Disaster-Related Educational Oppotunities at UD

​While DRC does not grant degrees, graduate and undergraduate training has been an integral component of DRC’s mission since the Center’s inception fifty years ago. DRC faculty primarily engage students interested in disasters through participation in funded research where students get first-hand experience working on cutting edge disaster studies. DRC Faculty oversee theses and dissertations, teach classes, and advise students in their home department’s and in the interdisciplinary Disaster Science and Management Degree program. For those students interested in studies with a focus on disasters there are several options available at the University of Delaware.

​​MS DISA

The M.S. in Disaster Science and Management program at the University of Delaware approaches disasters from an interdisciplinary point of view. The program emphasizes theories, research methodologies, and policies related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, management and response. Two options are offered – a non-thesis M.S. and an M.S. with thesis. The non-thesis M.S. is considered to be a terminal degree. Students interested in research or continuing for a PhD should consider the thesis option​.

​PhD DISA

The PhD in Disaster Science and Management program at the University of Delaware  approaches disasters from an interdisciplinary point of view. The program emphasizes theories, research methodologies, and policies related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, management and response.​

​​​MCE, Civil Infrastructure Systems

The Master of Civil Engineering (MCE)​ degree is awarded only to individuals who, upon admission, have an undergraduate degree in engineering, preferably in civil or environmental engineering. The student pursuing the MCE degree may choose a traditional thesis program or a non-thesis option. The disaster-related concentration for MCE is Civil Infrastructure Systems.​

PhD Civil Engineering Requirements​

PhD degrees are also offered in the Civil Infrastructure Systems field. The courses listed above serve as a foundation for the PhD degree. PhD students work with their advisor to develop a program of study that provides appropriate breadth and depth. See the PhD in Civil Engineering for the general academic requirements.​

BA Sociology, Emergency & Environmental Management

The Department of Sociology at the University of Delaware offers its undergraduate majors the opportunity to concentrate their study in emergency and environmental management.  While majoring in sociology, these students have the exciting opportunity to receive a strong sociological foundation in their understanding of the issues facing professionals in the emergency and environmental management area. At the same time, this concentration provides students with broad, interdisciplinary education, drawing from relevant courses in economics, geography, communications, geology, history, political science, public policy, and anthropology.

MA Sociology & PhD Sociology with Comprehensive Examination in Disasters and Environment

For more information about disaster-related degrees in Sociology, visit the UD Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice website.

MPA, Emergency Management​

The Emergency Management specialization of the Master of Public Administration degree program prepares students to serve as disaster professionals supporting governments, communities and public organizations in the preparation, response, recovery and mitigation of disaster situations. This specialization prepares students for career options that intertwine disaster preparedness planning with agency management and operations. It may also be a good choice for those contemplating careers in the fields of public safety or disaster research.​