Program Overview

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Master of Science in Emergency Management and Preparedness

The Master of Science in Emergency Management and Preparedness is a graduate program designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle emergencies, disasters, and crises. This online program is offered by the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Program Overview

The program focuses on teaching students how to lead during disasters, crises, and emergencies, as well as how to make emergency plans, train others, and solve complex problems when disasters strike. Students will learn the difference between big and small disasters and how to handle each one, how to provide immediate and long-term support after a disaster, and how to become a leader in emergency preparedness for towns and cities.

Career Paths and Advanced Education Options

Graduates of the Master's in Emergency Management and Preparedness program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Emergency Management Director
• FEMA Team Leader
• Hospital Emergency Planning Manager
• State Emergency Response Coordinator
• Business Continuity Specialist
• Homeland Security Officer
• Public Health Emergency Leader
• Risk Management Consultant
• University Emergency Planner
• Private Industry Safety Director

They can also consider advanced education options at institutions such as:

• St. Louis University School of Public Health
• University of Missouri-Columbia Public Health Program
• Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
• Washington University School of Public Health
• Florida State University Emergency Management Program

Program Requirements

The program requires 30 hours of coursework, including:

• EV547 Fundamentals of Disaster/Emergency Management and Planning (3 hours)
• EV548 Disaster/Emergency Planning and Response (3 hours)
• EV549 Vulnerability, Risk Reduction, and Critical Incident Management (3 hours)
• EV554 Risk Assessment Applications (3 hours)
• GT645 Advanced Geographic Information Science (3 hours)
• GT625 GIS Planning for Emergency Management (3 hours)
• GR698 Master's Final Comprehensive Exam (0 hours)

Students must also choose 6 hours of electives, with at least 3 hours at the 600 level, from courses such as:

• BY666 Experimental Design (3 hours)
• BY636 Wildlife Disease (3 hours)
• EA507 School and Campus Safety (3 hours)
• ED535 The Trauma Informed Professional (3 hours)
• EV556 Fundamental Risk Communication in Emergency Management (3 hours)
• PS502 Fundamentals of Public Administration (3 hours)
• PS505 Organization Theory and Behavior (3 hours)
• PS615 Government Budgeting (3 hours)
• PS631 Nonprofit Management (3 hours)

Additionally, students can choose 6 hours of research or internship credits.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Admission requirements may vary, and applicants should check with the university for the most up-to-date information.

Outcomes and Careers

The program prepares students for careers in emergency management, with median salaries ranging from $40,120 for Emergency Medical Technicians to $88,890 for Emergency Management Directors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

College and Department

The Master of Science in Emergency Management and Preparedness program is housed within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

Graduate Coordinators and Career Services

Graduate coordinators serve as the primary contact for graduate programs, providing guidance on degree requirements and placement opportunities. The university's Career Services office also offers support to help students launch their careers.

Additional Resources

Students can access various resources, including the Office of Admissions, Costs and Scholarships, Department of Biology, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and the Kent Library.