Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs with a Specialization in Emergency Management and Disaster Management

The ability to mitigate devastating impacts on communities amidst natural disasters and other emergencies is an essential skill held by trained emergency management personnel. From developing disaster plans and protocols to organizing volunteers and managing resources, these individuals strive to minimize disruptions during and after an emergency. Professionals in the field may find employment at all levels of government as well as at hospitals, academic institutions, private corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Often at the center of communication between public safety officials, elected representatives, and nonprofit organizations that offer emergency support, these specialists can utilize their expertise in variety of crises situations, including natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis…), terrorist attacks, hazardous chemical spills, technological threats, and healthcare epidemics.

A Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in Emergency and Disaster Management offers graduates a high-level view of emergency planning and response. Within the Emergency Management specialization, students can focus on key trends developing in the field, the latest technologies, national policies, and current crisis strategies. By developing a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities held by emergency management leaders at all levels, graduates of MPA programs in Emergency Management can be uniquely prepared to lead and assist in recovery from emergencies, developing and implementing strategies to respond in the event of natural disasters and other threats, as well as limit future risks.

Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Emergency and Disaster Management

At the core of every MPA curriculum are foundational classes that focus on the fundamentals of public administration. Regardless of the chosen specialization, students will likely take courses on topics including public service leadership, public policy analysis, research techniques, financial management, human resource management, and program development and evaluation. While some schools require the completion of core coursework before beginning electives or specialization courses, others allow for courses to be taken simultaneously. Coursework within an Emergency Management specialization can familiarize students with emerging technologies, management strategies, financial budgeting strategies, legal and organizational frameworks, and other skills necessary to create and carry out effective programs designed to reduce the damage that emergencies can cause to individuals, organizations, cities, states, and the nation as a whole.

Students interested in online MPA programs with a focus on Emergency Management should explore programs with specializations in the following subject areas:

• Disaster and Emergency Management
• Crisis and Emergency Management
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS)
• Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience
• Emergency Services Management
• Fire and Emergency Administration and Management

The 36 to 48 graduate credit hours required of an MPA in Emergency Management can often be completed within a two-to-three-year period depending on a student’s enrollment status. Students who enroll full-time typically complete their degree in two years (or less on an accelerated track), while those studying part-time can expect to take longer. A full-time student will usually take two to three classes each semester, while a part-time student may only enroll in one course per term.

In addition to courses, many schools will require students with limited professional experience in their field of study to complete an internship for credit. A final prerequisite for graduation required by most programs is the completion of a capstone project, where students may work individually or in groups under the guidance of a faculty member to complete a project with real-world implications.

Note: On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, for a program to be categorized as offering an Emergency Management specialization it must offer a distinct track or specialization in the field. In addition, some schools offer Emergency Management programs as a dual specialization program with Homeland Security, while others offer the Homeland Security specialization as a separate focus area.

Examples of Emergency Management Courses in Online MPA Programs

Classes within an Emergency Management specialization are typically focused on preparing for, recovering from, and preventing future disasters. They often include examining emergency management theories and examples of past response techniques. The following courses serve only as examples as curricula and requirements will vary by university.

• Foundations of Emergency Management: This course offers students a comprehensive history of the field of emergency management and the formation of coordinated systems and policies designed to manage emergencies. Students explore modern emergency management concepts as they are employed by governments, nonprofit groups, and the private sector.
• Preparing and Planning for Disasters: This course offers an overview of how policy and politics impact disaster preparation, highlighting the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Past disasters often serve as case studies, as students examine After Action Reports, discussing the development and implementation of new strategies, as well as the modification of existing strategies.
• Disaster Response and Recovery: This course looks at the processes that go into developing short- and long-term emergency responses at the individual, family, and community level. Students develop a high-level understanding of emergency functions, including how damages are assessed, the mobilization of resources, the role of an emergency operations center and the implementation of recovery assistance provided by public groups, voluntary organizations, and the private sector.
• Hazard Mitigation: This course explores the fundamental principles and best practices involved in developing and implementing hazard mitigation strategies. Students examine current policies and critical infrastructures and conduct impact analysis to hone risk-based decision making and management skills.
• Disasters and Society: This course utilizes research and social science theories to examine how disasters affect communities and individuals. Students will discuss case studies to develop a deeper understanding of how factors such as race, culture, socioeconomic status, gender, and culture can influence perception of disasters.
• Global Emergency Management: This course compares the methods utilized by emergency management specialists in different countries and cultures. Students examine case studies to discuss current theories and best practices surrounding disaster planning, response, mitigation, and recovery, as well as the impact of global issues such climate change, terrorism, and population growth on disaster management.

Curricula and elective course options, in addition to start dates, prerequisites, and term lengths will vary by university. Below is a sample two-year course of study for a full-time online MPA program with a specialization in Emergency Management. Note that many programs allow students some degree of flexibility in how they complete their curriculum and in the time it takes to earn their MPA degree.

Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in Emergency and Disaster Management

Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs

Working professionals who wish to return to school to pursue their advanced degree may benefit from the flexibility offered by an online MPA program. Online MPA programs provide a full graduate student experience, taking advantage of technology to offer opportunities for classroom discussions and networking with fellow students and faculty. Distance learning offers many benefits, including the opportunity to attend an MPA program that offers a specialization in Emergency Management without having to relocate.

Online courses are typically offered in one of two formats. Courses that feature live lectures that students attend using video conferencing software are referred to as online courses that incorporate synchronous instruction. Courses that use pre-recorded lectures and other course materials that allow a student to review them at any time are known as courses that utilize asynchronous instruction. Many courses, with the exception of those that require substantial collaborative group work, use asynchronous instruction, wherein students can complete assignments at their pace assuming they still meet set deadlines for assignments and participation requirements.

Students who require more flexibility due to full-time employment or personal commitments may prefer programs that offer primarily, if not exclusively, asynchronous instruction. Conversely, those who prefer scheduled classes with live discussion should explore programs that offer synchronous instruction. Even programs that include synchronous instruction have asynchronous course materials and readings that students complete on their own schedule. No matter the format, most professors will schedule students live office hours, allowing the opportunity to ask questions and discuss assignments. In addition, students can also interact with instructors and classmates through email or online discussion forums.

OnlineMPAPrograms.com considers an MPA program as an online program if three or fewer campus visits are required per year. Most online MPA programs can be completed without traveling to campus, although some programs do feature and require on-campus sessions or intensives that may take place over a weekend or week-long period during the summer or winter break. These sessions can be a valuable addition to an online program for students who want to meet classmates and professors in-person during their program. Online students are typically welcomed on campus for graduation as well.

Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs with a Specialization in Emergency Management

Given the skilled nature of an MPA program specializing in Emergency Management, some programs may require or prefer applicants who have two or more years of experience working at a federal, state, or local governmental agency or at a nonprofit organization. Those who do not meet this requirement may be accepted to a program contingent upon the completion of a relevant for-credit internship.

Most MPA programs consider an applicant’s overall academic and professional background when reviewing student applications. All master’s programs in public administration require the completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Certain programs also require a minimum GPA, which can range from 2.5 to 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Additional application requirements often include letters of recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV), writing samples, and a personal statement detailing goals related to the program. Some programs also ask for current standardized test scores, which for MPA programs is typically the GRE or GMAT.

If an applicant meets many but not all MPA program admission requirements, they may be accepted on a probationary or conditional basis, which allows for entrance into the program contingent upon their ability to maintain coursework and a minimum graduate GPA. It is also important to note that many MPA programs have selective admissions policies, meaning admission is not guaranteed even if an applicant meets all the application criteria.

Accreditation for Online MPA Programs

Prior to selecting an online MPA program with a specialization in Emergency Management, prospective students should ensure that the institution is accredited by one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which offers accreditation for schools that primarily offer online programs. Every school included in OnlineMPAPrograms.com’s comprehensive database is accredited by a commission recognized by CHEA. Institutional accreditation is important as universities and colleges often will not accept transfer credits from schools that are not accredited.

Some schools distinguish themselves further by seeking optional accreditation for specific degree programs. For MPA programs, this type of accreditation is offered through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Accreditation signifies that the program complies with NASPAA’s mission and academic standards. However, MPA programs are not required to seek NASPAA accreditation, and many programs choose to align their curriculum with NASPAA standards in lieu of pursuing formal accreditation.

Beyond accreditation, students should take the time to review each schools’ course offerings, faculty, available research opportunities, career-development opportunities, private sector partnerships and student services before applying to an online program.

Emergency Management Organizations and Networking Opportunities

Students enrolled in online MPA programs with a specialization in Emergency Management can strengthen their professional connections while completing their degree by joining professional organizations in the field. These organizations offer networking opportunities as well as global and national connections within the industry. Many of the organizations listed below also offer access to publications, continuing education seminars, conferences, job boards, and more.

National Emergency Management Association (NEMA): A non-partisan, non-profit group, NEMA brings together emergency management directors from across the U.S to discuss new strategies in the field. Dedicated to the enhancement of public safety, this nationally recognized group offers networking opportunities through forums and committees, as well as professional development training and publications. Discounted student memberships are available to those enrolled in full-time programs.

International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM): This nonprofit educational organization serves as an international hub for the field of emergency management. Student memberships offers scholarship opportunities, access to job boards, professional development and continuing education opportunities, and the chance to network with other leaders in the field via groups and annual conferences.

Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI): This organization connects more than 20,000 resilience professionals in more than 100 countries. The DRI was created to deliver disaster assistance, from disaster recovery to cyber resilience, to local populations and organizations across the globe. In addition to offering networking opportunities, DRI trains members in 15 certification programs to further strengthen their abilities and credentials in the field.

The International Association for Disaster Preparedness and Response (DERA): A nonprofit non-governmental organization focused on connecting professionals, volunteers, and organizations in disaster preparedness and emergency management. Members have access to numerous resources, including a Facebook group, LinkedIn Group, newsletter, and an ebook.

Black Emergency Managers Association International (BEMA): Dedicated to African-American and Latino members of the professional emergency management community, this organization works to ensure diversity in the field as well as provide networking, educational, and professional development opportunities. Their mission is to assist with community involvement throughout the emergency-management process.

Comprehensive Directory of Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Emergency Management and Disaster Management