First Responders
Our program equips law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics with resources, skills and confidence to pursue leadership roles in their communities.
MS in Emergency and Disaster Management
Ethical Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management
The Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management at the University of St. Thomas prepares professionals to protect communities, manage crises and lead with integrity across all phases of emergencies and disasters.
Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to assume leadership roles in emergency management agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies and private sector entities engaged in disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Integrate emergency management principles, regulations and research
- Compose decisions and risk management techniques grounded in critical thinking, ethics and data analysis
- Understand how AI technologies can enhance decision-making, resource allocation, risk assessment and situational awareness
- Grasp cybersecurity principles and best practices to protect critical infrastructure, information systems and communication networks during emergencies
- Effectively communicate critical information, coordinate response efforts and engage with diverse stakeholders
Contact
Email
gradedm@stthomas.edu
Who Should Apply to the MS in Emergency and Disaster Management?
The MS in Emergency and Disaster Management is designed for a broad range of students seeking to broaden their expertise and serve their communities. For licensed professionals, some EDMG coursework may count toward continuing education credits.
Public, Private, Non-Profit
Whether you are a government employee or a professional working in the corporate or non-profit world, the MS in Emergecy and Disaster Management will prepare you to be leader in the space — and to work across the boundaries that can exist between agencies.
Public Health
You will explore the intersection between emergency management and health crises, focusing on the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation strategies necessary to address public health emergencies and pandemics.
Prioritizing Convenience: Flexible, Online Emergency Management Degree
Designed for busy professionals, this fully online and asynchronous program offers the flexibility to learn on your schedule. Engage with expert faculty, collaborate with classmates, and apply your learning directly and immediately in your career.
Emergency and Disaster Management Program Overview
Pace, Format
This part-time online program features flexible start times throughout the year.
- 10 required courses will be completed across 4 semesters and a summer.
- Each semester is broken into 2 distinct sessions (~7 weeks each)
- The degree requires completion of 30 credits (10 courses, 3 credits per course).
Rotating Curriculum
The rotating curriculum consists of 10 courses completed in 2 years across 4 semesters and a single summer term. Students take just one course at a time, making it easier to balance the coursework with your personal and professional life. There are no course prerequisites, so you can begin your degree with any course.
Online Learning
To provide flexibility to all learners, our courses are taught in the online asynchronous modality. We will foster personal interaction through optional synchronous online small-group meetings, faculty office hours, guest lectures, and networking events.
Simple Online Application
The program has a simple online application process.
- Applicants will be given two brief essay prompts.
- The process requires an official transcript from an accredited undergraduate institution or university abroad.
- The process does not require a GRE or other standardized tests; and there is no fee to apply.
Pace, Format
This part-time online program features flexible start times throughout the year.
- 10 required courses will be completed across 4 semesters and a summer.
- Each semester is broken into 2 distinct sessions (~7 weeks each)
- The degree requires completion of 30 credits (10 courses, 3 credits per course).
Rotating Curriculum
The rotating curriculum consists of 10 courses completed in 2 years across 4 semesters and a single summer term. Students take just one course at a time, making it easier to balance the coursework with your personal and professional life. There are no course prerequisites, so you can begin your degree with any course.
Online Learning
To provide flexibility to all learners, our courses are taught in the online asynchronous modality. We will foster personal interaction through optional synchronous online small-group meetings, faculty office hours, guest lectures, and networking events.
Simple Online Application
The program has a simple online application process.
- Applicants will be given two brief essay prompts.
- The process requires an official transcript from an accredited undergraduate institution or university abroad.
- The process does not require a GRE or other standardized tests; and there is no fee to apply.
How Long Does the MS in Emergency and Disaster Management Take?
This degree is expected to take 2 years, with just a single course at a time. This sample degree plan gives you an idea of the courses you will take each semester. While these are the program courses, this sequence is a sample and the order in which we offer the courses may vary.
Session A
EDMG 500: Foundations of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Session B
EDMG 501: Communication and Interagency Collaboration in Emergency Management
Session A
EDMG 502: Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Hazard Mitigation
Session B
EDMG 503: Disaster and Society
Session A
EDMG 504: Cybersecurity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Management
Session B
EDMG 505: Natural Hazards and Manmade Disaster Case Studies
Fall Semester
Session A
EDMG 500: Foundations of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Session B
EDMG 501: Communication and Interagency Collaboration in Emergency Management
Spring Semester
Session A
EDMG 502: Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Hazard Mitigation
Session B
EDMG 503: Disaster and Society
Summer
Session A
EDMG 504: Cybersecurity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Management
Session B
EDMG 505: Natural Hazards and Manmade Disaster Case Studies
Session A
EDMG 506: The Role of Emergency Management in Public Health Crisis
Session B
EDMG 507: Emergency Management for Business Industry: Business Continuity
Session A
EDMG 557: AI Literacy for Leaders (cross-listed with MAIL 557)
Session B
EDMG 607: Identifying AI Opportunities (crosslisted with MAIL 607)
Fall Semester
Session A
EDMG 506: The Role of Emergency Management in Public Health Crisis
Session B
EDMG 507: Emergency Management for Business Industry: Business Continuity
Spring Semester
Session A
EDMG 557: AI Literacy for Leaders (cross-listed with MAIL 557)
Session B
EDMG 607: Identifying AI Opportunities (crosslisted with MAIL 607)
Relevant Courses Taught By Experienced Faculty
Meet Your Emergency Management Professors
Dr. Tanya Gladney
Dr. Tanya Gladney is Associate Professor in the Department of Justice and Society Studies and Director of the MS in Emergency and Disaster Management program. Dr. Gladney has 10 years of law enforcement experience with State Capital Police in Jackson, MS and eight years with the United States Army Reserve. She has worked extensively with local police departments by providing and assisting with cultural awareness and implicit bias training. Dr. Gladney is a governor-appointed member of the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, where she serves on the training and rules committees.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Mikulay/Misencik Endowed Graduate Scholarship
The Mikulay/Misencik Endowed Graduate Scholarship will be awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences to students in MS in Emergency and Disaster Management program. Recipients must maintain acceptable grades based and satisfactory academic performance. Preference is given for individuals who are involved in volunteer, co-curricular or community service activities.
Scholarship Details
- Mikulay/Misencik Endowed Graduate Scholarship recipients receive $1000 for program tuition
- Apply for the scholarship directly in your application for graduate admission
Non-Degree Option in Emergency and Disaster Management
If you've been out of school for a while or aren't sure about pursuing a full degree, taking non-degree classes might be an ideal choice. Admitted non-degree students will still participate as a full class member with a variety of students and faculty members. This option allows for you to take a total of up to four courses (10 credits) in the program. From there you can evaluate whether the program's offerings fit your goals and if so, then you may apply for degree-seeking status through a new application. All credits earned as a non-degree student are eligible for transfer into degree-seeking if approved.
Take the Next Steps
Get In Touch
Learn more about earning a MS in Emergency and Disaster Management or the University of St. Thomas — request more information or attend a virtual Information Session.
Graduate Student Handbook and Course Catalog
The CAS Graduate Student Handbook and Course Catalog outlines requirements and policies for students in our graduate programs and compiles information on all of the college's graduate courses. Any issues not mentioned in this handbook are governed by general University of St. Thomas Graduate Policies.