Lenoir Community College’s Emergency Management Program is ranked as the best online degree program at a two-year college in the nation for training emergency responders.

The top ranking was awarded by the Student Training and Education in Public Service organization, (STEPS). LCC was followed by five other North Carolina community colleges to round out the top 10.

“We are extremely proud of our Emergency Management Program, and we’re happy to be recognized as the top program in the nation for two-year colleges,” said Lenoir Community College President Dr. Rusty Hunt.

LCC Dean of Workforce Development and Public Safety Dr. Justin Tilghman agreed. “We are excited to be recognized as a leader in providing education to those seeking a degree in Emergency Management,” he said. “If you enjoy fast-paced, ever-changing situations, this is a program you should consider. You are directly involved in making a difference in the community during disasters and emergencies by helping develop plans that will affect your community for years to come.”

According to STEPS, just under six percent of postsecondary institutions in the United States earned a ranking position in 2022.

LCC offers an associate in applied science degree in Emergency Management, as well as a general certificate in Emergency Preparedness and a specialized certificate Total Emergency Management.

The Emergency Management curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation of technical and professional knowledge needed for emergency services delivery in local and state government agencies. Study involves both management and technical aspects of law enforcement, fire protections, emergency medical services, and emergency planning.

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). A college must hold active regional accreditation from an agency approved the US Department of Education and have at least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online. All instructional aspects of LCC’s program are online.