As an emergency management student, you have the potential to help many people in your career. Before reaching this goal, however, you’ll likely need a bit of support yourself. College can be a confusing labyrinth of information. You know the support is out there somewhere in the maze, but you don’t know exactly where to look.
Effective, robust student support can make a significant difference in academic achievement, mental and financial health, and future success. That’s why we put this guide together: to provide you with the necessary student resources for achieving your goals and finding professional fulfillment. It describes the general types of services you can find, links you to numerous emergency management student and professional resources, and identifies valuable scholarships and other financial programs.
Campus and Online Support Resources for Emergency Management Students
There are quite a few emergency management support resources for vocational, academic, and financial assistance. These services are designed to support students across the entirety of their studies, and many of them provide additional assistance in professional development. This section looks at commonly available resources, including those provided by individual schools or programs, online resources specific to emergency management, and resources specific to online programs.
University Student Support Centers and Services
Most online and campus-based programs offer resources designed to support emergency management students and professionals. University-sponsored services are often the best place to begin your search because they anticipate the specific needs of their students and develop resources that meet those needs. These include academic advisory programs, online learning support, and financial aid assistance, together with many other services. Below, we’ve highlighted two universities who deliver exceptional support.
1
Arizona State University
Emergency management students at Arizona State University enjoy a range of assistance, including institutional resources and program-specific support. The school extends a healthy array of tutoring services for online and campus-based students. It also provides freshman coaching and sophomore coaching to help you make the most out of these years. Students can also use the school’s career services resources to pinpoint their employment interests.
Arizona State operates a wide-ranging program called the “Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security.” This program connects students with appropriate internship placements and emergency management scholarship opportunities. It also provides employment pathways to other professional organizations that maintain partnerships with the school.
2
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Students enrolled in LSU’s bachelor of general studies in disaster science and emergency management have access to continuous support services. The school extends Enrollment and Learner Concierge services to help students select courses that meet their needs and provide additional non-academic support. Technical support and university resources assist students in developing effective study strategies and maintaining their wellness.
LSU’s emergency management student services include a powerful career insight tool that helps students assess available career paths. These services also assist students with transferring credits and assessing students’ professional experience. Both efforts can expedite graduation times and reduce overall education costs.
Articles, Videos, and Podcasts for Emergency Management Students and Professionals
An Introduction to Emergency Management Developed by Hartford HealthCare, this short YouTube video provides a working overview of emergency management for new and returning students. It looks at popular occupations and common learning objectives.
Emergency Management as a Career This University of Washington article discusses what it takes to succeed as an emergency management professional. It lists prerequisites, core skills, and notable industries in need of qualified emergency management experts. This article also lists several free online professional magazines and publications.
FEMA Podcast Published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this podcast posts new content every few weeks. Episodes analyze contemporary emergency management challenges and looks at how new technologies help professionals address those challenges.
The EM Weekly Show Hosted by Todd De Voe, an emergency management professional, this weekly podcast discusses industry news and developments. Recent episodes include expert interviews, job growth analysis, and career advancement opportunities.
What Can You Do with an Emergency Management Degree? This detailed Steps guide provides an overview of emergency management, including its four stages. It describes prospective careers, their salaries, and the industry sectors where you can find these careers. The guide lists relevant emergency management degrees and explains the skill sets needed for this profession. It also links to a solid list of helpful emergency management resources.
Emergency Management Professional Associations and Student Organizations
Disaster Recovery Institution International This nonprofit helps connect emergency management professionals with organizations in need. It also hosts regular events, offers training courses and other resources, and administers professional certifications.
Emergency Management Student Association Based in Omaha, this University of Nebraska organization supports emergency management students. It offers study sessions and other opportunities for collaboration. Many schools have similar groups.
Epsilon Pi Phi This honor society recognizes achievement and excellence in emergency management and disaster research. It maintains campus chapters across the country and offers a variety of resources to its members.
International Association of Emergency Managers With more than 6,000 members worldwide, this organization supports local emergency management students and professionals. It offers an extensive job board and research resources. It also sponsors local and virtual events, offers certification opportunities, and aggregates recent news.
National Emergency Management Association A premier professional association in the U.S., this organization develops policies and supports its members through advocacy and research. It provides a resource portal and maintains an active discussion forum for students and professionals.
Emergency Management Social Media and Online Communities
Emergency Management Employment Opportunities This public Facebook group promotes new career opportunities in emergency management and disaster response fields. Professionals also use this space to collaborate and discuss new industry trends.
Emergency Management Institute A FEMA subsidiary, this Facebook page provides a community for emergency management professionals interested in public service. Users post recent news, answer questions, and discuss their experiences. It also publicizes training opportunities.
IAEM Discussion Board The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) discussion board allows members to discuss the IAEM organization and the emergency management industry. It uses two types of threads: those for discussion and those for collaboration.
Professionals in Emergency Management This LinkedIn group enables emergency management professionals to post or look for jobs in multiple emergency management disciplines. Members network together, ask each other questions, and even mentor each other.
r/EmergencyManagement With nearly 3,000 active users, this subreddit forum focuses discussions on emergency management. Recent threads looked at FEMA deployments, course of study recommendations, and strategies for first responders.
Support Resources for Students in Online Emergency Management Programs
Online learning continues to grow in popularity as more students opt for the convenience and flexibility it provides. The online environment requires a different set of skills than on-site learning environments. Solid resources that facilitate your studies are critical, and fortunately, there are plenty available. Keep reading to learn where you can find these tools and how they can help you.
Complete Guide to Online Emergency Management Degrees This comprehensive STEPS guide ranks and describes the top 11 emergency management schools, identifies available online programs from certificates to PhDs, and informs you of the top career options in this field. The guide also summarizes a list of essential student emergency management resources.
FEMA Distance Learning Courses FEMA offers a broad range of virtual learning opportunities that emergency management students can use to supplement their formal education. Topics include diversity awareness, hazardous materials, logistics and mitigation, and protective measures.
National Center for Disaster Preparedness Online Training Resources Sponsored by Columbia University’s Earth Institute, this national initiative extends a number of online training resources to students and professionals. Offerings include online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences.
Student Guide to Online Learning Success This STEPS guide details everything you need to know about how to succeed in online learning environments. It looks at differences between traditional and online delivery methods and discusses how to respond to common challenges associated with online learning.
College-Sponsored Scholarships in Emergency Management
The remaining sections of this guide look at financial aid opportunities available to students studying emergency management. The most lucrative opportunities are college-based scholarships. These awards often see a smaller applicant pool (which increases your chances of receiving funding) and may come closer to covering all the costs since they are administered by the school.
Though we give two examples below, most college and universities with emergency management programs have similar offerings. The best way to find out about these scholarships is to contact your school’s financial aid office. Program directors are also a good resource and sometimes know about additional opportunities not widely advertised.
1
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University offers a variety of financial awards to its students. These include first-year student scholarships, international student awards, transfer student scholarships, and cultural diversity tuition waivers. Additional need- and merit-based awards are available for new and returning students that complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The school’s financial aid office details additional opportunities like grants, student loans, and work-study placements.
Emergency management students are eligible for further scholarships awarded by the Emergency Management Department, one of which we detail below. These awards won’t cover all the costs, but when paired with other opportunities, they can go a long way toward reducing tuition expenses.
Emergency Management Scholarship
Amount
$250
Deadline
3/1/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
All North Dakota State emergency management students with at least 12 completed credits and a 3.0 cumulative GPA are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Prospective recipients must indicate their interest with department administration and complete the school’s general financial aid form.
2
The University of Chicago
Students at the University of Chicago are eligible for nearly $160 million in financial aid through numerous scholarships, and many graduates are debt-free as a result. The school guarantees free tuition to all students from families with incomes under $125,000 and covers all college-related expenses for those with incomes under $60,000.
Possible opportunities include merit-based scholarships for those who excel academically and additional programs for students from varying backgrounds. Emergency management students at the University of Chicago are eligible for additional scholarships like the one described here.
Emerging Leaders in Emergency Preparedness Scholarships
Amount
Varies
Deadline
1/18/21 (Round 1); 4/5/21 (Round 2); 6/1/21 (Round 3)
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in the school’s graduate program in threat and response management. They must demonstrate clear financial need and academic excellence.
How to Apply
Prospective recipients must indicate their interest with department administration and complete the school’s general financial aid form. Additional materials may also be required.
Private Scholarships in Emergency Management
Private scholarships are normally need- or merit-based awards granted by businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations with a vested interested in emergency management. These awards tend to be more competitive because they are open to a wider pool of students from across the country. You might find the following private scholarships helpful.
Amount
Varies
Deadline
2/14/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be one of the following: Virginia resident, Virginia Emergency Management
Association member, attend a Virginia college or university, or work in Virginia. They must be enrolled and must have declared a major or minor in emergency management, disaster/fire science, or homeland security. They must also have a 2.5 minimum GPA.
How to Apply
Online applications must include a cover letter essay describing why they are interested in emergency management as a career, a resume, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendations. Applicants may optionally provide an optional statement of financial need.
Amount
$3,000
Deadline
3/1/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time students studying emergency management or a related field at an accredited institution in North America. They must have at least one year of study remaining and possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online form and provide official academic transcripts. They must also submit an essay response to questions outlined by the selection committee.
Amount
Varies
Deadline
10/30/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Interested students must demonstrate clear potential for leadership in emergency management or a closely related field. They must also show a strong commitment to professionalism and academic achievement.
How to Apply
Applications must include evidence of financial need, biographical information, and three letters of recommendation. Those letters should from individuals who can assess the applicant’s ability to make an impact on the field.
Amount
Varies
Deadline
10/30/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be in an accredited program studying emergency management or disaster response. Preference is given to applicants with an interest in working as a first responder.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via PDF or hard copy, and should include biographical information and academic history. They must also include complete written responses to all essay prompts.
Amount
$500
Deadline
3/31/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be emergency management students or professionals. They must also be members in good standing with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO).
How to Apply
Contact the APCO advisory committee for more information on how to apply and what materials may be required.
Amount
Up to $9,500 per year for two years, and a 10-week paid internship at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Deadline
2/1/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited program in an approved discipline. They must also maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and demonstrate academic achievement.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application form and provide required documentation (recommendation letters, transcripts, a resume, etc.).
Amount
$2,000
Deadline
7/15/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students must be attending an accredited Indiana institution studying a homeland security-related discipline, including emergency management. They must demonstrate a history of volunteer experience and a 2.8 minimum GPA.
How to Apply
Applications must include a recommendation letter attesting to the applicant’s history of volunteer service, a resume, and a 500-word essay about the applicant’s professional aims.
Amount
$1,500
Deadline
7/15/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students working toward a degree in emergency management or disaster response may apply. They must be enrolled on a full-time basis at an accredited North American institution.
How to Apply
Applicants must supply academic, biographical information, and any additional materials requested by the selection committee. They must also submit written responses to two essay questions.
Amount
$400
Deadline
9/30/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be KEMA members pursuing a course of study in emergency management or disaster response. They must also have a 3.0 minimum GPA.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the provided application and supply a recent resume and academic transcripts. Additional materials include a 500-word cover letter and two letters of recommendation.
Amount
$5,000
Deadline
6/1/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time returning students studying fire science or a related discipline, like emergency management, at an accredited school in North America.
How to Apply
Required materials include official academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. Applicants must complete the supplied forms, and letters must be sent directly by the references.
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
May (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must maintain a 3.5 minimum GPA and must have completed at least half of their required coursework. They must also be citizens of the U.S. and a Phi Theta Kappa member.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the required application form. Additional documentation may also be required (resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
Amount
$Varies (Minimum goal of two $1,000 awards)
Deadline
9/21/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 semester hours in an accredited program related to fire service, emergency services, or emergency management. They must also have a 3.5 minimum GPA.
How to Apply
Application materials must include proof of U.S. citizenship and verification of academic enrollment. Applicants should also be prepared to provide additional material at the request of the committee.
Amount
$15,000
Deadline
1/15/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must be graduating seniors planning to attend a regionally accredited institution.They should also intend to study a public service-related field such as emergency management or disaster response.
How to Apply
Applicants must provide a written statement, official transcripts, a professional resume, and at least three one-page letters of recommendation. They should also plan to develop a research proposal related to public service.
Amount
Varies
Deadline
3/31/21(Annual)
Eligibility
Interested students must be Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APSCO) members in good standing. They must also have a demonstrated history of commitment to public safety, including emergency management endeavors.
How to Apply
Applicants should contact the APSCO for more information and be prepared to communicate how they plan to make an impact on the industry.
Amount
$750
Deadline
3/20/21 and 10/20/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Applicants must have a history of demonstrated service to their communities through nursing, emergency response, or emergency management. The committee welcomes traditional and non-traditional students alike.
How to Apply
Applications must include the required application form, a community referral form, a reference letter, and academic enrollment verification. A phone interview may also be required.
Insider Tips for Winning Emergency Management Scholarships
Locating viable scholarship opportunities is only one part of the process. Once you find solid opportunities that meet your qualifications, you need to assemble an attractive, influential application. You only get one chance to make a lasting impression so it’s important to make it count. Use the tips listed below to increase your chances of submitting a successful scholarship application.
Additional Financial Aid Options for Emergency Management Students
Landing a lucrative scholarship is not always guaranteed, and even if you do, it may not cover all the expenses. Fortunately, there are additional opportunities available. These include student loans, research fellowships, and work-study placements. Some emergency management organizations or government agencies may even offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for employment. If work-study opportunities exist, it might be worth considering how they could advance your professional aspirations in emergency management.
If you plan to work in public service as an emergency management professional, you may qualify for student loan forgiveness. Check out our extensive financial aid guide for more information on these and other available opportunities.
