Emergency Management and Disaster Science (MS) ​Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Emergency Management and Disaster Science requires 30 hours of course work, including 24 hours in EMDS and 6 hours in a minor field. Students may choose either a thesis or a non-thesis option.

Required courses, 9 hours

EMDS 5010 - Emergency Management Theory and Practice

EMDS 5110 - Disaster Research Methods

EMDS 5120 - Applied Statistics in Disaster Science

Thesis or non-thesis option

The degree requires each student to select a thesis or non-thesis option.

Students selecting the thesis option will be required to complete the core curriculum of 9 hours, 9 hours of electives in emergency management and disaster science, 6 hours in a minor field, and 6 hours of thesis. Students selecting the thesis option must have departmental consent to enroll in thesis and must successfully complete a thesis defense.  Students selecting the non-thesis option will be required to complete the core curriculum of 9 hours, 12 hours of electives in emergency management and disaster science, 6 hours in a minor field, and 3 hours of directed readings. Students choosing the non-thesis option must also pass a written comprehensive exam covering the core curriculum. All course work applied toward the Master of Science with a major in emergency management and disaster science must be at the 5000 level.

Graduate Courses in Emergency Management and Disaster Science

Admission Requirements

All general admission requirements to the Toulouse Graduate School must be fulfilled. Application must first be made to the Toulouse Graduate School through the office of the graduate dean. Once the student is admitted to the graduate school, the application will be reviewed by the department for admission to the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science program. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the application packet, including each applicant’s undergraduate GPA in the major, a personal statement not exceeding 500 words, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample of 1,000 words or less, and, as an option, GRE scores, including verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing.

Application Information

Applying to the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science program is a two-step process:

Step 1: All students applying for graduate programs at the University of North Texas must apply through the UNT Toulouse Graduate School at www.goapplytexas.org.  More information about the application process and UNT admission requirements for graduate students can be found at http://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions.

Step 2: Students applying for the M.S. in Emergency Management and Disaster Science program must also submit the following application materials electronically in either pdf or Microsoft Word format to emds.ms@unt.edu :

1. A personal statement (not exceeding 500 words) describing the reasons for your interest in the program and professional aspirations.
2. A writing sample (not exceeding 1,000 words), which can be from a course you have taken as an undergraduate student or a work-related report or project that you led and wrote.
3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals capable of evaluating your potential for advanced studies at the graduate level sent electronically directly to emds.ms@unt.edu. 

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed for admission in the fall and spring semesters.  For admission in the fall semester completed applications must be received no later than July 1.  For admission in the spring semester completed applications must be received no later than November 1. 

Funding Opportunities

Students may apply for funding as a teaching or research assistant in the department.  These positions typically require students to work 20 hours per week either assisting faculty in the classroom or with grant-funded research projects.  Funding for these positions is limited and decisions are made on a competitive and selective basis.

Additional Information

If you have any questions or need additional information about the program or the application process, please contact Ms. Kimberly Roy, Administrative Coordinator, at (940) 369-7445 or Kimberly.Roy@unt.edu.