Master's Concentration

Emergency Planning and Response

The recent rise in environmental emergencies requires leaders who are equipped to handle risks, disasters, and recovery. In this master's degree concentration part of the Environmental Policy and Management program, you’ll train to mitigate and assess large-scale disasters and major environmental emergencies from initial response through to recovery. Be prepared to protect life, property, and business continuity while leading each step of a comprehensive emergency management plan. You’ll develop strategies to fortify community risk reduction preparedness and learn the essential communication and collaboration skills needed to effectively respond to environmental hazards, incidents, and disruptions.

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At a Glance

Classes Begin
September 11
Format
Evening or Online
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
Master's Degree
Tuition
$38,688
Time
As few as 18 months
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Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Brian Cicero
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Brian Cicero

If you plan to study on an F-1 or J-1 visa, contact Tracy Joosten.

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Identify, analyze, and respond to a variety of environmental emergencies


Lead a comprehensive emergency management plan from mitigation to response and recovery


Create and manage emergency mitigation plans

Curriculum

Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Emergency Planning and Response requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

4
Core Courses
4
Concentration Courses
4
Elective Courses

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 2 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 0 0
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Emergency Planning and Response


From raging wildfires to natural disasters, it's currently a "very stressful environment" according to the American Red Cross, which requires expertise in environmental emergency preparedness to protect communities


Employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 6% through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics


From emergency management specialists to public information officers, emergency management directors to business emergency operations specialist, careers in emergency and disaster management are in high-demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Titles

Emergency Prevention Officer
Emergency Management Director
Emergency Response Manager or Technician
Environmental Specialist
Environmental Public Health Investigator
Health and Safety Manager

Emergency Management Specialist Salary: National Average

$75,000
(Glassdoor.com)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Advisory Board

Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you'll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.

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William Bellamy
Senior Vice President of Global Water Services, CH2M Hill
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David Stewart
Stewart Environmental Consultants, Inc
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Joel Hirschboeck
Director of Risk Management, Jefferson County Public Schools
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Lyle Laverty
Colorado State Parks Director
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Howard Roitman
Former Director of Environmental Programs, Colorado Department of Public Health & Safety

Featured Instructors

Accreditation

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Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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