How many credits are required to complete the Master’s degree and certificate programs?
The Master’s degree (M.S.) program requires a minimum of 30 credits to complete. If the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) program is taken concurrently with a Master’s degree track, there are no additional credits required above the 30 credits. If the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) is taken as a standalone program, 12 credits are require to complete the certificate.
Is admission limited to only students with an undergraduate degree in an EMS related field?
No, the Master’s degree is open to all applicants. However, a certain baseline knowledge of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems is recommended for success in the program.
Do I have to quit my current job or take time off to complete a semester long internship?
No. A formal internship is not required in the graduate program.
Is a thesis required?
No. There is a non-thesis option that involves completion of a capstone experience. However, students planning to go on to a doctoral degree or interested in research are encouraged to pursue the thesis option.
What is the capstone experience?
The capstone experience can be a number of different things depending on the student’s individual goals and career plans. The student will work with an faculty mentor to develop a formal proposal for the experience. Usually the capstone experience involves a research project of less breath and depth than a thesis, but resulting in a work suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed EMS or Allied Health journal.
Are courses offered only online?
Most of the courses in the Education Track – ISD specialization courses are taught online
All Emergency and Disaster Health Systems courses offer both an online and hybrid/in-person option
Courses in other departments (e.g. Public Policy/Sociology) may only have in-person options
I am a foreign student. Can I be approved to attend this program as an on-campus student?
Yes. The EDHS Masters Program is approved by SEVIS for foreign student enrollment. Student are required to enroll in the hybrid/in-person sections for all graduate courses.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
This depends on the commitment of the individual student. Part-time Students typically register for 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) and complete the degree in 2 1/2 to 5 years. Full-time Students register for 3 courses (9 credits) per semester and complete the degree in 2 years. Summer course enrollment (where available) can reduce completion time for the full Master’s degree.
Are courses offered during the summer?
Courses in the Education Track– ISD certificate program are offered during some summer sessions
Currently there are no EDHS graduate courses offered during the summer
Will I need a computer and high-speed Internet connection to take courses online?
A computer is needed to access online course content. Students may be able to access computers at the UMBC library, but availability is limited and not guaranteed.
Are all online courses asynchronous or do I have to be online at a particular time?
Courses are designed to be asynchronous. However, from time-to-time an instructor may request that students meet online together for a special seminar or presentation.
Will I ever have to physically come to the UMBC campus?
No, unless you are required to be on-campus for visa requirements.
All students are invited to participate in the in-person Graduate School Graduation Commencements held in December and May upon completion of their Master’s Degree.
As an online student, will I be able to access online UMBC library materials?
Yes. You will have the same access and borrowing privileges as any graduate student.
Will I be assigned an adviser who will work with me to develop my program of instruction and provide academic guidance?
Yes. Students will work with the graduate program coordinator and/or graduate program director. They will assist you in selecting appropriate courses for your track and gain required permission to register for classes each semester. Student can also connect with a faculty mentor for assistance with capstone, research, or thesis projects.
I’m weak in statistics and have had little exposure to formal research. Will this be a determent to completing the program
We understand that many students have difficulty with statistics. We offer a Biostatistics course (EDHS 621) for all our students that fulfills the statistical requirement for Tracks 1, 2, and 3 with this in mind (Statistics is not required for Track 4). Additional assistance is offered by the instructor for any students having difficulty.
Students will also complete a Methodological Research course (EDHS 630) as part of their core requirements, which will assist students in completing the capstone research project and the program.
Additional resources are available to all graduate students through the Academic Success Center and the Graduate Student Association group.
What if something comes up at work or home that prevents me from taking courses for a semester or two? Will I have to drop out of the program?
If the interruption is for a limited period of time, UMBC allows graduate students to not enroll for a semester without being discontinued from a graduate program. However, if the situation is ongoing or recurring, or will last for a period longer than one semester, you should discuss your options with your adviser and may want to consider taking a formal leave of absence.
Are there grants or scholarships available for Graduate students? How can I fund my Graduate degree?
YES! There are many options when looking to fund your graduate-level education. UMBC offers scholarships and grants and there are many private scholarships available as well. In addition, there is the option of Graduate Assistantships as well as fellowships offered through UMBC. Federal assistance may also be available we urge our students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information on ways you can fund your education please visit the link below: