MS, Emergency Management

Lander's Emergency Management program will train you in the science of management during both natural and man-made disasters. The curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach that borrows from several academic disciplines and best-practices in this emerging field of study.

Designed to fit the busy schedules of first responders and business professionals, courses are planned so that students can finish in six terms (two years), taking two courses per term (including summer). Additionally, the program allows for students to complete courses within one year if their professional responsibilities pull them away from coursework during any given academic term.

With increasing population densities, natural or man-made events are likely to cost billions of dollars; but with advanced education in emergency management, you will be better equipped to save lives and reduce damages.

Train with Lander’s Expert Faculty

All courses in the Emergency Management program are designed specifically for this degree and are taught by individuals with experience and expertise in academics, leadership and emergency management. 

• Matthew Malone, Program Director and Faculty Member
  • Worked for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency in both response and recovery
  • Responded to multiple hurricane, flood, and tornadic events while an active emergency manager
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Level 1 – Professional Continuity Practitioner certification
  • Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy, Auburn University
  • Academic publications and presentations in the fields of emergency management, political science, and public policy

• Linda Carson, Faculty Member
  • Over 20 years’ experience in corrections systems in Texas and South Carolina providing mental health services, curriculum planning, and supervision
  • Licensed Social Worker; M.S.W., University of Houston and graduate work in human services and criminology
  • Grant reviewer for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
  • Academic publications and presentations in the field of criminology and criminal justice

• Frank Grand, Faculty Member
  • Retired U.S. Army colonel with 25 years of experience in field artillery and nuclear operations
  • 14 years as a senior-level manager at the Pentagon’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency that oversees weapons of mass destruction
  • Two master’s degrees and coursework from the U.S. Army War College
• Melissa Mayo, Faculty Member
  • Experience working in emergency management with a power company and with a state emergency management agency
  • Two master’s degrees, in business and geography
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certification

• Know the differences among the phases of emergencies: (1) preparedness and mitigation; (2) response; and (3) recovery;
• Comprehend the complexity of emergency management incidents from local, regional, national, and international-level emergencies;
• Understand intergovernmental relations as well as the interplay of FEMA, Homeland Security, state emergency management agencies, National Guard, utility companies, non-profits, businesses, etc., in all phases of emergency management;
• Recognize the cultural, socio-economic, and legal impacts of natural or man-made emergencies depending on location; and
• Understand the special requirements of emergency management leadership, community relations, and crisis communications.

• Lander’s program includes a core class in Emergency Mental Health given that so many first responders are likely to experience critical incidents that could pose mental health challenges and/or work with persons with mental health issues.
• Alumni of this program include Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
• Persons who quality for veterans benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should consult Lander’s Office of Military and Veteran Services for more information.
• For an up-to-date list of graduate tuition and fees, visit the university's Student Accounts.

• B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts of all coursework must be submitted.

If an applicant has extensive in-service experience or previous graduate education in a related field, up to 9 credit hours of transfer academic credit may be awarded on a case-by-case basis.

Whether man-made or natural, disasters can strike our state, region and nation at any time and have negative effects upon any organization. Knowing how to prepare and plan for such events can assist with continuity of operations, both on a small scale (business, organization or institution) and large scale (city, county, or multi-site business or organization).

This certificate can help those involved in general management who must also navigate emergency, disaster and crisis situations as part of their normal duties when they inevitably arise. It is designed to offer specialized training and improve these employees' ability to prepare for and respond to situations, allowing organizations to maintain maximum continuity and effectiveness through any unexpected event.

This graduate certificate is designed to give individuals the knowledge and expertise they need to function as successful leaders in emergency situations arising in their professional roles. It requires 15 credit hours: four core classes (chosen from six options); and one elective course (chosen from 7 elective courses or from an additional core course).

Applicants seeking admission will need the following:

• B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
• Official transcripts of all coursework must be submitted.

Courses follow the best practices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) so that students stay current in this evolving field. Faculty have work experience in emergency management, training with FEMA, and have presented to officials with the S.C. Division of Emergency Management. Students in this certificate program have access to this network of professionals within South Carolina and would be able to call upon them for assistance.

Core Courses (Select four of the following):

• EMGT 500
• EMGT 510
• EMGT 520
• EMGT 530
• EMGT 630
• EMGT 635

Elective Courses (Select one of the following):

• EMGT 610
• EMGT 620
• EMGT 625
• EMGT 640
• EMGT 670
• EMGT 675
• EMGT 685

All courses in Lander's M.S. in Emergency Management program are specifically designed for this degree, and all are taught online by faculty with expertise and experience in academics, leadership, and emergency management. Some instructors are full-time faculty at Lander; others are from outside universities and organizations. Some are emergency managers or emergency responders. Development of the program's curriculum was a joint effort with prospective government, non-profit and business employers, and governmental agencies, such as FEMA and the National Guard.

• Designed to fit your schedule, with a reasonable expectation of completion in two years.
• Up to 9 credit hours of graduate course work may be transferable from another institution on a case-by-case basis.
• Every applicant will be assisted with the application process.
• Practical research projects for your employer or an approved organization, embedded in most courses, create a portfolio of work that demonstrates your proficiency in the field.
• Some classes have students complete FEMA-related training as a way of applying academic knowledge and possibly gaining additional certifications

The curriculum consists of 6 core courses, 4 elective courses, and 1 required capstone course for a total of 31 credit hours.

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

*Required Capstone Course

• Courses are planned so that students can finish in 6 terms (two years), taking 2 courses per term (including summer)
• Except for the introductory course and capstone, there is no required sequencing of courses
• All courses were designed specifically for this degree

For more information about the program or assistance with the application procedure, please submit a Request for Information.