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

Acting Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jane Lincove
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker 

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.

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. [Pending 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: EDHS Education
  The EDHS 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.

• Emergency and Disaster Management PBC
• Healthcare Emergency Management PBC
• LAPT PBC Option 1: Instructional Systems Development
• LAPT PBC Option 2: eLearning

**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)