Program Overview

Disaster Resilience and Emergency Management

The Disaster Resilience and Emergency Management program at North Dakota State University is designed for individuals who thrive on solving problems and have a passion for helping communities prepare for and recover from crises. This rigorous and dynamic major prepares students for success as practitioners in emergency management and related fields or as scholars pursuing an advanced degree.

Program Overview

Combining robust coursework with hands-on learning opportunities, students will graduate ready to lead in diverse settings, from government and healthcare to nonprofits and humanitarian organizations.

Curriculum

The comprehensive curriculum covers all aspects of disaster resilience and emergency management, including:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving

Career Support

Students will receive guidance from the department on different career opportunities within the disaster resilience and emergency management field and help to develop skills and strategies related to job searches, resume building, networking, and interviewing.

Professional Development and Leadership

Students can broaden their horizons and expand their experience outside of the classroom through:

• Experiential learning activities
• Research participation
• Conferences
• Trainings
• Networking events
• Alumni socials A required six-credit internship will combine theoretical and applied aspects of emergency management to meet career goals.

Accelerated Master's Option

High-achieving undergraduates can complete both their bachelor's degree and either a Master of Science in community planning and resilience or a Master of Public Health in five years.

Post-Graduation Career Snapshot

Explore career possibilities within the first five years after graduation with a list of high-demand occupations, including:

• Emergency Management Specialist
• Emergency Management Coordinator
• Preparedness Specialist
• Safety Officer
• Emergency Planner The national median salary for these occupations is $87,800, reflecting national job listings for high-demand occupations in this field that require five years of experience or less.

Future Career Pathways

As students gain experience, they can advance into more specialized or leadership roles, such as:

• Emergency Management Director
• Crisis Manager
• Director of Campus Safety

Department and College

The Disaster Resilience and Emergency Management program is located in the College of Arts and Sciences at North Dakota State University.