The Master of Science (MS) in Emergency Preparedness is designed to prepare professionals in a world where emergency preparedness and response skills are essential to the public health infrastructure.  Events explored include naturally occurring disasters, intentional acts of terrorism, and new emerging infectious disease threats.  The course curriculum is designed to be reflective and inclusive of current and nationally endorsed competencies in emergency preparedness leadership, communication, information management, practice improvement and planning and worker health and safety. 

Degree Requirements

The MS in Emergency Preparedness is designed as a 36 credit hour program that can be completed in two academic years as a full-time student or a part-time student can take up to five years to complete.  Students enrolling in the MS in Emergency Preparedness will choose to enroll in either a practice or academic track.  

Program of Study

The M.S. in Emergency Preparedness is offered as two tracks (1) a practice based track or (2) an academic based track.   Students must choose only one of the tracks and the curriculum is as follows:

Master’s Thesis (6 credit hours):

The thesis proposal must be approved by the student’s Advisory Committee. The thesis work should reveal a capacity to carry on independent study or research and should demonstrate the student’s ability to use the techniques employed in the field of investigation. 

Advisor and Supervisory Committee

Each student will be advised by a three-member Advisory Committee. 
Advisory Committee has the following principal responsibilities:
a. Assist the student in developing a program of study.
b. Advise the student regarding research direction and thesis preparation.
c. Serve as the Examination Committee for the Final Oral Exam, i.e., thesis defense