Disaster and Emergency Management

The Disaster and Emergency Management (D&EM) program is a distance-delivered diploma program with an emphasis on disaster risk management, resiliency building, and effective leadership. Combining current theoretical knowledge with practical skills training, the focus is on helping new and experienced practioners develop the necessary skills to safely and effectively manage disaster and emergency events in the public sector, industry, community, and across government.

Upon graduation from NAIT’s Disaster and Emergency Management program, you will be able to apply a variety of strategies, techniques, and tools to safeguard people, the environment, the economy, and property, both in Canada as well as in the global community.

Applied, industry-relevant training

The Disaster and Emergency Management Program will give you the opportunity to study while balancing other aspects of your busy life. All 20 courses, including the Final Project course, are delivered 100% online. Your final project will showcase your ability to independently tackle a Disaster and Emergency Management issue or problem on behalf of an approved stakeholder, and provides the opportunity to apply current, theoretical knowledge to address a real-world stakeholder need.

NAIT is a member of the Canadian Risk and Hazards Network (CRHNet) which allows students in the program to access mentorship and learning/job/volunteer opportunities through their “Emerging Professionals” group.

Upon Graduation

Graduates from this program are well positioned to seek out additional credentialing available through organizations like the Disaster Recovery Institute and the International Association of Emergency Managers, if they choose. All students in the program will also receive ICS Canada recognized in-house training in both ICS100 and ICS200.

Additional credentialed learning

Some students may wish to continue with their formal learning. NAIT has created agreements with specific institutions in order to create some fair and accessible pathways as options for graduates from the Disaster and Emergency Management Program. In addition to successfully completing the diploma program, students also would need to satisfy the eligibility criteria to obtain admission to the institution/program listed:

• Continue your studies at NAIT with the Bachelor of Technology! This option gives graduates a full 2-year credit towards the completion of the 4-year BTech program. Please note that this program offers face-to-face and eLearning options.
• Wilfred Laurier University – Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety. This is a “2+2” agreement that also gives our program graduates a full two-year credit towards the completion of the 4-year BA program. Please note that this program is also fully online.
• Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) – Bachelor of Emergency & Security Management Studies. This is also a “2+2” agreement that gives our diploma graduate a full two-year credit towards the completion of the 4-year BESMS program. Please note that this program has an online option.

Ongoing professional development

NAIT believes in supporting Disaster and Emergency Management Professionals throughout the lifespan of their career. Our Centre for Applied Disaster and Emergency Management offers additional professional development training courses, workshops, stakeholder events, and certificate programs. See https://www.nait.ca/industry/training-certification/centre-for-applied-disaster-emergency-management for more information.

Enter the workforce with confidence

Disaster and Emergency Management is one of the fastest growing fields globally. Upon successful completion of the program, you may find entry level employment in the public, private, non-profit/humanitarian, and industry sectors. Many organizations require disaster and emergency managers in the areas of policy development/advocacy, field work, public engagement, communications, business continuity management, risk management, crisis management, disaster risk reduction, response coordination, disaster preparedness/mitigation, planning, disaster recovery, training, and building community resilience. This field is relevant and necessary for all organizations, communities, and businesses that are exposed to any type of natural, human-induced, or technological hazard.

Have questions? We've got answers

If you’re looking for more information or have a question about the Disaster and Emergency Management program, we can help!

Our program advisors are here to answer your questions.

Email: emgt@nait.ca
Phone: 780.471.7560