Emergency Management, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management is the only undergraduate emergency management program offered at a Jesuit university in the United States. Through SLU's School for Professional Studies, you will learn to administer aid and assistance to others, helping to ensure the resilience of your community in the face of disasters large and small. This comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program focuses on all sectors recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), providing students with essential skills for careers in the emergency management sector.

While studying for your B.S. in emergency management, you’ll be encouraged to gain first-hand knowledge of the work being done by local chapters of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and fire and police departments, helping you to connect your studies directly to current industry practices.

Curriculum Overview

As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 120-credit degree program offers future and current leaders like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With six accelerated, eight-week terms each year offered by SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.

Careers

If you choose to major in emergency management, potential careers include emergency manager, risk manager, disaster communications, business continuity, homeland security professional, search and rescue, firefighting, law enforcement, and training and exercise officer.

After completing your degree, you will have completed a majority of the requirements for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Certification as an Associate Emergency Manager (AEM). Many employers require this professional certification for posted new positions.

Admission Requirements

The School for Professional Studies welcomes adult learners whose educational journey has been interrupted by life's circumstances. This includes individuals with at least one of the following characteristics:

• Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
• Attends part-time for at least part of the academic year
• Works full-time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
• Financial independence, has dependents other than a spouse, is a single parent, or has other demands that make traditional education less feasible

Application Requirements 

• Work Experience: At least three years or the equivalent. Work experience may include a full-time/part-time job, internship, volunteer work, or comparable experiences.
• Education: High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250.
• Coaching session: Successful completion of a meeting with an academic coach (this can be done virtually or on campus).
• Grade Point Average: Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance).
• Transcript: An official transcript from the most recent institution attended.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specially for new students.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders

Honorably discharged veterans, active duty military members, reserve members and first responders qualify for a reduced tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for any undergraduate program through the School for Professional Studies.

1. Graduates will be able to comprehend emergency management and homeland security principles that impact local, regional, national and global communities.
2. Graduates will be able to examine the professional role of the emergency manager.
3. Graduates will be able to evaluate methods used to develop policies for emergency management and homeland security.
4. Graduates will be able to describe the interconnectedness of agencies and organizations involved in emergency management and homeland security.
5. Graduates will be able to apply the fundamental principles of emergency management across its core phases of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.

SPS Core Curriculum Requirements

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please call 314-526-2825 or email sps@slu.edu.

2+SLU programs are formal  transfer agreements for students seeking an associate degree at a partner institution. 

• Emergency Management, B.S. (Jeffco 2+SLU)
• Emergency Management, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)