The MS in Emergency & Disaster Management program is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders and scholars in the field of emergency management. By integrating rigorous academic inquiry with practical expertise, the curriculum prepares professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop critical thinking skills and evidence-based decision-making. Our graduates emerge as visionary practitioners capable of navigating the complexities of both natural and human-causes crises.
The MS program has many distinguishing elements. Students practice hands-on skills on real projects during an intensive week, they also have the opportunity build professional networks through our many partnerships and affiliations. Our educational and professional benefits are framed in a fully online learning environment that provides the needed flexibility for working professionals.
Curriculum
The Emergency and Disaster Management programs offers several learning opportunities
Masters of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management (36 credits)
Three concentrations of study:
- Homeland Security
- Healthcare Emergency Management
- Business Continuity
Graduate Certificates: (12 credits)
- Emergency and Disaster Management
- Business Continuity
On-Campus Week: Real World Exposure
During the six and a half day in-person week, students get to practice their hands-on skills and hear from disaster medicine experts. Past year experiences have included:
- Hazard vulnerability assessments of Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia Flyers and Sixers, The Philadelphia Art Museum and Lehigh Valley International Airport
- Full scale exercises at Einstein Medical Center, Einstein at Elkins
- A dramatic full scale exercise held here at the University
- A collapsed parking garage simulation exercise at a quarry
Take a look at some photos from Summer On-Campus Week, where students worked with a variety of agencies similar to those you would have in any community — airports, stadiums, corporations, hotels and universities.
