Online Master’s Degree in Critical Incident Management

A top online Master’s Degree in Critical Incident Management prepares an individual to become a valued public safety professional. An accredited online masters degree in critical incident management is designed to help professionals in both public and private sectors, as well and non-governmental and military organizations manage emergency and disaster situations on both local and global levels. Students enjoy the flexibility and freedom of the online format, and can attend school around their busy schedules.

Online Master’s Degrees in Critical Incident Management Requirements

Students who seek to achieve an online master’s degree in critical incident management from an accredited online school will need to be able to analyze information under pressure, and objectively identify methods of dealing with catastrophic events. Candidates need to be able to be able to develop sound leadership skills in advanced masters degree study. Some bachelor’s degrees that could be accepted for an accredited online masters degree program in critical incident management could include:

• Bachelor of Science in Critical Incident Management
• Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services
• Bachelor of Science in Crisis Management

Students who pursue online master degrees in crisis incident management often find position in emergency response services, including FEMA positions, and security.

Online Critical Incident Management Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in critical incident management typically require 36 credits and take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of critical incident management degrees offered by the best critical incident management master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Critical Incident Management
• Master of Science in Crisis Management
• Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security

Information on Critical Incident Management Courses

Coursework in a critical incident management master’s degree program online focuses on safety and security measures and crisis management. Students study past incidents and responses, analyzing and developing plans. A masters degree in critical incident management is evaluated through in-depth papers on pertinent subject matter, comprehensive exams, and scholarly discussion with fellow students. Some programs require a master’s thesis.

• Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Critical Incident Management
  This course examines various legal and regulatory issues impacting critical incident management delivery. Students study emerging security and safety issues by analyzing historical incidents and emergency management legal issues and government roles.
• Financial Management
  Students develop financial management and performance measurement skills as they apply to critical incident management. Students will analyze the strategic management process with emphasis on how this process affects budgeting, financial management and strategic planning.
• Politics and Policy in Critical Incident Management
  This course explores political and public policy environments pertaining to critical incident management. Political dynamics are discussed, along with the role public policy and politics play in all phases of emergency and disaster management.
• Applied Research Methods
  Students are introduced to the various techniques and concepts used in research and evaluation. Students will be required to practice the application of empirical findings to agency policies, procedures, practices, and programs applicable to critical incident management in research exercises.
• Social Dimensions of Disaster
  This course is an overview of sociological research regarding disasters. There will be a focused study on principles and concepts governing the design and implementation of disaster warning systems.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because critical incident management, also sometimes referred to as disaster and emergency management, is a field with areas of expertise, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s critical incident management students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Federal Emergency Management
• Critical Incident Management

Careers in Critical Incident Management

Critical incident management is a growing field. As agencies become more global, they recognize the need to collaborate and work as an international team. Students who seek a top online master’s degree in critical incident management are able to work in homeland security, emergency management, and emergency services. Students often pursue the following career tittles:

• FEMA Manager
  FEMA managers supervise, coordinate, and monitor work flow of critical incident management in order to meet deadlines. They research, analyze and prepare legal documents, hire and supervise employees, and train in policies and procedures. FEMA managers can earn an annual salary between $41,271 to $56,296, and can expect some growth of about 2.1% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Homeland Security Specialist
  Homeland security specialists perform legal research and analyze matters pertaining to agency programs. Homeland security specialists investigate and analyze requests for information under the provisions of various acts and proceedings. Homeland security specialists can earn an average of $46,000 annually, and look at a 2.1% growth by the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Disaster Management
  Disaster management duties and responsibilities include coordinating disaster response or crisis management activities, providing disaster preparedness training, and preparing emergency plans and procedures for natural. Disaster management professionals can earn an average of $50,000 to $65,000 annually, and look at a 2.1% growth by the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Border Patrol Agent
  Border patrol agents are responsible for detecting and preventing illegal penetration on nation borders, detecting and preventing crossover of illegal substances, and enforcing immigration laws. Border patrol agents can earn an average of $43,040 annually, and can expect a 2.1% growth by the year 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Transportation Security Manager
  Transportation security managers screen individuals at screening checkpoints. They work to protect the traveling public by preventing transportation of dangerous objects on airplanes. Transportation security managers identify weaknesses or vulnerable areas in security and participation in briefings. Transportation security mangers can make an average of $38,190 with a growth rate of about 22% by the year 2018.

An accredited online masters degree program in critical incident management can lead to a variety of positions in crisis response. The global climate that has presented with increased natural and man-made concerns presents challenging career options. This degree can also qualify a student to achieve FEMA certification.