r/EmergencyManagement • u/Quietguy771 • 19h ago

Help! Looking to start a Bachelor’s in Science program and I need advice.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I am investigating 2 programs. One at Columbia Southern University and one at Purdue University. They both have their merits. I have been trying to decide between either Emergency Management with a focus in homeland security, or Forensic Investigation. The thing about Forensic investigation is that there aren’t many jobs out there, and those that are currently in those jobs will likely retire in those positions. The jobs are really not there for many reasons. I realize that this career is likely at large amount of time preparing for disasters and being ready for what could happen. I am OK with that. The truth is I know I can make it through school. I just need to know that it is possible to succeed with bachelors degree and make a career of this at 49 years old. Please be honest (please don’t be mean) I am just trying to make the best decision to help move forward with this decision.

Thank you

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u/polardendrites 17h ago

Volunteer in a few different spaces. You've got the advantage of more marketable skills. The degree is cool, but not necessary at all. Figure out what your strong suits are and play to those. Business continuity, supply chain, compliance, budgets, managing volunteers, on the ground response, there is so much to it, and you might be better off getting an adjacent degree and using volunteering connections to get hired.

I think that there are going to be a lot of experienced people competing for lower paying jobs. Who knows right now. An emergency management degree can pigeonhole you in a field that doesn't require the degree. Do you, but IT, business, accounting, even environmental stuff could transfer nicely. Look at listings for jobs you'd want in 5-10 years and the requirements to get there. Go after those. Volunteering is a free way to figure it out. Congrats on the leap back to school!

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u/Snoo-78544 17h ago

Anything is possible. Everything is not realistic. No one can tell you sure yeah you'll have no problem getting into this field.

EM is a hard field to get into. Additionally with the current federal environment there are more people for fewer jobs. Not being honest with you about that would be unkind.

My suggestion is to not get your degree in EM. Minor in it if you'd like, but please choose something that gives you more career field options. An EM degree really isn't an advantage. Pursue internships and volunteer work in EM, you don't need to major in EM to do it.

Search the sub and you'll find a ton of basically the same question you asked. You can peruse them for some additional advice and guidance.

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u/RottenPeaches Federal 18h ago

It's possible for sure. I'm assuming you'll be 49 when you get the undergrad degree. Many different ways to get to Rome, and you probably don't "need" a degree in EM, but I'm sure it'll help.