Graduate Program

Florida International University in Miami, Florida, offers a 30-credit Master's in Disaster Management through the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work.

The graduate degree program has been developed in response to the growing recognition and need for graduate-level education in disaster management. Drawing on faculty from across FIU's nationally recognized colleges and programs as well as disaster practitioners with international and national preparedness and response disaster experience, the program's curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature and scope and designed to develop and improve the skills of disaster practitioners and those interested in entering the exciting field of disaster management.

Curriculum

The graduate degree program has been designed to be completed within a year and will cover national and international disaster management. The program consists of the following ten courses:

• Comparative Disaster Management Systems
• Disaster Preparedness and Planning Methodologies
• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Introduction to Vulnerability Analysis and Hazard Mitigation
• Crisis Communications
• Special Topics in Disaster Studies
• Foundations in Humanitarian Assistance and Coordination
• Disaster Health Readiness
• Environmental Disasters and Human Health
• Disaster Field Operations

Disaster Field Course

The graduate degree program culminates with a disaster field course whereby students will engage in a field simulated exercise focusing on the practical issues that arise in a disaster (rapid damage and public health assessment, shelter and site planning, field cluster sampling, water, sanitation and hygiene, personal security, food aid, and operational approaches to relations with the military).

Tuition

Tuition includes the cost of the disaster field simulation exercise. The in-person market rate program ($24,990) includes university fees, books, parking and meals, which will be served prior to each class on Saturdays. The full online tuition ($19,990) does not include parking nor books. However, it does include the cost of the disaster field course simulation including uniforms, meals, and shelter for the period of the exercise.

Our Rankings

• No. 2 Best Online Master's Program (Online Master's Degrees, 2023)
• No. 4 Best Graduate Degree Program (Best Accredited Colleges, 2021)
• No. 7 Best Crisis/Emergency Disaster Management Master's Degree Schools (CollegeFactual.com, 2024)
• No. 23 Best Master's in Emergency Management Degree Programs (2023, Intelligent.com)

Master of Arts in Disaster Management Cohort Profile

• 79% White
• 18% African American
• 61% Hispanic
• 62% Male
• 38% Female
• 35 Average Age
• 3.34 Average GPA
• 4% Non-governmental Organization Employed
• 7% Emergency Management Employed
• 14% Fire Service Employed
• 18% Law Enforcement Employed
• 17% Other Employed
• 86% have a bachelor's degree
• 7% have a master's degree
• 94% Currently Employed
• 47% FIU Alumni
• $76k Average Annual Salary
• 15% Veterans

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Degree Overview:

The program offers a 30-credit Master's in Disaster Management. It is designed to develop and improve the skills of disaster practitioners and those interested in entering the field of disaster management. The program draws on faculty from across FIU's colleges and programs as well as disaster practitioners with international and national preparedness and response disaster experience. The curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature and scope.

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Outline:

The program can be completed within a year and covers national and international disaster management. Offered on the Modesto Maidique Campus (Saturdays only) and fully online, students complete two courses every eight weeks.

• Modules:
• Comparative Disaster Management Systems
• Disaster Preparedness and Planning Methodologies
• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Introduction to Vulnerability Analysis and Hazard Mitigation
• Crisis Communications
• Special Topics in Disaster Studies
• Foundations in Humanitarian Assistance and Coordination
• Disaster Health Readiness
• Environmental Disasters and Human Health
• Disaster Field Operations

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Other:

The program culminates with a disaster field course where students engage in a field simulation exercise focusing on practical issues that arise in a disaster.

Florida International University

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Overview:

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.

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Services Offered:

FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.

Student Life:

Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Campus Resources:

Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:

Student Involvement:

Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Campus Highlights:

Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.

Arts & Culture:

Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Recreation & the Outdoors:

Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Ranked Programs:

FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

Research Excellence:

FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.

Global Focus:

FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.

Diverse Student Body:

FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Campus Amenities:

FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Design

Business and Economics

Education

Hospitality Management

Humanities and Culture

Medicine and Health

Public Policy

Sciences and Engineering

Technology

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Other:

FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.