Department of Emergency, Disaster and Global Security Studies

Lives depend on you today; your future may depend on you having a degree.

The Department of Emergency, Disaster and Global Security Studies at Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s College of Arts & Sciences offers online degree programs in applied multidisciplinary security studies in an evolving all-hazards context and a local-to-global threat environment. This includes homeland and civil security, human and societal security, international relations, and public safety. Degrees include the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services, Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, Master of Science in Emergency Services, and Master of Science in Human Security and Resilience, as well as several minors.

The curriculum includes the principles, theories and practices associated with today’s evolving disaster management, emergency response, civil security and resilience challenges in accomplishing safe and secure communities and societies in local, state, national and global contexts. The academic experience and learning of methods for defensible analysis are consistently connected to the real world through scenario studies and other praxeology.

The A.S. in Emergency Management, rigorously based in the state of the art of pertinent academic and professional disciplines and skills, provides an all-hazards foundation of emergency management across the national preparedness cycle (from prevention to response and recovery) and including Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). Focused on leadership competencies, the program also provides foundations of emergency management administration and planning and related risk management and exercise processes; of the National Response Framework (NRF) and the Incident Command System (ICS); and of working with partners within the whole-community approach of ensuring resilience and preparedness for response. Based on their professional needs/aspirations, students will also choose one of several alternative “leadership focus area” courses from a multidisciplinary pool of courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services (BSES) offers students enhanced education and a professional development path to prepare for leadership positions in fire and emergency service organizations. The BSES program is one of only a handful of programs around the world to have regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), IFSAC accreditation and FESHE recognition, which all lead to demonstrating our program's excellence and student dedication. Students can select from a specialization in Aviation Emergency Management or Fire & Emergency Services and learn from faculty members who have both academic backgrounds and proven expertise as emergency responders. In addition, students receive National Fire Academy certificates for select courses just as if they completed the courses at the National Fire Academy. Moreover, students will now earn the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series (PDS) certificate as part of this program.

The Master of Science in Emergency Services provides a 100% online program that fits working professionals in fire, police, emergency management, homeland security and civil security careers, nationally and internationally. Courses are taught by faculty members who have terminal degrees (Ph.D. or Ed.D.), scholastic accomplishments creating new applied knowledge for the field and practical experience in the mission space (e.g., emergency manager, fire chief or fire officer). We are looking forward to equipping students with academic training and necessary working knowledge. An Industry Advisory Board ensures that program outcomes and objectives remain relevant for graduates within the field that also represents an important component of the homeland security enterprise. The program is currently expanding to include preparation for the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) exam.

The Embry-Riddle Worldwide curriculum comprises core scientific disciplines — physics, chemistry, psychology, sociology, engineering, systems analysis and research — delivered within a public safety framework. This framework is multidimensional and uses science to enhance risk assessment, understanding human behavior, investigative techniques, analytical decision-making, economic and political realities, strategic planning, and human resources management.

This degree is not just for fire service professionals. The other half of the FESHE designation recognizes the importance of Emergency Services, which includes a myriad of private and public safety professionals. Whether you work for the public or private sector in emergency medical, disaster planning, law enforcement, public health, environmental or emergency management, this program is for you.

Emergency Management or Fire Science CCAF graduates can attain a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services by taking no more than 60 semester hours of coursework beyond the CCAF Associates degree through the Air University – Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative AU-ABC Category 1 agreement with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The bachelor's degree in Homeland Security is based on the needs of the U.S. government and its citizens, as well as the needs of the private sector. This degree program combines the university's General Education requirements with a solid core of homeland security courses as well as minors in forensic accounting, international relations, terrorism studies, cybersecurity or several other minors available to the student. In addition, this degree allows the student to take maximum advantage of transfer credits and electives in order to explore breadth in related areas of study. Students will now earn the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series (PDS) certificate as part of this program. The program is also the first homeland security program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Education (CAEMHSE).

The master's degree in Human Security and Resilience provides students with the awareness and understanding of the impact of threats to society, such as extreme weather, environmental degradation, financial recession, terrorism and health epidemics. The 30-credit online program is an exploration of the interplay between economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security. At Embry-Riddle, you’ll have the opportunity to learn these concepts from military officers, scholars, historians and professionals with experience in defense, environmental security, population health, international business, political science, humanitarian law and other relevant disciplines.

Enroll today and get a head start on becoming the leader of tomorrow.

The department also offers several undergraduate minors:

The Minor in Emergency Services focuses on essential areas of emergency services and emergency management, including processes, management and service delivery. Students who select this minor can choose from a variety of courses, allowing for a tailored learning experience to their educational interests and career goals.

The Minor in Homeland Security equips students with specialized knowledge and skills essential for protecting the nation's transportation infrastructure. It focuses on planning for, responding to and managing emergencies related to acts of terrorism, as well as natural and man-made disasters.

The Minor in International Relations provides students with an understanding of global dynamics and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international affairs. The courses instill a global perspective, allowing students to comprehend geopolitical, economic and cultural factors shaping international relations. Through critical analysis of international events, understanding of major international institutions and exploring the intersection of science, technology and global governance, students gain a comprehensive view of global affairs.

The Minor in Security and Intelligence provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the intelligence cycle, including practical applications valuable across various professions. Students will learn to analyze, interpret and evaluate intelligence information, equipping them with skills critical for decision-making in security roles. This minor is also beneficial for those in non-security professions who may assume security responsibilities or oversee security operations as part of their duties.

Research Guides

Country Analysis   |   Cybersecurity   |   Emergency Management   |   Fire Science   |   Global Conflict Studies   | Homeland Security   |   Human Security and Resilience

Certificate Programs

Emergency Management Leadership

Undergraduate Minors