Master's in Emergency & Disaster Management

Georgetown’s Master of Professional Studies in Emergency & Disaster Management prepares students to excel in an evolving field. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of today’s emergency management landscape while mastering the contemporary communication, critical thinking, and technical skills that position them for success.

Unlike many response-focused emergency management programs, our degree takes a sophisticated and holistic approach to the field. You’ll examine the full disaster lifecycle—with a particular focus on preparedness and recovery—within a U.S. context.

Designed for entry- and mid-level professionals, this program offers flexible options to fit your schedule. You can take classes online, on campus, or through a combination of both—so you don’t have to interrupt your career to earn your degree.

Ethics is a cornerstone of our program. Students will study the foundational standards and practices integral to serving communities in need while exploring the emerging challenges that today’s professionals face. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to responsibly plan for, mitigate, and respond to crises of all shapes and sizes.

In the classroom, students will learn from experienced practitioners and academics, who bring expertise from organizations including the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Students will also have opportunities throughout the program to engage with leading emergency management experts and organizations through in-class applied exercises, off-site trips, networking events, internships, and service-based learning projects.

Students will leave the program with the well-rounded expertise needed to see the big picture, manage risks, and take action before and after disaster strikes.