UAlbany students participating in a field test rescue at the New York State Preparedness Training Center.

Master of Science 

Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Program of Study

programofstudy

The MS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security program encompasses fundamental principles including identifying stakeholders, studying past incidents and research, evaluating governance and ethics, and designing appropriate solutions. 

You can choose to specialize in either the Emergency Management or the Homeland Security track. 

36 credits as follows:

Core Courses (9 credits)

  • Fundamentals of Emergency Management  
  • Fundamentals of Homeland Security  
  • Research Methods


Methods (3 credits)

Choose one:

  • Quantitative Methods
  • Qualitative Methods 
  • Professional Analytical Skills
     

Tracks (6 credits)

Choose Emergency Management OR Homeland Security: 

Emergency Management  

  • Preparedness and Response 
  • Mitigation and Recovery  

Homeland Security  

  • Terrorism and Counterterrorism AND 
  • Homeland Security Risk  

OR 

  • Political Violence, Insurgency, and Terrorism AND 
  • Homeland Security Risk Analysis and Risk Management

Electives (6 credits)
 

Culminating Experience (3 credits)

Choose one:

  • Practicum
  • Master’s thesis
     

Concentrations (9 credits)

Choose Security Risk Analysis OR Planning and Coordination:

Security Risk Analysis

  • Advanced Threat and Hazard Assessment
  • Homeland Security Intelligence
  • Risk Theory and Management

Planning and Coordination 

  • Planning, Risk, and Continuity
  • Governance and Stakeholders in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Crises & Vulnerable Populations

 


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Research

You will learn and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative research methods with examples drawn from emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity. Courses will explore data collection, analysis techniques, research ethics and objective reporting.  

Working collaboratively with researchers from diverse backgrounds, you will find solutions to address emergency and security challenges by analyzing theories and research findings, as well as by using private, governmental and non-governmental resources.

A group of four UAlbany students working in the Virtual Operations Support Team lab.
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Career Outcomes

With a master’s in emergency management and homeland security, you will be prepared to address crises in public, private and non-profit sectors including non-governmental organizations and higher education. 

Potential job titles for an MS degree in emergency management and homeland security: 

  • Emergency Manager 
  • Public Information Officer 
  • Federal Agent 
  • Government Continuity Specialist 
  • Business Continuity Manager 
  • Consultant 
  • Analyst 
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Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: N/A

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: August 1
Spring: January 1
Summer: April 1

Required Application Materials
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended. A grade point average of 3.0 (B) is strongly preferred.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume
  • Official GRE scores
    All applicants except those who already possess a graduate degree in another field must submit GRE scores. A 300 total combined score on the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 4.0 or above on the analytical writing section are required.
  • Statement of Goals
    The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of your field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 


Available information for International Applicants.

Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter, please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.

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Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Describe the origins and fundamental principles of emergency management and homeland security
  • Identify emergency management and homeland security key stakeholders
  • Summarize lessons learned from decades of emergency management and homeland security research
  • Develop oral and written skills needed to effectively coordinate and collaborate with various stakeholders
  • Analyze and evaluate governance and ethical considerations related to emergency management and homeland security
  • Design solutions for interdisciplinary challenges associated with emergency management and homeland security
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