Master of Science (M.S.) in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems

Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jungwon Yeo
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker 

Schedule Advising Appointment

The Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) in light of the changes in the profession post-COVID, has newly revised our graduate program to better prepare students for roles in a broad range of health organizations that respond to emergencies and disasters including: health care organizations, public health departments, emergency management agencies, and emergency medical services.

Job prospects in the region are promising and job growth in this area is expected. EDHS has created a program explicitly marrying emergency and disaster management with health, broadly defined as public health, healthcare, emergency management, and emergency health services, to become the place to study if you’re interested in emergency/disaster HEALTH.

PLEASE NOTE: The ADMIT application system is not yet updated to reflect our new Master’s level tracks due to some recent difficulties in the software. In order to assist our potential students to manage the system as it currently exists and not delay applications, please use the following application tracks when applying. When you meet with your advisor, let them know which track you wish to focus on.

Track 1: Please apply under the Administration, Planning  & Policy track. Make sure to apply for either the online (ADPP) or hybrid (APPO) track (listed separately) You will be in the correct track once they update the system name to Emergency & Disaster Health Management Track

Track 2: Please apply under the Preventative Medicine & Epidemiology track. Make sure to choose either the online (PMEO) or hybrid (PMEP) track (listed separately). Once the system is updated, we will submit paperwork to move you to the correct Public Health Emergency & Disaster Management Track [online (PHEO) or hybrid (PHEM) track]

Track 3: Please apply under the Preventative Medicine & Epidemiology track. Make sure to choose either the online (PMEO) or hybrid (PMEP) track (listed separately). You will be in the correct track once they update the system name to Healthcare Emergency & Disaster Management Track.

Track 4: Please apply under the Administration, Planning  & Policy track. Make sure to apply for either the online (ADPP) or hybrid (APPO) track (listed separately). Once the system is updated, we will submit paperwork to move you to the correct EHS Education Track [online (EDUO) or hybrid (EDUC) track]

We appreciate your patience as the company hosting the ADMIT system resolves the current issues in our program application process. Any questions, please reach out to the EDHS Graduate Program Coordinator. Thank you!

Four tracks are available to the Master’s level Emergency and Disaster Health Systems major, each with a different study focus.

  • Track 1: Emergency and Disaster Health Management
    The Emergency and Disaster Management specialization focus includes courses in disaster mitigation, planning, & preparedness; emergency & disaster response & recovery; strategic planning; and uses evidence based program planning for emergencies & disasters. [Recommended concurrent Emergency and Disaster Management (EMGT) PBC]
  • Track 2: Public Health Emergency / Disaster Management
    The Public Health specialization focus includes courses in public health emergency preparedness; leadership and crisis communications; environmental hazards, adaptations & justice; and evidence-based program planning, implementation & evaluation for emergency & disasters. [Future Post-Baccalaureate Certificate]**
  • Track 3: Healthcare Emergency / Disaster Management
    The Healthcare Emergency Management specialization focus includes courses in epidemiology & research methods; healthcare emergency preparedness and management; leadership and risk, crisis communication; and strategic planning. [Recommended concurrent Healthcare Emergency Management (HCEM) PBC]
  • Track 4: Emergency Health Services (EHS) Education
    The EHS Education track in collaboration with the Learning and Performance Technology (LAPT) section of the Education Department prepares future instructors within the EMS profession to teach the next generation of students through developing education programs and professional development experiences. Includes required LAPT/EDUC Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (LAPT PBC) in either Instructional Systems Development or eLearning (12 credits)
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems

The degree tracks offer an optional additional certification through a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) relevant to the track of study. The EDHS Education track PBC is required as part of the degree completion.

**A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for the Public Health Disaster/Emergency Management is not yet available but will be offered in the future

For General Graduate School information and funding option/opportunities, please check out the Graduate School’s website at https://gradschool.umbc.edu/

For additional resource information for funding your graduate studies, visit our Funding Your Education page

Ever wonder what you can do with a Emergency and Disaster Health Systems degree? Check out our ACTUAL UMBC GRADUATE PROGRAM ALUMNI CAREERS

EHS Graduate Program Alumni Careers and Positions after Graduation  (PDF)