Careers
- Join the next generation of emergency management and business continuity professionals
- Choose from an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or one of 4 certificate programs, including:
- Homeland Security Emergency Management Certificate
- Tribal Homeland Security Emergency Management Certificate
- Healthcare Emergency Management Certificate
- Disaster Risk Management Certificate
- Select electives that match your interests or even earn you an additional certificate
The Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) degree and certificate program is designed to prepare the next generation of homeland security and emergency management leaders. The Homeland Security Emergency Management program is designed to prepare you to oversee emergency planning and training programs, coordinate disaster response and recovery efforts, and navigate the administrative and technical demands of disaster and emergency management efforts. It is designed to build leaders. Careful consideration is given to help students understand related socioeconomic and cultural diversity issues, preparing them to succeed in all situations and environments.
The Federal Department of Labor identifies homeland security as a high-demand field, one that requires a large number of trained professionals across a number of industry sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 22 percent increase in emergency management specialist positions in the next year.
To better understand the role of an Emergency Manager, view this short video: The Essential Emergency Manager.
Here are some helpful resources when searching for a job in Homeland Security-Emergency Management.
- USAJOBS a free web-based job board, is the official Federal Government source for federal job listings and employment information and opportunities.
- Indeed is an employment-related metasearch engine for job listings. It is the most visited job website in the United States and includes hundreds of relevant job postings for your career and location.
- Visit the Workforce Explorer website provided by the Washington State Employment Security Department to begin your career exploration.
- Visit WorkSource as part of the United States Employment Service. It will assist workers and students in finding jobs and career opportunities.
Transfer
Transfer Institution Information
Course Maps
Students must have a GED or high school diploma and must take English and Math placement tests as directed by the testing center. Significant credits may be granted for military experience, FEMA and other industry courses, and life experience.
Students interested in the Bachelor’s degree or Disaster Risk Management Certificate must already hold an associate degree or equivalent college credits.
Career Pathway Course Maps
- Homeland Security Emergency Management Certificate Career Pathway Course Map
- 24 credits, which can be completed in as few as 2 terms. Eligible for VIE-25 funding.
- Tribal Homeland Security Emergency Management Certificate Career Pathway Course Map
- 24 credits, which can be completed in as few as 3 terms.
- Healthcare Emergency Management Certificate Career Pathway Course Map
- 13 credits, which can be completed in just 1 term or as many as 3. Can easily be added to any healthcare or HSEM pathway.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS-T) in Homeland Security Emergency Management Career Pathway Course Map
- 93 credits, which can be completed full-time in as few as 6 terms, or part-time for several years.
- Disaster Risk Management Certificate Career Pathway Course Map
- 20 credits, which can be completed in 2 terms (requires completion of an associate degree prior to admission).
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Homeland Security Emergency Management Career Pathway Course Map
- 90 credits, in addition to an existing associate degree, for a total of 180 credits. Uses a highly structured cohort model, which can be completed full-time in 2 years or part-time in 3 years.
Please note that both the AAS and BAS degrees require internships, unless students already have significant career experience directly in emergency management.
About the Program
Homeland Security Emergency Management degrees and certificates can lead to a variety of rewarding, challenging and fulfilling careers. Learn more from our HSEM alumni:
Apply to the Program
To apply to the Certificate or Associate degree programs, follow the standard Pierce College application process.
To apply to the Bachelors degree program, read the additional requirements and application instructions.
For More Information
For more information about any of our HSEM certificates or degrees, contact us at 253-912-3773 or BAS-HSEM@pierce.ctc.edu. We can answer general questions and provide information about credit for prior college attendance and industry training.