Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Help communities become more resilient to disasters.
The Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science at the University of North Texas offers the nation's first and most respected Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Administration and Planning. Floods, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, terrorist attacks and pandemics are among the many hazards professionals plan for in this field.
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Why Earn an Emergency Administration and Planning Degree?

Emergency managers help communities build resilience through adequate preparation, well-coordinated disaster response and sustainable recovery.

By studying Emergency Administration and Planning at UNT, you'll be part of a program with an esteemed legacy that continues to play an integral role in the North Texas region and beyond. Our curriculum guides students in developing valuable skills in disaster planning, creative problem solving, critical thinking and interpersonal communication. Features of our program include:

  • Hands-on experience with large-scale disaster exercises in the field
  • Membership in our award-winning student chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
  • Networking opportunities through local, state, national and international internships
  • Practical training in emergency management technologies at our state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC) lab
  • Study abroad courses in South America, Asia and other countries
Marketable Skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Sociocultural literacy
  • Geographic literacy
  • Comprehensive emergency management
  • Professional ethics

Emergency Administration and Planning Degree Highlights

Our IAEM student chapter provides opportunities to participate in professionally relevant social, educational and training activities.
Many of our instructors have worked in emergency management for local governments, FEMA, the EPA and corporations in the private sector.
Faculty have conducted research in disasters both domestically and abroad, including earthquakes in Haiti, Turkey and Taiwan; floods in Thailand; Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey in the U.S.; and many other major events.
Courses provide foundational knowledge of disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in addition to applied research methods, EOC design and operations, social vulnerability and a senior capstone seminar.
The department’s faculty have earned multiple national awards from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Higher Education Program, received numerous research grants from the National Science Foundation, and served in advisory roles for such agencies as the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The department’s faculty have earned multiple national awards from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Higher Education Program, received numerous research grants from the National Science Foundation, and served in advisory roles for such agencies as the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Career Outlook

  • Emergency Management Coordinator
  • Resilience Coordinator
  • Emergency Management Analyst
  • GIS Applications Administrator
  • Business Continuity Specialist

Recent graduates are employed by:

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Texas Division of Emergency Management
  • North Central Texas Council of Governments
  • Tarrant County Office of Emergency Management
  • Dallas County Office of Emergency Management

Emergency Administration and Planning Degree Courses You Could Take

Principles of Emergency Management (3 hrs)
Introduction to the theory, principles, phases and processes of emergency and disaster management. Topics include hazard, risk, vulnerability and comprehensive emergency management. Course also examines alternative career paths, the evolution of the field and its future outlook.
Disaster Response and Recovery (3 hrs)
Theoretical examination and practical application of post-disaster management activities including human behavior in emergency situations, warning, evacuation, sheltering, triage, damage assessment, disaster declaration, debris removal, media relations, crisis counseling, individual and public assistance, and other relevant functions. Decision making, incident command, EOC operations, coordination and service delivery strategies are also discussed.
Social Vulnerability in Disasters (3 hrs)
Identification and examination of special populations in disasters. Discussion of their needs and service delivery strategies. Emphasis on relevant response agencies and programs.
Images of Disasters in Film and Media (3 hrs)
This course examines hazards and disasters as they are portrayed in film and various media. The emphasis is on understanding how the portrayals of disasters often depart from scientific understanding, and also on evaluating how the depiction of disasters in various media can shape both public and official awareness of the causes of, management of, and recovery from disaster.
Terrorism and Emergency Management (3 hrs)
In-depth investigation into the ideological forces and groups involved in terrorist activity. Analysis of the effects of terrorism, including the similarities and differences to other types of disasters. Attention is given to weapons of mass destruction and the unique challenges to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks.
Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness (3 hrs)
Theoretical examination and practical application of pre-disaster management activities including hazard and vulnerability analysis, structural and non-structural mitigation, capability assessment, planning, training, exercises and public education. Development planning, political advocacy and networking are heavily stressed.

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Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science
940-369-7445
eadp@unt.edu
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