Disasters Are Getting Stronger, But So Are We

Get ahead of the chaos with a unique Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management degree from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Ranked first in the nation for interprofessional emergency management education, this program will strengthen your professional skill set and provide you with cutting-edge training to manage and mitigate the most complex issues. You'll have access to some of the country's best educators in the field, plus connections to community organizations to get firsthand experience. Graduate with a core knowledge and a portfolio demonstrating your abilities.

Connect With a Larger Community as You Enrich Your Career

With online, evening courses, you’ll have minimal interruptions to your daily life and current career. And since hands-on learning is critical to emergency management, you’ll work with your professors to get connected to community partners to participate in practicums and volunteerism as part of the program’s mission of service.

Announcing NSU's new Doctor of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management

Starting 2024 (pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges). Email for more information.

photo of student pablo nieves

With NSU, I'm becoming a more effective leader for my community, my country, and the next generation of emergency managers.

Pablo Nieves, Combat Medic, Firefighter | M.S. in Disaster and Emergency Management, '24

Quick Facts

Tuition

Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Credits & Requirements

The M.S. in Disaster and Emergency Management program is 36 total credits and involves a practicum project.

Application Deadlines

For Winter Admission: December 15
For Summer Admission: April 15
For Fall Admission: August 1

Term Dates and Additional Deadlines

Delivery Options

The Disaster and Emergency Management master’s program is offered online so you can fit class into your schedule.

What Is an Emergency Manager?

The essential emergency manager plays a vital role in helping communities, businesses, and public agencies recover from a spectrum of disasters. Job growth in the field is predicted to remain strong—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an 8% growth rate until 2026 and organizations at the local, national, and international levels are investing heavily in the field.

Why Earn Your M.S. in Emergency Management at NSU?

Flexible, Online Learning

Earn your master’s degree with minimal disruption to your daily life while using innovative web-based learning tools. The online nature of the program allows for you to learn from some of the best and brightest in the field.

Customize Your Concentration

Half of what you study is up to you. Mix and match your courses from six different concentrations: public health, cybersecurity, criminal justice/law enforcement, environmental hazards, fire administration, or maritime safety and security.

Community Service

At the core of emergency management is service. Get connected to community partners like your local emergency response team or FEMA to participate in trainings, drills, and workshops.

Earning Potential

Emergency Management Director

$76,250 Average Salary per Year

Business Continuity Manager

$115,640 Average Salary per Year

Environmental Scientist

$73,230 Average Salary per Year

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Community Partnerships

From assisting with disaster relief from recent hurricanes to providing support in donor recruitment for the Medical Reserves Corps’ participating with the Community Emergency Response Team, students of the DEM program are actively participating in community partnerships and getting valuable, real-world experience.

You’ll be able to easily find your fit for your final practicum thanks to our partnerships and connected community organizations.

Disaster and Emergency Management M.S. Curriculum

From the local to the international level, you’ll study the theory of emergency management and develop the skills required to be a leader in this interprofessional field. All students cover the areas of all-hazards prevention, response, mitigation, and recovery. You may choose a specialty track in maritime safety and security, cyber security, criminal justice, public health, fire administration or environmental hazards .

View Program Curriculum

After Applying, What Happens Next?

Depending on the time of year, the review process may take a few weeks. You can check your application status at any time via the online application portal. Once a decision has been made, notification is sent via email to the address on file.

Take The Next Step