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Top 25 Emergency Management Masters around the world

There are many reasons to study emergency management at the masters level. Those who work in emergency management or related fields may find that a masters degree can help them advance their career or switch to a new field. Additionally, those who wish to research or teach emergency management may find that a masters degree is necessary. And finally, those who wish to obtain a doctoral degree in emergency management may need to first complete a masters program. Whatever your reasons for wanting to study emergency management at the masters level, there are many benefits to doing so.

Some of the benefits of studying emergency management at the masters level include:

  • Improved job prospects: A masters degree in emergency management can improve your job prospects, whether you are looking to advance in your current field or switch to a new one.
  • Increased salary: In many cases, those with a masters degree in emergency management will earn a higher salary than those without one.
  • Greater knowledge and understanding of the field: A masters program in emergency management will provide you with a greater understanding of the field as a whole, as well as the specific issues and challenges that emergency managers face.
  • Improved research skills: If you plan to pursue a doctoral degree in emergency management, or if you simply want to improve your research skills, a masters program can be extremely beneficial.
  • The opportunity to teach: Those with a masters degree in emergency management may find themselves teaching at the collegiate level, either as an adjunct professor or as a full-time faculty member.

If you are considering studying emergency management at the masters level, here are the top 25 degrees you should consider.

Emergency Management (University of New Haven)

The University of New Haven in the United States offers a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management. This two-year program is taught entirely online and follows the regulations and requirements established by the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency. Students take the following courses: Principles of Emergency Management; Principles and Practices of Hazard Mitigation; Catastrophe Readiness and Response; Holistic Disaster Recovery: Creating a More Sustainable Future; Disaster Response Operations and Management; Social Dimensions of Disaster; Emergency Incident Management; Food Plain Management; and Political and Policy Basis of Emergency Management. In addition, they complete a research project and culminating thesis.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security (University of Denver)

The University of Colorado Denver in Denver, Colorado, United States, offers a Master of Public Affairs degree program in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Students spend one year completing the course requirements for the degree on a full-time basis. Mandatory classes include: Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service; Organizational Management and Behavior; Research and Analytical Methods; Economics and Public Finance; The Policy Process and Democracy; Leadership and Professional Ethics; Principles of Emergency Management; Law of All Hazards Management; Hazard Mitigation and Vulnerability Assessment; and Public Policies for Homeland Security & Disasters.

Emergency Management (Auckland University of Technology)

The Auckland University of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand, offers a master’s degree program in Emergency Management. Lasting for 18 months, the program requires full-time study to complete. Students complete five core modules: Leading in Emergency Situations, Business Continuity and Crisis Management, Building Resilient Communities, Psychosocial Aspects of Emergencies and Emergency Risk Communication. In addition, students take one final special topics course, choosing one that interests them from a rotating list of options.

Emergency and Disaster Management (Charles Darwin University)

Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Australia, offers a master’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. The program is unique in that its focus is on the Asia-Pacific region. Required classes for the degree include; Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies; Emergency and Disaster Management in Context; Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management; Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management; Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management; Research Methodologies in Global Learning; and Epidemiology. Students also complete a reflective case study project. The coursework can typically be finished within two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study.

Emergency Management and Disaster Science (University of North Texas)

The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, United States, offers a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management and Disaster Science. During the one-year program, students will have the opportunity to participate in faculty-supervised research and experiential learning at the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency’s regional office. Study abroad opportunities are also available. Coursework covers a broad range of topics, including: Community disaster preparedness; Donations management; Evacuation and return-entry processes; Long-term community recovery; Post-disaster home buyout programs; and Resilience planning.

Emergency Management (Charles Strut University)

Charles Strut University in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, offers a master’s degree program in Emergency Management. The program is conducted entirely online and is geared toward emergency management professionals who wish to further their education. As such, the program is provided in two formats: an 18-month full-time format and a flexible part-time program that typically requires three years to complete. All students complete three classes: Risk Management in the Emergency Management Context, Contemporary Practice in Emergency Management and Literature Review. In addition, students engage in a research project based on their workplaces.

Emergency Management (Massey University in Palmerston North)

Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand, offers a master’s degree program in Emergency Management. Conducted entirely online, the program is ideal for emergency management professionals who wish to advance in their careers. The program requires one year of full-time study to complete. To fulfill the degree requirements, students must take the following classes: Emergency management; Techniques and Methods in Evaluation Research; Natural Hazards; Coping with Disasters; Emergency Management in Practice; Professional Inquiry in Emergency Management; and Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities.

Emergency Management (Massachusetts Maritime University)

Massachusetts Maritime University in Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Emergency Management. The program is ideal for anyone who is currently working or wishes to work in emergency management in the private or public sectors. Provided only in a full-time format, the program involves a 17-month time commitment and concludes with a capstone research project. All students take the following classes: Principles of Emergency Management; Emergency Operations; Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery; Organizational Behavior; Hazards Risk Management; Strategic Planning & Budgeting; Legal Issues in Emergency Management; National Security in Emergency Management; and Transportation Security Management.

Emergency Management (Jacksonville State University)

Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Emergency Management. To receive the degree, students complete the following classes: Foundations of Emergency Management, Disaster Recovery, Research Methods in Emergency Management and Hazard Mitigation. The degree also requires nine hours of an approved emergency management elective. Most students complete all requirements within two years. A shorter Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management program is also available for those who do not wish to pursue the degree path.

Emergency Management (Millersville University of Pennsylvania)

Millersville University of Pennsylvania in Millersville, Pennsylvania, United States, offers a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management. All of the coursework for the program can be completed online, making the program a good fit for working professionals. The program includes three core courses: Principles and Practices of Emergency Management, Technical and Professional Writing for Emergency Management and Social Dimensions of Disaster. Students also select approved elective courses geared toward their specific interests. Most students can finish all of the degree requirements within two years with full-time study.

Disaster and Emergency Management (York University in Toronto)

York University in Toronto, Canada, offers a master’s degree program in Disaster and Emergency Management. Taught entirely online, the program is only one of two of its kind offered in Canada and the only fully off-campus emergency management master’s program in Ontario. Students have the option to complete the program on a full-time basis over one year and four months or on a part-time basis over two years and nine months. Classes included in the degree requirements are: Advanced Disaster & Emergency Management; Disasters – Concepts and Causes; Social and Behavioural Dimensions of Disasters; Natural Disasters; Terrorism Studies; Medical and Public Health Issues for Non-Medical Personnel; and Disasters and Ethics.

Disaster and Emergency Management (Nova Southeastern University)

Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Disaster and Emergency Management. Classes are taught both by academics and emergency management professionals with all courses being conducted in an online format. Students choose an area of focus from one of five options: Maritime safety and security, Cyber security, Criminal justice, Public health, or Fire administration. All students take classes in all-hazards prevention, response, mitigation, and recovery. In addition, students are required to either complete a community internship or conduct research and compose a master’s thesis. The program lasts for two years and involves full-time study.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management (Purdue University Global)

Purdue University Global in Augusta, Maine, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program is provided in an online-only format and intended for working adults who either wish to change careers or advance into leadership positions in emergency management. All students complete the program on a flexible, part-time basis. With 25 hours of study time per week, students can finish all of the degree requirements in two years. Topics covered in the coursework include: Economics and resource availability; Regulation and law; Politics of security; Dynamics of emergency management; Security and policy making; Homeland defense; and Interagency cooperation.

Emergency Management with an Environmental track (Adelphi University)

Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, United States, offers a Master of Science Degree program in Emergency Management with an Environmental track. This program is intended for individuals who currently work in emergency management. Classes are offered evenings and weekends. Students who take three courses each semester can complete the program in two years. All students in the track take the following classes: Computer Applications; Mathematics for Managers; Courses in the Major; Introduction to Emergency Management; Health Management in Times of Disaster; Organizational Planning and Response; Business Continuity Planning; Emergency Management Law; Research in Emergency and Disaster Management; Management Theory/ Organizational Behavior; Leadership and Innovation in Complex Systems; Management Information Systems; and Statistical Methods.

Disaster and Emergency Management (Royal Roads University)

Royal Roads University in Victoria, Canada, offers a Master of Arts degree in Disaster and Emergency Management. A holistic, multi-disciplinary program, the course of study draws from environmental science, social sciences, economics and political science. The majority of the classes for the two-year full-time program are offered online with students only taking a handful of courses on campus. Among the degree requirements are the following courses: Foundations in Disaster and Emergency Management; Facilitation, Coordination and Decision Making in Multi-Stakeholder Environments; Human Dimensions of Disasters; Hazard and Disaster Risk Management; Disaster Response and Sustainable Recovery; Disaster and Emergency Management Planning: From Policy to Practice; and Advanced Professional Practice: Planning for Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty.

Emergency Planning Resilience and Response (University of Wolverhampton)

The University of Wolverhampton in Wellington, England, United Kingdom, offers a postgraduate certificate in Emergency Planning Resilience and Response. Developed specifically for professionals already working in emergency management, the course of study is highly flexible and can be completed on a part-time basis. Most students finish all of the coursework in one year. All students take the following classes: Emergency Management: Foundations and Frameworks; Disasters: Causation, Consequence Management & Learning; and Communicating in Disasters. Exercises and training simulations are included to help students apply concepts learned in the classroom to real life situations.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness (Wright State University)

Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, United States offers a postgraduate certificate in Public Health Emergency Preparedness. This on-campus program includes nine credits of coursework and can be completed in less than a year by most students. Students receive education on the following topics: Components of emergency management and public health response, Emergency management organizational frameworks, Public policy’s role in public health, and Anti-terrorism’s impact on public health.

Crisis and Disaster Management (University of Portsmouth)

The Faculty of Science at the University of Portsmouth in Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Science degree program in Crisis and Disaster Management. Students have the option to take courses full time over a one-year period or part-time over a two-year period. Every student takes three core courses: Disasters: Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk, Emergency Management and Planning, and Disaster Management Techniques and Study Visits. Students also choose between one of two electives: Crisis Management and Governance and Humanitarian Emergency Response and Recovery. In addition, students are required to complete a research project and participate in a work placement internship.

Emergency Management (Lander University)

Lander University in Greenwood, Arizona, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Emergency Management. This program is intended for emergency management professionals with a part-time schedule that includes two classes per term over six semesters. This allows students to finish the program in two years. Among the courses offered as a part of the program are:     Foundations in Emergency Management; Preparedness and Mitigation; Response and Recovery; Business and Economic Continuity; Emergency Mental Health; Continuity of Government; Technology for Emergency Management; Communications Strategies for Emergency Management; Leadership for Emergency Management; Emergency Management Law; Hurricane and Weather; Nuclear Incident Management; and Special Topics in Emergency Management.

Emergency Management and Public Health (George Washington University)

George Washington University in Washington, District of Columbia, United States, offers a postgraduate certificate in Emergency Management and Public Health. The program is meant for working professionals, and students take classes just one evening per week per class. Most students finish all of the coursework in one year. Classes include: Crisis and Emergency Management; Medical and Public Health Emergency Management; Principles and Practices of Epidemiology; Biostatistical Applications for Public Health.

Emergency Management and Crisis (University of Central Florida)

The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, United States, offers a Master of Emergency Management and Crisis degree program. Lasting for one full year, the program is campus based and includes three classes: Hazard Analysis and Disaster Planning; Foundations of Emergency Management and Homeland Security; and Research Methods in Public Administration. Students also complete and defend a master’s thesis on a topic of interest.

Emergency Management and Resilience (Coventry University)

Coventry University in Coventry, England, United Kingdom, offers a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management and Resilience. With this program, students have the option to study full time for two years or part time over a two to five year period. Some of the required courses for the degree program include: Risk, Incidents & Leadership; Emergency Planning & Preparedness; Integrated Emergency Management; Training & Exercise Design and Delivery; Researching Perspectives & Practice; Business Continuity & Crisis Management; and Community Preparedness, Recovery & Resilience.

Emergency Management (City University of New York)

The City University of New York in New York City, New York, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Emergency Management. Most students in the program are emergency management professionals who take classes on a part-time basis. Students have the flexibility to create their own course of study. Among the available classes are: Geographic Information Systems for Public Safety and Emergency Management; Technology in Emergency Management; Business Continuity Planning; Seminar in Emergency Management and Response; Safety and Security in the Built Environment; Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention; Introduction to Protection Management Systems; Security of Information and Technology; Theory and Design of Fire Protection Systems; Analysis of Building and Fire Codes; Terrorism and Politics; Terrorism and Apocalyptic Violence; Organizational Performance Assessment; Public Sector Inspection and Oversight; Private Security: Function and Role in Homeland Defense; Risk, Threat, and Critical Infrastructure; Safety and Security in the Built Environment; and Theory and Design of Security Systems.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Arkansas Tech University)

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Alabama, United States, offers a Master of Science degree program in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. This multi-disciplinary program requires two years of full-time study and the completion of a master’s thesis. All students take the following classes: Foundation of Leadership; Principles of Hazard and Emergency Management; Fundamentals of Homeland Security; Research Design and Methods; Ethical, Legal, and Political Considerations in Emergency Management and Homeland Security; and Technology for Comprehensive Emergency Management.

Emergency and Disaster Management (American Public University)

American Public University in Charles Town, West Virginia, United States, offers a postgraduate certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management. The program is offered online and designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals with students completing the coursework in just one year. To receive the certificate, students must pass the following classes: Emergency Management and Public Law; Emergency and Disaster Theory; Emergency and Disaster Planning and Management; Interagency Disaster Management; Economics of Disaster; and Case Analysis: Crisis and Disaster.

Management: Emergency Management (University of Maryland University College)

University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, Maryland, United States, offers a Master of Science degree in Management: Emergency Management. The classes required for the degree are offered all online, and the program is intended to be completed on a part-time basis at a pace that is ideal for each student. Requirements for the degree include the following courses: Organizational Theory; Intercultural Communication and Leadership; Financial Decision Making for Managers; Statistics for Managerial Decision Making; Strategic Management Capstone; Comprehensive Crisis and Emergency Management; Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment; Information Technology in Emergency Management; Concepts in Homeland Security; Resilience Planning and Preparedness for Disaster Response and Recovery; and Crisis Communication for Emergency Managers.

Science Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (Eastern Kentucky University)

Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, United States, offers a Master of Science degree in Science Safety, Security, and Emergency Management. Students in the program can choose to follow the multi-disciplinary track or to specialize in one of the following areas:  Homeland Security, School Safety, Occupational Safety, Fire & Emergency Services, or Emergency Management. The program lasts for two years and is offered in a full-time on-campus format.

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