EDM Graduate Certificate

Emergency and Disaster Management Graduate Certificate

The human and financial costs due to natural disasters continue to increase, with the United Nations reporting that during this century alone, such events have affected over 2.7 billion people and caused $2.5 trillion in U.S. economic losses.  While disasters disproportionately harm poorer countries, in actuality every country is vulnerable to the impact of natural hazards, particularly in light of the growing threat posed by climate change. Further, such disasters may also trigger secondary crises, as in the case of the 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear catastrophe.  Combined with the continued uncertain national and international security environment following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the emergency management profession is growing dramatically in the United States and around the globe. Accordingly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the field in the United States alone will increase by 22 percent, between 2008 and 2018, with EM-related jobs designated as "50 Best Careers" by U.S. News and World Report.

This flexible program allows students to pursue a graduate certificate and further their knowledge of emergency management.  After completing the graduate certificate program, a student will have completed half of the required courses for a Master of Science in Emergency Management (MSEM).  Students may chose to continue on in the program and obtain the MSEM degree without reapplying for admission. 

Click here to Apply

Program Requirements:

Students seeking to complete the graduate certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management (EDM) will be formally admitted to Millersville through the admissions process for certificate applicants approved by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Certificate holders who desire subsequent admission into the full MSEM program will be required to adhere to all regular admissions requirements for the MSEM program.  The certificate will consist of five courses, totaling fifteen credits. 

  1. Complete the online application.  The online application includes a document upload feature for the submission of your required goal statement, an optional electronic letter of recommendation request system, and secure application fee ($40) payment processing.
  2. Upload the academic and professional goals statement required for admission by your intended program.  Your statement should include experiences which have influenced your decision to graduate studies and a self-assessment of your potential for advanced study and service in your chosen field.  Please refer to the program-specific essay instructions listed above.
  3. Submit one (1) official transcript of baccalaureate and graduate work completed at ALL colleges or universities you have attended, including undergraduate and graduate transfer institutions.  Transcripts must bear the official institutional seal and be contained in a sealed institutional envelope.  Millersville University graduates need not request a transcript.

    Address:
    College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning
    Attn: Graduate Admissions
    P.O. Box 1002
    Millersville University
    Millersville, PA 17551-0302

  4. Submit an official score report from the appropriate graduate admission test (MAT, GRE, ACTFL) if required by your intended degree program.  See Timelines and Requirements Chart.  Applicants with earned master's degrees are exempt from the GRE or MAT admission test score requirement for programs requiring the MAT or GRE.
  5. Use the electronic recommendation request system included with the online application to request the completion and submission of three (3) recommendation forms on your behalf, or forward paper copies of the appropriate Recommendation Forms to your recommenders.  Applicants who opt to use the electronic recommendation request system should note that recommendation requests are transmitted to recommenders after the online application form has been submitted and the application fee has been paid.  Recommendations from professional supervisors or faculty members familiar with your work and academic background are highly preferred.  Please do not submit recommendations from family members or friends.
  6. Additional application documents (resume, portfolios) are required by some degree programs.  See Timelines and Requirements Chart.

Curriculum

Required EDM Course Descriptions:

*Will need to complete five courses.  All students are required to complete EMGT 601.

EMGT 601: Principles & Practices of Emergency Management (three credits)

History and perspectives of the field, hazards concepts and taxonomies, all-hazards approach, phases of emergency management, risk assessment, risk communication, emergency management functions, sustainable development, best practices, the EOC, the disaster plan, CEM, IAEM, forging intra- and inter-government relationships.  Prereq: Program admission.

EMGT 603: Technical & Professional Writing for Emergency Management (three credits)

The emergency management professional is engaged in an ever increasing workload involving reporting, budget preparation; grant applications, and communicating with the public.  This course is designed to enhance the necessary skills for the emergency manager to successfully negotiate the increased demands of the profession.  Prereq: Program admission.

EMGT 605: Social Dimensions of Disaster (three credits)

An overview of the findings of disaster sociology, including, but not limited to, an examination of the social science definition of disaster, the disaster mythology, the impact of the media, organizational challenges during disaster, creating and maintaining a disaster resilient community, national and international disaster researchers and the research literature.  Prereq: EM 601 or permission of the instructor and MSEM director.

EMGT 614: Natural Hazards Primer (three credits)

Natural Science examination of natural or environmental hazards and their associated risks, the overview will possibly include hazards such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods.  Prereq: EM 601 or permission of the instructor and MSEM director.

EMGT 616: Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction & Homeland Security (three credits)

A sociological exploration of what terrorism is why it occurs, prudent approaches to reducing the incidence of terrorism, and failed approaches; the origins and functions of homeland security, the necessity of maintaining an all-hazards approach and issues surrounding the placement of FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security.  WMD history, an overview of the basic known biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear materials likely to be used as weapons; approaches to inoculation and treatment before and after exposure.  Prereq: EM 601 or permission of the instructor and MSEM director.

EMGT 617: Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication

How the media is an integral part of an effective disaster plan, how the media is problematic during disaster response, the value of a trained public information officer within organizations, key issues in risk communication and best practices.  Prereq: EM 601 or permission of the instructor and MSEM director.

EMGT 618: Humanitarian Responses to International Disasters (three credits)

International organizations, challenges and experiences they commonly encounter in mitigating and responding to disaster events; considers if a global economy, global village will help or hinder future efforts.  Prereq: EM 601 or permission of the instructor and MSEM director.

EMGT 619: Emergency Management Planning (three credits)

An in-depth analysis of planning methodologies and constructs as well as pitfalls and limiting factors in the development and execution of emergency management plans at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.  Origins of emergency management planning, applicable policies and legislation, historical incident review and analysis, contemporary and emerging planning doctrine, and advanced planning concepts.  Pre-requisites: EMGT 601.