About the Department
The Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science (EMDS) educates students in the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of emergency management. Primary emphasis is placed upon the human dimensions of hazards and disasters and enhancing community and societal resilience to a wide range of threats. The department is home to the emergency administration and planning (EADP) program, which was established in 1983 as the nation's first bachelor's degree program in emergency management.
The department's faculty come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds and bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. They have written books on emergency management topics and have published in many of the top scholarly journals on hazards, disasters and emergency management. Importantly, faculty have received significant external funding for their research from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and others. Current research topics include community disaster preparedness, evacuation and return entry decision making, donations management, post-disaster home buyout programs, long-term community recovery, and others.
About the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science
The Master of Science degree in Emergency Management and Disaster Science provides students an in-depth knowledge of the diverse theoretical perspectives and empirical research traditions that underlie and inform the practice of emergency management. It provides a solid academic and practical foundation for those seeking to begin or advance their careers in emergency management or pursue doctoral studies in a hazard- or disaster-related discipline. In addition to taking required courses in emergency management theory, methods, and statistics, students may select from a range of electives covering such topics as challenges of disaster response, disaster preparedness and management, community recovery and resilience, international disasters, and others.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Emergency Management and Disaster Science requires 30 hours of course work, including 24 hours in EMDS and 6 hours in a minor field. Students may choose either a thesis or a non-thesis option.
Required courses, 9 hours
EMDS 5010 - Emergency Management Theory and Practice
EMDS 5110 - Disaster Research Methods
EMDS 5120 - Applied Statistics in Disaster Science
Thesis or non-thesis option
The degree requires each student to select a thesis or non-thesis option.
Students selecting the thesis option will be required to complete the core curriculum of 9 hours, 9 hours of electives in emergency management and disaster science, 6 hours in a minor field, and 6 hours of thesis. Students selecting the thesis option must have departmental consent to enroll in thesis and must successfully complete a thesis defense. Students selecting the non-thesis option will be required to complete the core curriculum of 9 hours, 12 hours of electives in emergency management and disaster science, 6 hours in a minor field, and 3 hours of directed readings. Students choosing the non-thesis option must also pass a written comprehensive exam covering the core curriculum. All course work applied toward the Master of Science with a major in emergency management and disaster science must be at the 5000 level.
Graduate Courses in Emergency Management and Disaster Science
EMDS 5010 - Emergency Management Theory and Practice
EMDS 5110 - Disaster Research Methods
EMDS 5120 - Applied Statistics in Disaster Science
EMDS 5610 - Disaster Preparedness and Management
EMDS 5615 - Environmental Planning and Hazards
EMDS 5620 - Challenges of Disaster Response
EMDS 5630 - Technological Hazards
EMDS 5640 - Community Recovery and Resilience
EMDS 5650 - International Disaster Relief
EMDS 5800 - Seminar in Emergency Management and Disaster Science
EMDS 5950 - Master's Thesis
EMDS 5960 - Directed Reading in Emergency Management and Disaster Science
EMDS 6800 - Seminar in Emergency Management and Disaster Science
Admission Requirements
All general admission requirements to the Toulouse Graduate School must be fulfilled. Application must first be made to the Toulouse Graduate School through the office of the graduate dean. Once the student is admitted to the graduate school, the application will be reviewed by the department for admission to the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science program. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the application packet, including each applicant’s undergraduate GPA in the major, a personal statement not exceeding 500 words, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample of 1,000 words or less, and, as an option, GRE scores, including verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing.
Application Information
Applying to the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science program is a two-step process:
Step 1: All students applying for graduate programs at the University of North Texas must apply through the UNT Toulouse Graduate School at www.applytexas.org. More information about the application process and UNT admission requirements for graduate students can be found at http://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions.
Step 2: Students applying for the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science program must also submit the following application materials electronically in either pdf or Microsoft Word format to emds.ms@unt.edu :
- A personal statement (not exceeding 500 words) describing the reasons for your interest in the program and professional aspirations.
- A writing sample (not exceeding 1,000 words), which can be from a course you have taken as an undergraduate student or a work-related report or project that you led and wrote.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals capable of evaluating your potential for advanced studies at the graduate level sent electronically directly to emds.ms@unt.edu.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed for admission in the fall and spring semesters. For admission in the fall semester completed applications must be received no later than July 1. For admission in the spring semester completed applications must be received no later than November 1.
Funding Opportunities
Students may apply for funding as a teaching or research assistant in the department. These positions typically require students to work 20 hours per week either assisting faculty in the classroom or with grant-funded research projects. Funding for these positions is limited and decisions are made on a competitive and selective basis.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need additional information about the program or the application process, please contact Ms. Kimberly Roy, Administrative Coordinator, at (940) 369-7445 or Kimberly.Roy@unt.edu.