Graduate Education in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jungwon Yeo
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker
Areas of Study
Combined Degree Program (B.S./M.S.)
Students in the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems undergraduate program (or related field) who meet specific qualifications may opt for a combined B.S./M.S. degree. Application for this program is made during your Junior year of undergraduate study and must be approved by both the Graduate Program Director and the Advisor for the student’s undergraduate degree track.
Once approved, students apply to the Graduate School for the Accelerated Bachelor/Master’s program, (Not the full Master’s degree program) focusing on the Master’s degree track they wish to pursue, and will be allowed to start taking graduate-level courses during their Senior year. Students must submit approval paperwork for undergraduates to take graduate courses for credit each semester they take a Graduate course (see link below).
Please Note: Acceptance into the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems accelerated B.S./M.S. program does not guarantee acceptance into the EDHS Graduate program. Students must apply to the Master’s program to start after they complete their undergraduate degree. If accepted, up to three (3) graduate courses taken in the B.S./M.S. program can be applied towards the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems Master’s degree.
- Accelerated Program Application [DocuSign]
- Approval for Undergraduates to Take Courses for Graduate Credit [DocuSign]
Emergency and Disaster Management Certificate
More information about the Emergency and Disaster Management Certificate
The Emergency and Disaster Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (EMGT PBC) provides an option for those interested in emergency management. There are four (4) required core courses to complete for a total of 12 credits.
This certificate can be obtained as a stand-alone option, or in conjunction with the EDHS M.S. degree. Under the guidance of the program advisor, a concurrent completion of the certificate program and the M.S. degree is possible. This program is available online through distance education or through on-campus/hybrid courses.
Healthcare Emergency Management Certificate
More information about the Healthcare Emergency Management Certificate
The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Emergency Management (HCEM PBC) offers specialized training in emergency preparedness and disaster response from a public health perspective. There are four (4) required core courses to complete for a total of 12 credits.
This certificate can be obtained as a stand-alone option, or in conjunction with the EDHS M.S. degree. Under the guidance of the program advisor, a concurrent completion of the certificate program and the M.S. degree is possible. This program is only available online.
Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
More information about the M.S.
Four tracks of focused study are available:
- Track 1: Emergency and Disaster Health Management
- Includes optional concurrent enrollment in Emergency Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (EMGT PBC)
- Track 2: Public Health Disaster/Emergency Management
- PENDING Public Health Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC)
- Track 3: Healthcare Disaster/Emergency Management
- Includes optional concurrent enrollment in Healthcare Emergency Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (HCEM PBC)
- Track 4: EDHS Education
- Includes required LAPT/EDUC Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (LAPT PBC) in either Instructional Systems Design or E-Learning (12 credits)
Time Limits
The Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems Master’s level programs require a minimum of 30 hours of credit which must be completed within five (5) years from the date of initial enrollment. With continuous enrollment each semester, most students complete the degree in about two years. A three-year time frame will be typical for many part-time students, although earlier completion is possible.
Introduction to the Field of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
Modern emergency and disaster health systems are complex entities that require the coordination of multiple service organizations in order to be effective. The common goal of this cooperative effort is to reduce death and disability resulting from acute illness and injury. The emergency health care system is the larger health care system’s method of reaching out to people experiencing unforeseen medical emergencies, assessing their needs, initiating care, and transporting them to an appropriate facility while continuing care. Emergency health care encompasses agencies ranging from local rescue squads to national and international disaster and refugee health services, and includes mobile (i.e. ambulances) and fixed resources (hospitals). Increasingly, EMS/EDHS agencies are becoming more involved in activities aimed at the prevention of injuries and sudden illness, and are exploring other public health roles. In order for this work to be effective, a high degree of management capability, combined with targeted research and education are required. Our Master of Science degree and Ph.D. Specialization within the School of Public Policy programs are designed to address these needs.
Purposes of Graduate Level Program
The UMBC Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) graduate study programs encompass the system components listed above. The program is primarily focused on preparing professionals for leadership roles requiring skill in planning, research, development, and organizational operations. The curriculum is designed to provide graduate level training and education to health care providers, researchers, educators, policy makers and administrators.
Please note:
- All Master’s Tracks receive a Master of Science degree in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
- Ph.D. Degrees are conferred by the School of Public Policy
UMBC is in the top tier of research universities nationally with one of the highest classifications given by the Carnegie Foundation: Doctoral/ Research University (Very High Research Activity, R1). The Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (Formerly Emergency Health Services) baccalaureate program began in 1980. Our goal was to produce the most comprehensively educated individuals capable of performing tasks within the broad scope of the emergency health care field as leaders, managers and providers. Our graduate program, the first in the nation for Emergency Health Services, began a year later. It remains the largest program of its type available in the United States.
Our program is unique in its proximity and interaction with other world-renown emergency medicine resources. We share connections with the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (our state EMS agency), the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine, and its National Study Center for Trauma and EMS. Many students have interned in these organizations. Our proximity to Washington D.C. enhances access to national agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Maryland is often looked to as a leader in emergency medical services; our Graduate Program is one of the resources enhancing this reputation.
Additional Resources:
- What can you do with an Emergency and Disaster Health Systems degree?
- UMBC Graduate Program Alumni Careers
- For information on tuition costs and other financial questions, please see our Financial Assistance page.
- For General Graduate School information and funding option/opportunities, please check out the Graduate School’s website.