Moreno Valley College Takes Bold Step Toward Launching California’s First Emergency Management Bachelor’s Degree

In a bold step toward addressing California’s critical workforce needs, Moreno Valley College (MVC) has submitted a proposal to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to establish a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management — the first of its kind within California’s public higher education system. Spearheaded by Professor Charles Wilhite, associate professor of AOJ Homeland Security, the proposal reflects MVC’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to lead disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in communities across the state.

Currently, California’s public colleges and universities do not offer a dedicated bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management despite increasing demand for highly trained professionals in this field. According to statewide data, there were 547 unique job postings for Emergency Management Directors from November 2023 to October 2024, with a projected 10-year job growth of 18%. Employers such as FEMA, CalOES, California’s largest cities, and major county governments require a bachelor’s degree for these roles. Yet, no public institution in the state has provided a direct pathway—until now.

Expanding Opportunities in Emergency Services Education

MVC’s ambitious proposal arrives as two other California community colleges—Mission College and San Diego Miramar College—are set to launch new public safety-focused bachelor's degrees.

• San Diego Miramar College will introduce a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Management in Fall 2025, with specialized tracks in Law Enforcement Management and Fire Technology Management aimed at first responders seeking career advancement.
• Mission College will offer a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration in Fall 2026, preparing students for leadership in fire services, emergency medical response, and disaster coordination.

The MVC Difference: A New Standard for Emergency Management Education

While Mission College and San Diego Miramar College are expanding educational opportunities in public safety leadership, Moreno Valley College’s proposed degree takes a specialized approach, focusing exclusively on the multifaceted field of Emergency Management. Rather than overlapping with existing programs, MVC’s degree builds a distinct pathway for students seeking careers dedicated to disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Developed in collaboration with leading industry partners—including the Riverside County Emergency Management Department, Riverside County Fire Department/CALFIRE, and the Riverside County Association of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs—as well as academic partners at CSU Long Beach, and San Diego State University, MVC’s program directly addresses the qualifications sought by local, state, and federal emergency management agencies.

The 120-unit curriculum includes 45 upper-division units covering key areas such as:

• Emergency Management Preparation, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery
• Project Management for Public Safety
• Public Safety Finance and Grants Management
• Information Systems in Emergency Management
• Public Health and Disaster Response
• Crisis Communications and Media Relations

Additionally, the program will feature a capstone project and internship opportunities, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with hands-on experience and industry connections.

Leading the Way in Workforce Development

As California continues to face increasing natural disasters, cybersecurity threats, and public health crises, the demand for skilled emergency management professionals will only grow. Moreno Valley College’s proposal represents a transformational step toward preparing the next generation of leaders who safeguard communities in times of crisis.

While awaiting state approval, MVC remains committed to advancing higher education and workforce training in a way that is innovative, responsive, and directly aligned with California’s evolving needs.

For more information about Moreno Valley College’s proposed Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, please contact Dr. Charles Wilhite.