionals working in the field.
The Institute for Rural Emergency Management provides training, service learning,
and networking opportunities, as well.
Learn More About IREM
Hands-on Learning
Gain Real World Experience
With three Independent Study courses geared towards practical training, you will graduate
with not only a degree but the skills you need to be successful in the workplace.
Technology Application Study, Field Exercise Project, and the Practicum all provide
you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned in the classroom as you collaborate
with an agency, organization, business, or government entity.
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About the Program
Earn your Bachelor of Science Degree or a stand alone certificate
This program will give you the tools you need to succeed. The emergency management
and business continuity fields require practical knowledge and experience with planning,
incident command, and response strategies. Whether you are an incoming freshman or
a professional already working in the field, you will learn the industry standards,
earn training certificates, and have the opportunity to put that knowledge and training
into action.
The core courses for the bachelor’s degree introduce students to the four phases of
emergency management, technologies that are used in the field, and the complexities
of organizations then move on to ensure students can demonstrate and apply these concepts.
Courses offered within the Crisis and Disaster Management B.S. program are designed
for:
- Public safety personnel - emergency management, fire, police, EMS, and dispatchers
- Institutional emergency planners - schools, hospitals, and facilities
- Community service providers - Red Cross, relief organizations, and disaster recovery
- Industrial emergency responders - fire, rescue, and hazardous materials
- Business continuity planners - banking, corporations, insurance, and manufacturing
Choose a focus area:
Crisis & Disaster Management offers four Certificates that can be earned independently
or as part of the Bachelor of Science degree:
Be sure to declare your certificate so it appears on your transcript and diploma! (ask your Success Advisor for assistance)
Get Started Today!
- Your Success Advisor is your best resource for planning your academic future. All
Advisors can be reached at 660-543-4721.
- Look over the Crisis & Disaster Management 2019 Student Handbook for more information.
If you need a copy of the handbook, contact your Success Advisor or Lynn Urban (urban@ucmo.edu)
Course Rotations and Calendars
Information on Completing the Practicum:
- 150 hours of service learning (not necessarily an internship)
- Required
- Contact the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies Internship Coordinator,
Derrick Gill (dgill@ucmo.edu 660-543-8432) for an application and more information.
Faculty
The Crisis and Disaster Management courses are taught by 16 part-time and two full-time faculty members. The full-time faculty maintains the university support services, including recruitment,
academic advisement, and collaboration with other departments on campus. The part-time
faculty, often referred to as adjunct faculty, are immersed in the real world issues
facing emergency management professionals and represent a wide range of academic disciplines
and professional affiliations.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already work in the Emergency Management field. Why would I need a degree?
The field of emergency management has advanced in recent decades, resulting in an
increase in demand for qualified professionals. Citizens benefit from degreed crisis
managers in the event of natural or man-made disasters. Homeland Security agencies
are seeking qualified professionals with experience and education.
What is the Warrensburg Fire Department Student Resident Program?
UCM has partnered with the Warrensburg Fire Department to provide an opportunity for
college students to gain work experience while going to school. Perks of the program
include: dorm style room (rent free), access to kitchen, laundry, computer, and fully
equipped fitness room.
Students will complete 48 hours of ride time per month under the direction of the
Captain and be included in all the activities of the crew they are assisting. Compensation
is possible for certain calls depending upon student qualifications and needs at the
scene.
Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and maintain a
2.0 GPA.
For more information see the Warrensburg Fire Department website: https://warrensburg-mo.com/207/Fire-Department-Student-Resident-Program
What if I already have a degree?
You will not need to complete any additional general education courses. You only need
to complete the 36 hours in the major courses.
Would a certificate in one of your four disciplines help me to advance at my current
employer?
Each certificate will provide the student with knowledge of specific roles and responsibilities
and the processes and skills needed to apply the knowledge. This should enable the
student to assume new responsibilities and help to achieve organizational goals.
Is it possible to get college credit for military training, professional training,
or licenses?
Yes, military transcripts, professional training and licenses should be submitted
for evaluation and credit will be applied.
I am transferring from another institution; how do I know if my credits will transfer?
It is highly advisable for new transfer students to contact the Transfer & Transition
Office at 660-543- 4721. Students may have a consultation appointment before applying
to UCM.
Are there scholarships available specifically for CDM majors? Do any Emergency Management
Agencies or organizations offer scholarships?
The International Association of Emergency Managers offers a scholarship each year.
Awards & Recognitions
Ranked #4 by The Best Schools 2019
Ranked #32 online program for 2019
Ranked #5 by ValueColleges 2017
CDM Advisory Board
Professionals Supporting Our Program
The CDM program benefits from the involvement of an outstanding group of professionals from
a broad base of public and private sector organizations that possess diverse academic backgrounds
and experience. This board provides review, support, and advice to develop and maintain
the CDM program at UCM as a high quality academic preparation for professionals with
emergency management responsibilities. Members of the Advisory Board were nominated
by faculty, alumni, and emergency management professionals. The board developed and
approved by-laws that guide their operations, and meets two times a year.
Newsletters & Alumni News
Still have more questions?
Great! We’d love to help you. Please contact Dr. Lynn Urban at urban@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4950.
