The complexity of managing disasters is increasing as natural and human-made crises become more frequent and severe. Communities rely on trained professionals to coordinate efforts that protect lives, property and essential services. For individuals pursuing careers in disaster preparedness and emergency management, having the right foundational knowledge is crucial to effectively manage large-scale events.
The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) program from Arkansas State University (A-State) offers students the education needed to address these challenges. This program requires students to complete specific prerequisite courses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI). These courses build essential skills in disaster management and response before students dive deeper into the program’s coursework.
What Is Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management?
Disaster preparedness involves strategic planning to ensure communities are ready for unexpected emergencies. It includes developing plans, training personnel and ensuring systems and resources are in place to manage a wide range of potential disasters. Emergency management focuses on the actions taken during and after an emergency to reduce the impact of the disaster, coordinate response efforts and facilitate recovery. Together, these disciplines protect communities from disasters and minimize the damage they cause.
Students in this program learn how to address a variety of hazards, including natural disasters, public health emergencies and technological incidents. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, the program equips students to prevent, mitigate and respond to crises of all kinds. However, students must first complete FEMA EMI prerequisite courses to build the necessary foundation for advanced study.
Why Are FEMA EMI Courses Required?
EMI offers specialized training for individuals involved in emergency response and disaster preparedness. EMI is part of FEMA’s National Training and Education Division (NTED), which provides high-quality training to first responders, government officials and private-sector organizations. The institute’s courses cover a wide range of topics that are essential for professionals in the field, from basic disaster response to advanced incident management.
At A-State, students must complete four specific EMI courses before admission or within the first seven weeks of the program. These courses provide a solid foundation in emergency management practices and prepare students for the advanced topics they will encounter throughout the program. The required EMI courses are:
- IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS): This course introduces the standardized system that enables different agencies to work together during an emergency. Students learn how the ICS structures disaster response, ensuring that roles are clearly defined and that coordination is seamless, even during large-scale emergencies.
- IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS): NIMS provides a consistent framework for managing emergencies across different jurisdictions and agencies. This course helps students understand how NIMS guides disaster response and efficient coordination at the local, state and federal levels.
- IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An Introduction: This course outlines the federal government’s response to all types of disasters. This course covers the roles and responsibilities of different response partners and how these entities work together to deliver essential capabilities during an emergency.
- IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response: This course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of response personnel during the initial stages of a disaster. Students learn how to implement the ICS during the critical early moments of an emergency when coordination and decision-making are most important.
These EMI courses serve as the foundation for understanding the structure of emergency response in the U.S. They equip students with the basic knowledge needed to manage incidents effectively, laying the groundwork for the more advanced skills developed in A-State’s program.
Additional Prerequisites: CDLS, BDLS and CPR
In addition to EMI courses, students must complete other critical certifications during the same timeframe to prepare them for a wide range of disaster scenarios. These include:
- Core Disaster Life Support (CDLS): This course introduces basic concepts in disaster medicine and public health, helping students understand the medical implications of disasters. It covers disaster preparedness and response using the PRE-DISASTER and DISASTER paradigms, focusing on prevention, mitigation and recovery.
- Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS): This course focuses on the medical management of mass casualty incidents and public health emergencies. The course uses an “all-hazards” approach to disaster management, emphasizing the readiness and protection of healthcare workers in disaster situations.
- Healthcare Provider CPR Training. This course ensures that students are certified in basic life support (BLS), a critical skill for healthcare providers and emergency managers. CPR certification prepares students to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies, such as heart attacks or respiratory failure, which may occur during disasters.
How A-State’s Program Prepares You for a Career in Emergency Management
The prerequisite courses required for A-State’s online M.S. in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management program provide essential skills that form the foundation of disaster preparedness and response. Students gain a deep understanding of emergency management structures and practices, positioning them for success in various career paths. Students further develop these skills through the coursework and hands-on experiences offered in the program.
A-State’s program equips students for advanced roles in the field, from emergency management program specialist to disaster recovery manager. The curriculum offers comprehensive training in disaster mitigation, response and recovery, giving students the tools to lead during crises. The required EMI courses and additional certifications in CDLS, BDLS and CPR ensure that students have the training foundation to successfully meet the demands of the program and the field.
Learn more about A-State’s online M.S. in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management program.