BDEM offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Are you ready to make a meaningful difference on people and communities in times of Crisis? Explore your potential in disaster response with 91亚色's unique program 鈥攖he only one in Canada offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Engage in hands-on learning as you tackle real-world challenges with industry experts, covering essential topics like business continuity planning and crisis communications. Benefit from networking opportunities through conferences and field placements with NGOs and government agencies, all while being guided by our internationally recognized faculty. Prepare for a successful career and join our graduates who are making a significant impact in emergency management and public safety worldwide. Your journey to making a difference starts here!
Career Options in Disaster and Emergency Management
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Anti-terrorism Emergency Manager
- Business Continuity Planner
- Business Risk Manager
- Campus Emergency Manager
- Community Resilience Coordinator
- Crisis Communication Specialist
- Disaster Recovery Consultant
- Disaster Recovery Coordinator
- Disaster Risk Specialist
- Emergency Management Policy Advisor
- Emergency Management Trainer
- Emergency Public Health Manager
- Emergency Social Services Manager
- Emergency Telecommunications Manager
- Environmental Emergencies Specialist
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
- Event Coordinator for Large Gatherings
- Event Safety and Emergency Manager
- Hospital Emergency Manager
- Humanitarian Assistance Professional
- Industrial Emergency Manager
- International Aid Director
- International Development Worker
- NGO Disaster Relief Coordinator
- Insurance Claims Adjuster
- Oil and Gas Emergency Manager
- Professor
- Project Manager
- Public Health Emergency Planner
- Public Policy Analyst
- Public Relations Representative
- Public Safety Consultant
- Researcher
- Risk Analyst
- Safety Analyst
- Social Media Manager for Emergency Services
- Social Program Director
- Teacher
- Trauma Centre Supervisor
- Urban Planner specializing in Resilience
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions in Disaster and Emergency Management
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Assistant Emergency Manager
- Business Continuity Analyst
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Disaster Response Coordinator
- Emergency Management Analyst
- Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
- Emergency Services Assistant
- Environmental Health Technician
- Event Safety Assistant
- Field Operations Assistant
- Grant Coordinator
- Incident Management Assistant
- Logistics Coordinator
- Public Health Assistant
- Public Safety Officer
- Research Assistant
- Risk Management Analyst
- Safety Coordinator
- Social Services Assistant
- Training and Development Assistant
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre鈥檚 homepage in .
Skills Developed through a Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management
Core Skills
- An ability to critically analyze and research disasters and emergencies using perspectives from sociology, politics and public policy
- An understanding of the key concepts governing the methodology and effective management of contemporary emergency situations
- A technical and academic comprehension of the considerations and the demands of dealing with disasters of different natures and origins
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
- Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
- The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
- The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
- The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work
Management and Teamwork Skills
- The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project鈥檚 intended and successful end result
- Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
- The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
- The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM): A global network promoting the principles and practices of emergency management and disaster response.
- (OAEM): Focuses on strengthening emergency management practices in Ontario through professional development and networking.
- : Provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief, emphasizing volunteerism and community resilience across Canada.
- (FEMA): U.S. agency that coordinates federal disaster response efforts and supports state and local emergency management.
- (NEMA): Advocates for effective emergency management policies and practices at the national level in the U.S.
- (UNDP): Focuses on poverty reduction and sustainable development, including disaster risk reduction and resilience building.