Emergency Planning and Response
Learn to prevent, mitigate, and assess emergencies as you develop essential communication skills and build your leadership expertise. Whether an emergency is natural or manmade, emergency preparedness is vital to ensure the least possible impact on the welfare of those affected. From emergency preparedness to recovery, learn the process of emergency planning and response and take on leadership roles in security and emergency situations.
At a Glance
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 human and natural crises
Manage the phases of comprehensive emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery)
Develop and communicate mitigation plans
Curriculum
Master of Science in Security 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.
Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Security Management program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.
Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.
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.
| 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 |
Interested in a graduate certificate?
Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Emergency Planning and Response.
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
Emergency management professionals are in high demand, particularly as experienced leaders of the baby boomer generation continue to retire at a rate of 10,000 per day according to a Trends in Executive Development report.
Opportunities for emergency management directors will continue to grow at a rate of 6% through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job candidates with extensive work experience in an emergency management role will have the best job prospects.
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 Management Specialist Salary: National Average
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
"The professors at University College really are looking at helping their students succeed." —Aaron Pataluna, graduate.
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.
Featured Instructors
Accreditation
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.
