EMA FAQs

WT has the oldest practitioner-oriented Emergency Management Program in the state of Texas. In over 20+ years, we have graduated an alumni base of 1000s in every corner of Texas, 29 states, Puerto Rico, and even Canada. 

Our BAAS program is designed for working practitioners, veterans, and adult learners. We provide a supportive environment and understand your needs.

Most of your classwork is applied rather than theoretical. In practice, this means that we focus on how concepts, terms, and theories apply to real-world situations and your day-to-day job. We also place a heavy emphasis on developing skillsets that better prepare you for career advancement and management. 

Additionally, over 95% of our courses are taught by full-time WT faculty with 75+ years of experience teaching and in the field. Your professors and instructors are not out-of-state mercenaries teaching at 20 different institutions. They are committed to WT, supportive of the mission of the EMA program, have on-campus offices, and will continually be there to support you inside and outside of the classroom. 

We're also 100% online. 

Yes. 100% online. 

While we are happy to host you for a visit or graduation, all EMA courses are offered online. Any additional coursework can also be completed online. At no point are you required to set foot on our Canyon Campus. 

There are no residency or in-person event requirements. 

Our BA/BS degree in Emergency Management is designed for traditional undergraduates or students working outside of emergency management.

Additional information on the BA/BS can be found here.

The BAAS degree in Emergency Management awards "BAAS credits." BAAS credits are awarded for your professional development and training coursework. BAAS credits take the place of traditional undergraduate elective hours and help you graduate faster. Students with 3+ years in the field generally do not need to take traditional university electives.

Yes and No.

Like most programs in Texas, we do not offer credits for having a specific job for a set number of years. However, we do award credits (BAAS credits) for professional development and training(s) related to your job. 

Students can earn between 36-42 credits (depending on their degree plan) from their professional development and training.

Upon admission to the university, advising services will work with you to award and maximize your BAAS credit block. 

Anyone who is BAAS credit eligible can apply, including out-of-state residents and international students. 

Individuals with no EMA-related professional development or training must start in the BA/BS program. 

Please visit our Admissions Information website.

Students must complete an application and send transcripts to our admissions office. 

Our program utilizes rolling admissions. Students can start at any time, including Summer 1 semester. 

The only time constraint is that you need to be admitted and processed before the start of the upcoming semester. 

For example, if the Fall semester begins on August 20, a student needs to be eligible to register for classes by August 20.