Mission Announces Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Santa Clara, CA — Mission College is proud to announce the launch of its new, affordable
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration, a program designed to meet
the region's urgent need for qualified professionals in public safety and emergency
services. Developed in response to recent state legislation and backed by strong community
support, this program provides a cost-effective degree option for students seeking
roles in emergency management, public safety administration, and disaster response
coordination.
Program Need and Labor Market Demand
The demand for qualified public safety and emergency services professionals has surged
due to an increased emphasis on disaster preparedness, crisis management, and emergency
medical services. In line with Senate Bill 850 (Block, 2014) and Assembly Bill 927
(Medina, 2021), Mission College’s Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
directly addresses these needs by providing an affordable pathway for individuals
aspiring to high-demand roles within emergency services.
Workforce data highlights a critical shortage of emergency services professionals
in the Bay Area, particularly in Santa Clara County, where there is an annual gap
of 25 skilled professionals in the broader Bay Area and 14 in the Silicon Valley sub-region.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Risk Index, Santa
Clara County ranks in the 99.84th national percentile for disaster risk, underscoring
the pressing need for highly trained emergency management personnel in the area.
"Mission College is uniquely positioned to offer this program, thanks to its proud
legacy of training public safety professionals who serve the Bay Area with distinction,"
said Chancellor Bradley J. Davis of the West Valley-Mission Community College District.
"This new bachelor’s degree in Emergency Services Administration is more than a program;
it’s a powerful investment in the safety, security, and resilience of our entire region.
By empowering students with the expertise needed for critical roles, Mission College
is actively building a stronger, more prepared, and more resilient future for Silicon
Valley and beyond."
Regional Alignment and Public Safety Initiatives
The curriculum of this new program aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s "Prepare California" initiative, equipping students with essential certifications and practical skills
tailored to the demands of today’s public safety environment. The program was developed
in collaboration with local public safety industry partners and Mission College’s
Fire Protection Technology Department, focusing on serving place-bound students in
Silicon Valley and preparing them for in-demand careers in the region.
“The California Community College system is the largest provider of public safety
training in the state, empowering over 33,500 students each year,” said Dr. Seher
Awan, President of Mission College. “We are thrilled to launch this program, meeting
a critical need by preparing and inspiring the next generation of emergency services
leaders. This not only aligns with our commitment to academic excellence but also
our deep values of social justice, equity, and access. Mission College is honored
to play a vital role in shaping the future of public safety and building a safer,
more resilient community.”
Program Highlights and Curriculum
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration will be
prepared for leadership roles within public safety and emergency management.
The program’s curriculum emphasizes:
Integrating academic knowledge into emergency services administrative roles.
Applying skills in emergency management, incident command systems, and public service
administration.
Collaborating effectively to solve public safety challenges and manage critical situations.
Engaging with national and international best practices in emergency management through
professional networking.
“We’re addressing both local workforce needs and the public’s safety expectations
with this program,” said Guy Hall, Department Chair of the Fire Protection Technology Department at Mission College. “We are preparing members of our community to become leaders in industry while being
employed locally. Our graduates will have the specialized skills and industry knowledge
required to lead in emergency and public safety roles, from frontline first responders
to strategic planners.”
Support from Community Leaders
The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration has received strong support
from Santa Clara’s leadership along with enthusiastic endorsements from industry experts
and public safety partners. Mission College’s focus on accessible and affordable education aligns with the community’s needs, especially for roles requiring a bachelor's degree,
such as Emergency Management Administrators.
“This Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services Administration is a progressive
degree incorporating the best innovative techniques in emergency response, administrative
practices and utilizing advanced curriculum and technology in order to prepare our
students to meet the needs of a constantly evolving public safety industry,” said
Roy Vasquez, Dean of Public Safety, Health & Wellness.
The program will be made available to students in Fall 2026.
Benjamin Demers Director of Marketing and Public Relations [email protected]
About Mission College
Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing
accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.
With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers
a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services
to foster a thriving educational community.
