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B.S. Emergency and Disaster Management

Western Carolina University's Emergency and Disaster Management Program is ranked #1 by CollegeChoice.

The Emergency and Disaster Management Program is specifically designed to prepare students to assume leadership and professional career positions in government, non-profit agencies, and the private sector after graduation.

The mission of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program is to enhance the safety and security of the community, the region, and the nation by providing a functional and relevant education and other assistance to those who are, or seek to be, responsible for preventing, mitigating, responding to, or recovering from, a natural, man-made, or technological disaster.

There are two different ways one can earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University.  One method is through our 100% online program which is referred to as the EDM Distance Education Program.  Typically, career professionals benefit from flexibility afforded to them via the online course delivery format as many work full-time and are working on completing their education part-time.  The other method to obtain the B.S. degree in EDM is through our face to face residential Emergency and Disaster Program which is facilitated right on campus in the heart of the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.

Our dedicated faculty teach an interdisciplinary curriculum that applies the evolving knowledge and standards of public safety and security management and stays current with developments in the field. The program offers a B.S. in Emergency and Disaster Management as well as a minor course of study.

Our graduates find employment with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, various state, county, and local governments as well as not-for-profit and commercial hazard mitigation organizations. We also have a number of former students pursuing advanced education in the areas of homeland security and emergency management.

For advising information for residential students, please review this document or contact your advisor.

For advising information for online students, contact Professor Aaron Vassey.

Emergency and Disaster Management, B.S.

The Emergency and Disaster Management, B.S. degree requires 42 Liberal Studies hours, 48 major hours, and 30 general elective hours. The curriculum offers an internship (CJ/EDM 483), a unique way to gain work experience while earning a maximum of 12 hours of academic credit.

Requirements & Curriculum for B.S. in Emergency & Disaster Management

Minor in Emergency and Disaster Management

The minor in Emergency and Disaster Management is an excellent complement for students majoring in criminal justice or emergency medical care. It also is relevant for anyone interested in learning how to prepare to respond to emergencies, natural disasters, or terrorist activities that might impact our communities.

Requirements for Minor in Emergency & Disaster Management

Emergency and Disaster Management Career Opportunities

Our graduates find employment with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, various state, county, and local governments as well as not-for-profit and commercial hazard mitigation organizations. We also have a number of former students pursuing advanced education in the areas of homeland security and emergency management.

Read more about employment for emergency and disaster management majors

EDM Graduate Takes on Leadership Roles for Duke University Hospital

jason zivica

Jason Zivica

Jason Zivica is the Assistant Vice President of Emergency Services for Duke University Hospital. In his current role, Jason oversees the Duke Health Office of Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity, the Duke University Hospital Violence Intervention Program, Patient Transport, Charge Capture, and Visitor Screening. At Duke University Hospital, Jason has served as an instrumental leader throughout varying types of emergencies and disasters. His reputation and expertise has solidified him as a subject matter expert throughout the State of North Carolina and he has been called upon to provide guidance on statewide responses that impact healthcare networks. Within Duke Health, Jason has served as the Incident Commander for many incidents including notable responses from the organization to Hurricane Irene, the Durham City Natural Gas Explosion, and the health system response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jason continues to be a resource for growing leaders by mentoring them in disaster response and crisis management.  

Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Pfeiffer University. He serves as the Co-Chair of the North Carolina Healthcare Association Emergency Management Council and as Chair of the Durham County Local Emergency Planners Committee. 

Jason is thankful that he gets to apply his education and early career learnings as a firefighter/paramedic within the academic medicine environment and hopes that he can continue to promote an atmosphere of safety and preparedness within Duke Health.

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