Department website: https://www.atu.edu/emhs

The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is more than just a degree—it’s a chance to make an impact when it matters most. In a world where crises are inevitable, this program equips you with the skills to lead and adapt in any situation, from natural disasters to cybersecurity threats, business continuity, and beyond.

Who Should Enroll? 

This program is for anyone passionate about making a difference. Whether your future career is in healthcare, business, technology, or any other field, emergency management is a critical skill set. Crises impact every industry, and the expertise you gain through this degree will empower you to lead and respond effectively—no matter your chosen profession.

Why Choose This Program?

• Be the Change: Make a lasting impact on communities and industries by learning how to manage crises, lead recovery efforts, and build resilience—skills that are vital in today’s increasingly unpredictable world.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Study the four pillars of emergency management—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—using a comprehensive approach that equips you to handle any crisis, no matter the scale or cause.
• Hands-On Learning: With practical application experiences built into the course curriculum, you’ll transition seamlessly from theory to practice, applying your skills to real-world challenges and learning to lead confidently in times of crisis.
• Endless Career Possibilities: This degree opens doors in a variety of industries. Whether you're future is in government, healthcare, business, cybersecurity, or non-profits, the skills you’ll gain here are essential for leadership roles in any field, preparing you for a versatile and impactful career.

What Can You Do With This Degree? 

A degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security opens the door to a wide array of impactful careers, including:

• Business Continuity & Risk Manager
• Emergency Manager (Public, Private, or Humanitarian)
• Policy Advisor or Legislative Specialist
• Public Health Emergency Planner
• Homeland Security & Intelligence Specialist
• Crisis Communication & Public Information Officer
• First Responder
• Safety & Environmental Health Officer
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Compliance & Quality Assurance Expert

Accelerated Master’s Degree Option

This program partners the Emergency Management Homeland Security undergraduate degree with the Master of Arts (MA) Organizational Leadership and Learning degree. A maximum of twelve (12) graduate level credit hours can be counted towards both the Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management Homeland Security and the MA Organizational Leadership and Learning degree. See the curriculum tab for more information. 

Make a Difference—Declare Today

Emergency management is not just about responding to disasters; it’s about creating a future where communities and organizations can thrive in the face of adversity. With a degree from Arkansas Tech University, you’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and experience to lead with purpose and create lasting change—where thrill meets purpose.

The program is approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Education (CAEMHSE). 

As the world's first accredited emergency management degree, we continue to push the educational landscape forward. The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Administration and Management (EAM) was established in 1997 when FEMA Director James Lee Witt authorized funding (from aboard Air Force One) to establish emergency management programs at institutions of higher education, with Arkansas Tech University being the first institution to establish an academic department. 

In 2006, both degree programs (undergraduate and graduate) became the first degree programs to receive accreditation on a national as well as international level from the Foundation for Higher Education Accreditation in Emergency Management (now known as the Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Education). In the 2019 re-accreditation of the programs, which resulted in a ten- year reaccreditation, the assessors stated: “ATU’s teaching of emergency management has a history of over 20 years and has continually been a leader in the emergency management education field.” 

¹

See appropriate alternatives or substitutions "General Education Requirements."

²

15 hours in Emergency Management course(s).

³

Three (3) hour Technology Course requirement from the following:  BUAD 2003 Business Information Systems; any course with the course subjects COMS, CSEC, BST, or CIS; or GEOG 2833 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems/FW 2833 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

⁴

Must earn a grade of "C" or better.

⁵

This program partners the Emergency Management Homeland Security undergraduate degree with the Master of Science (MS) Emergency Management Homeland Security degree. A maximum of twelve (12) graduate level credit hours can be counted towards both the Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management Homeland Security and the MS Emergency Management Homeland Security. Four graduate level courses can be used to replace four upper-division undergraduate courses as follows:

• EMHS 5003 Principles of Mitigation and Recovery instead of EAM 4003 Principles of Mitigation and Recovery
• 9 credit hours in EMHS at the 5000-level can count towards elective hours

⁶

This program partners the Emergency Management Homeland Security undergraduate degree with the Master of Arts (MA) Organizational Leadership and Learning degree. A maximum of twelve (12) graduate level credit hours can be counted towards both the Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management Homeland Security and the MA Organizational Leadership and Learning degree.  Four graduate level courses can be used to replace four upper-division undergraduate courses as follows:

• 6 Credits from OL 5043 Ethical Decision-Making and Development, OL 5643 Organizational Globalization and Diversity, OL 6043 Leadership in Organizational Change, OL 6143 Consultation, Coaching, and Leadership Development, EMHS 6103 Research Design and Methods
• 6 Credits from OL 5143 Nonprofit Organizations and OL 5343 Community Development

Students who complete the program:

• will be able to effectively apply emergency management principles, critical thinking skills, and ethical considerations while continually expanding their knowledge in alignment with the established body of knowledge
• will possess a comprehensive skill set encompassing scientific literacy, geographic literacy, sociocultural literacy, technological literacy, and systems literacy, enabling them to effectively and adaptively address complex emergency situations.
• will have developed strong relationship-building skills and competencies in disaster risk management, community engagement, governance and civics, and leadership, enabling them to foster effective partnerships, lead diverse teams, and enhance community resilience in emergency situations.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php