Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Get ready for high-demand, service-driven careers helping communities deal with terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies

Our fast-paced, hands-on degree in security and emergency management provides real-world skills and training that prepare you to hit the ground running in your chosen career.

We offer one of the only homeland security and emergency management degrees delivered in the context of a business school — offering a unique mix of emergency preparedness and business management training that will be a great asset in the field. Our program is consistently ranked in the top 5 of homeland security and emergency management degrees nationally.

The security and emergency management degree is offered both in-person and online. We also offer six concentration areas that allow you to customize a course of study specific to your interests and professional objectives.

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Sarah Saarloos, Public Information Officer on the Alaska Incident Management Team in Anchorage

“A degree in emergency management was the perfect fit for my career in incident management. The quality of the material is top-notch and the “real-life” relevancy of the lessons can be applied to all types of careers. I plan to continue with the online Master of Security and Disaster Management program. Obtaining this level of education complements my years in the wild-land firefighting field and has opened doors to exciting career opportunities.”

Who Is the Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Designed For?

This degree is designed for students who want to help communities address challenges related to terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies. Concentrations are available in:

  • Fire administration
  • Emergency management
  • Homeland security
  • Public safety administration
  • Cybersecurity and information technology management
  • Emergency medical and public health management

 

The online version of the security and emergency management program is ideal for students looking for greater flexibility to work remotely, or who live outside the region and want to access one of the top homeland security programs in the nation.

Why Earn Your Degree in Security and Emergency Management at UAF?

Our homeland security and emergency management program prepares you to make an impact on your community and shape the growing emergency services field.

Focus your online degree in fire administration, emergency management, homeland security, public safety administration, cybersecurity and information technology management, or emergency medical and public health management.

Gain foundational business management knowledge and training in one of the only homeland security and emergency management degrees delivered in the context of a business school. Our program allows you to combine training in homeland security and emergency preparedness with business courses in leadership and management. You can also apply your military, healthcare, first responder and ROTC experience toward your degree requirements.

Apply your military, healthcare, first responder and ROTC experience toward your homeland security and emergency management online degree requirements.

Get valuable hands-on training in the field

  • As a homeland security major, you’ll have numerous opportunities to hone your business skills and refine your emergency management knowledge outside the classroom. Hands-on activities include working with emergency managers, participating in field exercises and attending events and workshops.

Access resources to prepare you for your career

  • UAF is one of only a few universities with an on-campus fire station staffed by student employees. We offer military and veteran students close proximity to two military bases: Fort Wainwright Army Base and Eielson Air Force Base. Also, our Center for the Study of Security, Hazards, Response and Preparedness (C-SSHRP) provides education, research and training for the next generation of emergency managers, responders and policy makers.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in a way that works best for you

  • Our degree in homeland security and emergency management is designed to fit your busy schedule. With classes available online, in-person at our campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, or a combination of both, you have the flexibility to choose a method of study that works for you.

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Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management (B.S.E.M.)

Availability

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Online

Accredited by

  • Member of FEMA Higher Education Program and the University and Agency Partnership Initiative (UAPI) through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Complete your Security and Emergency Management degree online

Online Classes at UAF

At UAF, online courses typically do not have set meeting times but do have weekly deadlines. While there are some standard practices, each course is designed by the instructor to best teach the material. Most courses run the full length of the 16-week semester.