• Education Prerequisites: The online disaster management certificate program prerequisites vary depending upon the level pursued. Undergraduate certificates do not require previous educational experience, while online graduate certificate programs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree related to health or safety prior to admission.
• Professional Prerequisites: Undergraduate online certificate programs do not require professional experience prior to enrollment, while it is common for universities to require some work experience in health, safety, or a related discipline before students can pursue graduate online certificates. The amount of professional experience required varies by university, but the best online certificate programs tend to require at least three years of prior work experience.
• Average Program Length: 1 year (full time); 2 years (part time)

Disaster management certificate programs can help individuals establish careers within emergency management, emergency response, and disaster relief. Undergraduate accredited online certificate programs in disaster management are designed for individuals who are looking to enter the health and safety fields, while most graduate certificate programs are designed for individuals who are already employed within the field and are looking to add new skills and experiences. Still, others may utilize certificate programs to help them get the qualifications necessary to advance within their current health and safety occupations.

Completing an Online Certificate Program in Disaster Management

Students enrolled in online disaster management certificate programs generally take classes in emergency and disaster preparedness, public health emergencies, and emergency communication. Graduate-level certificate curriculums may also include classes like environmental health and the social consequences of disasters. Knowledge of human behavior and statistics are both important as well. Enrolled students can expect to perform research, assess risk, and hone their problem-solving skills.

Students in online programs will submit all assignments and reports through an online portal. Most online disaster management certificate programs at the undergraduate level do not require students to complete internships prior to graduating, while graduate programs may require students to gain hands-on experience within government or non-profit agencies that handle emergencies. It is also common for students to complete a research project prior to graduating from the program. Projects in disaster management usually tackle issues specific emergency issues, like industrial hygiene, law compliance, or toxicology.

What Your Online Certificate in Disaster Management Can Do for You

Online certificate programs in disaster management are good for individuals who already have some experience in health, public safety, and related fields who also want to get more experience so as to advance or learn new schools. They take less time to complete than degree programs, but still provide instruction in the core content areas required by different disaster management positions. Certificate programs are also highly specific, and usually only involve class work in areas related to the certificate. Pursuing the certificate online also has the added benefit of convenience, as students can complete the program requirements without interrupt their work schedules.

Students who graduate from online college certificate programs in disaster management may go on to work in emergency management, first-line supervision of emergency personnel, or non-profit relief and rescue management. Students may also establish careers in public policy and government officers. For example, with a certificate in disaster management, someone could advance into a career as an emergency management director, a position that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports as earning an average annual salary of $62,850. However, salaries will vary across professions and employers.

Online Certificate Programs by School

	Herzing University - Herzing's online certificate program offers the flexibility, personalization, and support you need to succeed in today's ever-changing job market. Discover Herzing's hands-on coursework, experienced faculty, and student-first approach which sets them apart from other online universities.
	Ultimate Medical Academy - Get personalized attention with UMA. One-on-one tutoring, pre-interview coaching, job search assistance, alumni services—they’re all included in Ultimate Medical Academy’s competitively priced tuition. As a nationally accredited school, we provide quality career training online and at our two campuses in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Let’s talk about your needs, your career goals and how UMA can help you succeed. Gainful employment information can be found at ultimatemedical.edu/gainful-employment.pdf and includes information on tuition, loan debt, completion, placement and occupations.
	Penn Foster Career School - Penn Foster Career School offers over 85 online career diploma and certificate programs that can help students prepare for a career path in some of today’s fastest growing fields. If you are looking for training in allied health, business, education, or the trades, then Penn Foster Career School is a great choice. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.