Emergency & Disaster Management Master of Science
College
College of Health Professions
Degree
Master of Science
Campus
East Falls
Format
Online, On Campus
Credits
36
Duration
1 - 3 Years
PROGRAM CONTACT
This Emergency & Disaster Management MS program is designed to educate medical, public safety and defense professionals working in the public and private sectors to plan for, respond to, and mitigate the effects of natural and manmade disasters, including pandemics, terrorism, war, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, volcanoes, hazardous materials and major power grid disruptions.
The MS program has many distinguishing elements. Students practice hands-on skills on real projects during an intensive on-campus week, partnerships and affiliations, build their networks professional organizations, and are eligible for a sought-after scholarship. The programs are offered in both virtual and in person formats.
Curriculum
In addition to a core curriculum that includes such courses as Foundations in Emergency Management and Public Health Implications of Disasters, and elective courses such as Foundations in Homeland Security and Defense, Business and Crisis Continuity, and Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Population, our program will prepare you to manage and develop the increasingly complex disaster management and preparedness requirements of the 21st centu
The MS is offered as an online distance program or an on-campus program.
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.