Bachelor of Disaster and Emergency Management (BDEM) York University

Flooding, terrorism, global warming and hurricanes are all disasters and emergencies that can be effectively managed - and, in some cases even mitigated - through good planning and response. The recent earthquake in Haiti, the H1N1 pandemic and memories of 9/11 are reminders of the pressing need for qualified and trained professionals in the field.

Disaster and Emergency Management is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding risks. In this exciting and rapidly expanding field you will explore key concepts, methodologies and technologies used by emergency management professionals while honing your analytical and critical skills. You'll also gain a comprehensive understanding of how emergency management intersects with other disciplines such as psychology and sociology. Discover strategies to help save lives and property, reduce damage and speed a community’s recovery from natural and human-induced disasters and emergencies.

You will examine a diverse range of topics including:

• business continuity planning
• emergency management communications
• disaster risk management
• ethics
• terrorism

In addition to this, you will learn to apply key concepts, methodologies and technologies used by emergency management professionals to complex real-life challenges.

This program prepares you to synthesize large amounts of complex information and make sound decisions in challenging and often difficult circumstances. As a graduate you will be equipped with the skills for a career in emergency preparedness, public safety or consultancy work for a range of opportunities from positions in federal and provincial governments to large multinational companies and non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross/Red Crescent, World Bank, Oxfam or UNICEF.

• Upon graduating, you will join one of the fastest growing industries in North America.
• You have the option of continuing your education within the disaster and emergency field with York's Master of Disaster and Emergency Management degree - the only graduate program of its kind in Ontario and one of only two in Canada.
• You will have the opportunity to join The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the goals of saving lives and protecting property during emergencies and disasters.
• Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities and interact with leading professionals who will provide you with a deeper insight into the field. You'll have the option to complete a field experience that will help to foster a greater understanding of the complexities and realities emergency management professionals face.
• You are also encouraged to take advantage of the regular events held by the School of Disaster and Emergency Management. These include conferences and symposiums held throughout the school year to help you apply your education to real-life situations.

You may also be interested in our Certificate in Emergency Management.

Possible Career Paths Include:

• Business continuity planner
• Disaster recovery coordinator
• Emergency manager
• Public policy analyst