(Available via Online or Hybrid)
GRADUATE STUDIES IN EMERGENCY and DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Acting Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jane Lincove
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker
Schedule an Advising Appointment
To better sever our students, our graduate program curriculum has been updated. New curriculum changes will take effect as of Fall 2025. Students enrolled in the EDHS Emergency Management PBC program prior to Fall 2025 can continue under their current plan requirements or update to new curriculum requirements.
Speak with an advisor for additional information.
Confers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
Downloadable PDF: Emergency and Disaster Management.2025
UMBC offers baccalaureate degree holders the opportunity to take a select number of graduate-level courses in specialized areas to expand their knowledge and, in some cases, prepare for professional certification exams.
The Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Emergency and Disaster Management. This program is designed for current and aspiring emergency managers who want to build graduate-level skills in analysis, planning, and leadership within the growing field of all-hazards emergency management. Coursework is also aligned with the educational requirements for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) certification exam.
In addition, EDHS hosts a student chapter of IAEM at UMBC, open to all students, regardless of major or degree program. Participation is encouraged for anyone interested in networking and professional development in the emergency management field.
The PBC can be completed:
- As a stand-alone post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC),
- Concurrent enrollment as part of a Master’s (M.S.) degree in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems,
- Concurrent enrollment within the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems specialization of the Public Policy Ph.D. program.
UMBC also offers a collaborative pathway between the EDHS department and the Cybersecurity (CYBR) program within the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, allowing students to integrate emergency management and cybersecurity coursework. (See below for more information)
Important for Current Graduate Students:
Students currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program at UMBC can complete the EDHS Emergency and Disaster Management PBC concurrently by submitting a PBC Concurrent Enrollment Form. Add the Graduate Program Coordinator as the program coordinator on the form.
Program codes are:
- EMGTO – for fully online courses
- EMGT – for hybrid courses
Students should consult with their academic advisor to plan the sequencing of certificate courses.
For questions or registration permission to enroll in the EDHS certificate courses, please email the EDHS Graduate Program Coordinator.
Prospective students who wish to take the certificate program as a stand alone program should apply via online application with the Graduate School. Please make sure you are applying for the correct program and modality.
Department: Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS)
Program modality codes: EMGTO (Online only), EMGT (Hybrid)
Required Courses:
- EDHS 637: Emergency and Disaster Response & Recovery [3]
- EDHS 638: Emergency and Disaster Mitigation, Planning, and Preparedness [3]
- EDHS 691: Strategic Planning in EDHS [3]
- EDHS 720: Evidence-Based Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation for Emergency and Disasters [3]
Total Graduate Certificate Credits Required: [12]
Collaboration between the Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) and the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Cybersecurity Program (CYBR)
The EDHS Graduate program in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Cybersecurity Program (CYBR), will allow students to substitute one (1) core Cybersecurity MPS courses for one (1) EDHS PBC course to increase flexibility and best meet our students’ needs.
CYBR Master’s degree students wishing to pursue the EDHS Emergency and Disaster Management PBC must submit a concurrent enrollment form with the Graduate School: Concurrent Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program Application [DocuSign] (Please contact the EDHS Graduate Program Coordinator for assistance)
Once accepted, students complete three (3) of the four EDHS courses below. (*EDHS 637 & EDHS 638 are required courses)
- EDHS 637* Emergency and Disaster Response and Recovery [3]
- EDHS 638* Emergency and Disaster Mitigation, Planning, and Preparedness [3]
- EDHS 691 Strategic Planning in EDHS [3]
- EDHS 720 Evidence-Based Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation for Emergencies and Disasters [3]
CYBR degree students may choose one (1) of the following courses to substitute for either EDHS 691 or EDHS 720 to complete the Emergency and Disaster Management PBC.
- CYBR 650: Managing Cyber Operations [3]
- CYBR 658: Risk Analysis and Compliance [3]
For students under curriculums prior to Fall 2025, please contact the EDHS Graduate Program Coordinator for assistance.
For Emergency and Disaster Health System (EDHS) Master’s degree students wishing to obtain exposure to cybersecurity via a Cybersecurity Operations Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC), the four (4) CYBR courses below will satisfy the elective requirements within the EDHS Master’s degree and allow the students to complete a concurrent enrollment in a Cybersecurity Operations PBC.
- CYBR 620: Introduction to Cybersecurity
- CYBR 650: Managing Cybersecurity Operations
- CYBR 658: Risk Analysis and Compliance
- One additional CYBR / EDHS Emergency and Disaster Management PBC Course
Office of Professional Programs Website : Cybersecurity
Click HERE for the schedule of course offerings
For more information on the graduate certificate contact:
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker,
OR
Acting Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jane Lincove