Utilization of Service Learning in Emergency Management Programs in the United States

Emergency management academic programs continue to strive toward linking students' theoretical and practical knowledge before they enter the evolving and challenging field of emergency management. This article recommends including service-learning pedagogy in the development of emergency management programs and curriculum to help meet this educational challenge. Results from a national survey of emergency management and homeland security academic programs indicate that many programs are incorporating service-learning projects in some courses. This article concludes by discussing the benefits and challenges associated with using service learning in emergency management programs and by presenting advice for program directors and faculty considering implementing this pedagogy.