M.S. in Emergency Management

The online Master of Science in Emergency Management (M.S. in EM) provides you with the practical broad-based knowledge and state-of-the-art training that emergency managers need to effectively lead in today’s increasingly complex, interdisciplinary emergency management environment.

Our cutting-edge curriculum offers advanced training in all-hazards planning, an approach that applies across disciplines and organizations. Courses are developed and taught by Adelphi University faculty members, many with front-line experience managing major planned and unplanned events including presidential visits, global meetings, terrorist attacks, health epidemics, aviation emergencies and natural disasters.

The 100-percent online, instructor-led program provides working professionals with hands-on training and specialized knowledge backed by theory. It offers both maximum flexibility and personalized instruction. Whatever your role and wherever you work, our faculty customize the curriculum to ensure that your Adelphi emergency management education aligns with your professional circumstances and goals. We built the online M.S. in EM to augment your experience with a well-rounded, advanced education that gives you a competitive edge in the field and expertly prepares you to manage any emergency.

Our graduates assume roles as emergency management directors, emergency management consultants, public safety directors, hazard mitigation officers, homeland security officers, risk managers and business continuity managers in a broad range of settings that include:

State and local governments
Federal agencies
The U.S. military
Disaster relief and other non-governmental organizations
Hospitals
Oil and gas extraction companies
Electric and utilities companies
Business
Universities and colleges

Who Can Benefit

The Master of Science in Emergency Management online attracts individuals from a broad range of educational backgrounds who have experience in emergency services or related fields. They want to expand their knowledge and earn a professional credential that is required for a career change or career advancement.

Prospective students typically are accomplished working professionals who want to make a difference and are interested in or adept at developing strategy and leading.

Program Benefits

• 100 percent online, instructor-led courses enable you to advance your education without disrupting your career.
• The state-of-the-art M.S. in EM curriculum teaches you how to manage disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, and can be tailored to address your specific career goals.
• You learn about the latest technology including the use of drones in disaster response.
• You gain rich learning experiences and networking opportunities by studying with emergency management professionals from diverse areas including public service, military, emergency services and business.
• You can earn an 18-credit Certificate in Emergency Management, which applies as credit toward your M.S. in EM.
• No GRE is required for admission.

Career Landscape

As emergency management more broadly and firmly establishes itself as a profession, the career path to emergency manager now requires both experience and education. Though police, fire, emergency medical, or related practical experience provides a strong foundation for an emergency management career, leadership roles demand specialized training that emphasizes the development of collaboration and communication skills and broad-based knowledge across disciplines including business administration, public health and information systems.

As public and private-sector emergency management programs expand to include risk-based planning, community outreach and rebuilding for sustainability, the field also is providing opportunities to individuals who may have no professional emergency service background, but have other applicable expertise.

These and other developments, including widespread climate disasters, cyberattacks and other threats, are creating demand in the field for individuals who have master’s level emergency management education.