The MS in Emergency & Disaster Management 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
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.