Program Overview

Emergency Services Administration Major

The major in Emergency Services Administration (ESA) provides a foundation in fire and emergency services, with related courses in management and administration. The major prepares students for careers in leadership in fire services, emergency management, and administration aspects of emergency medical services. Students select one of three specialization options, supported by a common core that integrates fundamental principles of emergency services. A capstone course brings students from all three specializations together for an integrative research project.

Major Requirements

You are responsible for the major requirements that were in effect when you declared the major. To confirm the requirements you should be following, go to the Undergraduate Bulletin for that academic year.

A Note on General Education Requirements

No ESA major courses can be used to fulfill your General Education Requirements. Refer to the General Education Requirements for more information on meeting these requirements.

Major Advising

Professor Paul Kearns is the ESA major coordinator. Please contact him if you need ESA major advising or have questions about the major.

Registration and Major Holds

Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Professor Paul Kearns. This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major.

Plan Ahead: Graduate on Time

Avoid Course Planning Mistakes

You will choose one of the following specializations:

• Fire Services
• Emergency Medical Services
• Emergency Management Note: You will take five courses toward your specialization. See the Undergraduate Bulletin for complete lists of specialization courses.

Monitor Your Progress in the Major

• DegreeWorks degree audit: Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed.
• ESA Degree Completion Checklist: Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
• Sample Four Year Plan: See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years.

ESA and Careers

Career Guidance

Talk with your major advisor about how the ESA major can help prepare you for a career in firefighting, emergency medical technology, emergency/service management, corporate emergency planning, and other fields.

Graduate School Guidance

To continue your academic preparation for emergency-related careers, consider John Jay’s Advanced Certificate in Emergency Management Studies. This program offers advanced instruction related to theory, legal structure, federal doctrine, and the practice of emergency management.

In addition, take a look at our Master of Science programs:

• Online Master of Science in Emergency Management
• Online Master of Science in Security Management
• Master of Science in Protection Management
• Dual degree program in Public Policy and Protection Management: Earn both a Master of Public Administration degree and a Master of Science degree.