Emergency Management and Homeland Security The University of Akron

Overview

The Emergency Management and Homeland Security programme at The University of Akron provides students with the essential skills to manage, prepare for, and respond to large-scale disasters. This comprehensive curriculum addresses a wide range of modern threats, including natural catastrophes, hazardous material leaks, and cyber warfare.

Students engage with a diverse array of subjects such as threat assessment, disaster vulnerability, and hazard science. The course is designed to be highly flexible, allowing learners to customise their studies towards specific interests like firefighting or cybersecurity. This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for both new freshmen and those transferring with associate degrees.

Why Emergency Management and Homeland Security at The University of Akron?

The University of Akron holds a distinguished position as the first accredited programme of its kind globally and remains the only accredited public university option in Ohio. Developed in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the curriculum reflects over two decades of partnership in setting national educational standards.

The institution is consistently recognised for its excellence, currently ranked sixth in the United States for online emergency management degrees. Faculty members are nationally renowned experts in fields such as digital forensics, weapons of mass destruction, and international disaster management. Students benefit from this deep institutional expertise and a long history of research leadership.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the learning journey, with opportunities for service-learning projects and internships. Students have previously gained real-world insights by working with emergency agencies, hospitals, and non-profit organisations during global crises. These experiences ensure graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of modern disaster science.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 464 per credit
• National fee: USD 464 per credit
• Local fee: USD 464 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Leadership and Project Management
• Threat Assessment
• Disaster Vulnerability, Research and Planning, Phases and Behaviour
• Response and Recovery
• Terrorism
• Hazard Science and Management
• Cyber Disaster Management

Careers with Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Graduates are in high demand across various sectors, including government agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and local police or fire departments. Opportunities also exist within healthcare organisations, private corporations, and international non-profits like the American Red Cross. The programme prepares individuals for roles that require high-level strategic planning and crisis coordination.

Common career paths for alumni include serving as emergency management directors, risk management specialists, or safety specialists. Others find success as public health planners, business continuity specialists, and protective service coordinators. The growing need for preparedness ensures a robust job market for those skilled in protecting communities and infrastructure.