Outcomes
The MA in Disaster and Emergency Management program aims to develop reflective practitioners who have the knowledge and skills to effect change and influence the practice of disaster and emergency management from their own professional disciplinary perspective. There are four core competency domains which provide the framework for the MA in Disaster and Emergency Management program of studies:
- Knowledge: theoretical frameworks related to the study and practice of disaster and emergency management
- Interpersonal skills: awareness of personal styles, and development of facilitation, teamwork, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
- Critical Thinking: development of critical thinking, reading and writing skills, ethical decision making, problem analysis, and planning skills
- Research: development of applied research skills and an evidenced-based orientation to practice
- Upon completion of the MA Disaster and Emergency Management program, graduates will have an expanded understanding of the concepts that form the foundation of the field of disaster and emergency management, and will be able to apply this knowledge and associated skills to their professional practice, or intended practice. They will have advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Historical approaches to understanding disasters, and implications of these approaches to the practice of disaster and emergency management
- Disaster and emergency management theory and practice, including principles and conceptual frameworks for practice
- The relationship between hazard, risk, vulnerability and capacity
- Individual, community, organizational and societal impacts of disasters
- The inter-relationship between social, political, economic, and environmental spheres
- Disaster risk reduction, community capacity building and community resiliency
- Disaster and emergency management paradigms and holistic approaches to disaster and emergency management
- The relationship between disasters and policy development
- Advanced leadership and teamwork skills
- Applied research skills and understanding of the value of research to practice.
