The Master of Science in Emergency Management (MS)
Program of Study
The program of study leading to the Master of Science in Emergency Management degree consists of a total of 31 hours: a required core of six courses, four elective courses, and a one-credit-hour capstone course:
Core Courses (18 hours)
6 Courses
Elective Courses (12 hours)
4 of the following courses
Capstone Course (1 hour)
Required
Total Credit Hours: 31
The Master of Science in Emergency Management (MS)
Lander University offers an online program leading to a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management. This degree equips employees with a broad understanding of the phases of emergency management, an understanding of the different businesses, non-profits, and government agencies that would work in collaboration with an Emergency Operations Center, and the difference between effective styles of leadership during normal operations and crisis situations.
Students are encouraged to apply for admission online by going to http://www.lander.edu/apply. Requests for graduate application forms may also be addressed to the Office of Admissions, Lander University, Greenwood, South Carolina 29649, 888-4-Lander, or email admissions@lander.edu.
The overall program has three learning goals that require the acquisition of the following skills and abilities:
1. To demonstrate planning skills related to the disaster management cycle;
2. To explain the role of communication in emergency management; and
3. To show an ability to exercise critical thinking skills to analyze past events.
The curriculum will provide students with an interdisciplinary education that includes elements of law, public affairs, contingency planning, business recovery planning and execution, leadership, intergovernmental affairs, and healthcare management. The program includes areas of competencies in 1) analytical and planning skills; 2) hazard and risk assessment; 3) preparedness and mitigation strategies; 4) response coordination and strategies; and 5) professional development as related to critical understanding and integrated solutions in Emergency Management.
Throughout their time in the program, students will earn a number of certificates for completing training through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute and their on-line independent study program.
The program includes a U.S. perspective as well as an international, multi-national, and multi-cultural approach. It acquaints students with the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for domestic U.S. incidents, multi-national agreements (for international incidents), the role of the National Guard and U.S. military, non-profit organizations, and the role of businesses in emergency management activities from preparedness to response to mitigation and to long-term recovery.
Admission
All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university.
Admissions decisions are made using holistic evaluation of the candidate’s academic record and relevant work experience. GRE or GMAT scores may be submitted for consideration but are not required.
Applicants may receive up to nine hours of transfer academic credit for previous graduate education, workplace training, or extensive work experience in Emergency Management fields on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should submit a letter describing any relevant prior education or workplace experience, along with any relevant documentation, to the Program Director (or in application materials) for evaluation.
Grade Reports - At the end of each semester, a report of grades is posted on Bearcat Web.
Grade Appeals - Lander University’s Student Handbook includes provisions for grade appeals. Neither grade changes nor appeals for grade changes can be made after one calendar year from the time the grade was given. After graduation, no grade can be changed or appealed.
Transcripts - Requests for official transcripts of a student’s record should be addressed to the Office of the Registrar. Procedures for requesting an official transcript can be found at:
https://www.lander.edu/academics/registrars-office/transcripts
A transcript of a student’s record carries the following information: admissions data; current status; a detailed statement of the scholastic record showing courses pursued with credit hours carried, credit hours earned, grades, grade points, the system of grading, all failures, incomplete grades, and academic penalties such as academic probation, suspension, or other restrictions. A student’s official record concerns academic performance only. No partial record will be issued. No official transcript will be issued to or for a student who is indebted to Lander University.
Program Completion:
To complete the degree program, emergency management candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate work. Two grades of “C” in any graduate courses preclude continuation in the program. Any grade lower than a “C” must be replaced by retaking the course and earning a grade of “B” or better. Failure to earn a replacement grade of “B” or better may result in discontinuation in the program.
All coursework for the Master of Science in Emergency Management degree must be completed within a period of six years but can be completed in as little as eighteen months.