From the thesis: "This thesis examines the need for standardized professional education in the field of emergency management, particularly at the state and local levels, where the absence of consistent training and credentialing has impacted the professionalization of the field. As emergency managers face increasingly complex challenges--ranging from natural disasters to pandemics and social crises--there is a growing demand for a qualified, competent, and adaptable workforce. Unlike other public safety professions, such as law enforcement and firefighting, emergency management lacks a unified system for education, certification, and workforce development. Using Bardach's eightfold path policy analysis framework, this thesis evaluates four potential educational models: mentor-based training, certification systems, public safety academies, and degree-based education. The analysis draws on case studies from nursing, EMS [Emergency Medical Services], and fire service to identify drivers of professionalization and assess each model using criteria such as adaptability, portability, accessibility, and cost. The findings support a hybrid approach that combines elements of each model and recommends the development of a federally guided but locally implemented national framework. This approach would help ensure that emergency managers across all jurisdictions share a common foundation that supports greater consistency and effectiveness in the face of evolving threats."