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Harper College

Emergency and Disaster Management Program

Become a Public Service Leader

From readiness and recovery from natural disasters and terrorist attacks to public health initiatives and homeland security operations, the Emergency and Disaster Management program at Harper College prepares you to become a leader in public service.

Harper offers an AAS degree and certificate programs in emergency and disaster management, as well as a public safety dispatcher program. Coursework covers a range of topics, including hazardous materials, terrorism, psychology, hazard analysis and mitigation, and incident management systems.

Graduates have excelled in positions such as emergency services manager, environmental compliance planner, and emergency disaster coordinator.

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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
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Earn a career-ready degree

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. Coursework in the AAS may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.

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Earn a workforce credential

Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through additional coursework.

Explore Emergency and Disaster Management Careers

Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Emergency and Disaster Management degree/certificate programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Emergency and Disaster Management Careers page.

Emergency Management Directors

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Emergency Management Directors career profile for most current data.

$104,166
Median Salary

-1.5%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

46
Job Postings

Description:

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

Core tasks:

    • Consult with officials of local and area governments, schools, hospitals, and other institutions to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
    • Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.
    • Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.
    • Maintain and update all resource materials associated with emergency preparedness plans.

Quick facts:

    Public Safety Telecommunicators

    * Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Public Safety Telecommunicators career profile for most current data.

    $62,095
    Median Salary

    -0.4%
    Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

    19
    Job Postings

    Description:

    Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

    Core tasks:

      • Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.
      • Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
      • Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
      • Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.

    Quick facts:

      Resources

      For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.

      Last Updated: 4/15/25